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Thing is there are also a lot of vacancies in the area now as businesses shutter down due to high rents. Will agree that there's a different vibe now than before, but am thinking that's a big part of it. Now, can walk around most of Manhattan, and any time there's a vacant store, can see beggars set up shop in front of whatever store used to exist and live there day and night. Neighborhood lost its soul once Gray's Papaya closed. Friends would eat at the place as teens when getting heavy metal CD's then jump on the subway to go home. If anything the area is a mix of yuppies and bums.
Yeah, you're probably right. Its sad to see what 8th Street is right now. That was the strip...
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It's because the village is the place to be. Lots of bars and drinking and drug use. It is where people have cash in their pockets. It is where people go to socialize. It is where there is public seating. There are plenty of food options. There are grocery stores, and liquor stores. It is where people go to protest during the day. There is a lot going on. Mostly it is lots of people socializing and have cash in their pockets and the booze is flowing.
Was hanging down there when the Village was the either gays or metalheads. I was the latter. The area you talk about has always felt seedy, but I never felt unsafe. Unfortunately the place has lost some of its character, as several bars and music shops closed over the years. Maybe you feel intimidated by the basketball types over there? Am sure there is drug dealing too in some capacity, but still never feel uneasy there. In fact, used to frequent a bar right around the corner from West 4th just off of Broadway, that has since closed.
The Village as you say has always had a seedy side to it although not overtly dangerous. It's a hangout for all kinds of people. In the early 1980s I was taking night classes at NYU after work and when I walked to the subway (wearing a business suit) I would be approached by multiple people near the park offering drugs for sale. I'm sure that's not the situation now but the area has always been a bit seedy and there are probably a few crazy people in the area.
The entire area going from midtown west/clinton down through hell's kitchen, chelsea, and west village/greenwich village is portrayed as being the least safest.
The Village as you say has always had a seedy side to it although not overtly dangerous. It's a hangout for all kinds of people. In the early 1980s I was taking night classes at NYU after work and when I walked to the subway (wearing a business suit) I would be approached by multiple people near the park offering drugs for sale. I'm sure that's not the situation now but the area has always been a bit seedy and there are probably a few crazy people in the area.
Am sure drug dealing still occurs. In fact, had a friend who could get weed at the snap of a finger not too far away at Washington Square Park. We would wait. He would make a phone call to his supplier, meet him in a certain area, and within 5-10 minutes we were on our way. There is too much money down there these days for all types of people *not* to be getting their fix of weed, and any hard drugs they crave.
Am sure drug dealing still occurs. In fact, had a friend who could get weed at the snap of a finger not too far away at Washington Square Park. We would wait. He would make a phone call to his supplier, meet him in a certain area, and within 5-10 minutes we were on our way. There is too much money down there these days for all types of people *not* to be getting their fix of weed, and any hard drugs they crave.
When's the last time you guys have been in the West 4th Street area at night time? You'd be surprised. It's actually one of the few areas in Manhattan I do not like being in at night time. It seriously feels dangerous over there. When I was in college in the early 2000s, I don't remember it feeling that bad in the area though. I personally started noticing the change in the area around maybe 2010 or so. If I have to be in that area at night, my guard is up extra - and I can't quite explain it, but around there just does not feel safe at all to me.
Agree - the West 4th area is just like any other nightlife heavy blocks: disorderly conduct, drinking, fights, etc. Definitely an eye sore in an otherwise beautiful area!
In my opinion the drug use in Manhattan is low key. They may casually and cautiously ask people if they would like anything. Ive lived in other cities where it is hardcore and blatant, screaming at potential clients down the street and they sling heroin and crack like that. Not the kind of places that sell pot. They sell heroin and crack and its not in nice areas with hundreds of amenities like West 4th Street. I know what you mean at night it feels seedy but it could be much worse.
On west 4th Ive seen needles on the ground but its not too common. I have seen people nodding out near the basketball court but they are passive and low key. Ive lived in cities where addicts will try opening drivers side doors at stop lights to claw away at people assaulting them in broad day light to find money. And they will smash car windows with anything they can find, in moving vehicles too. In comparison to other crime city areas, The Village is not too bad.
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The area you talk about has always felt seedy, but I never felt unsafe. Unfortunately the place has lost some of its character, as several bars and music shops closed over the years. Maybe you feel intimidated by the basketball types over there? Am sure there is drug dealing too in some capacity, but still never feel uneasy there. In fact, used to frequent a bar right around the corner from West 4th just off of Broadway, that has since closed.
There is too much money down there these days for all types of people *not* to be getting their fix of weed, and any hard drugs they crave.
