Just how bad is Tenderloin near Union Square? (Bayview: apartments, crime)

[skeeter85]

I've found a couple decent apartments about 2 blocks west of Union Square. I know this is on the border of Tenderloin (or in it I guess, depending on what definition you use).

Just how bad is this area? Walking from the BART station to the apartment in the early evening - would that be safe for a single female? From what I've seen, Tenderloin doesn't seem to be a "hood" in the same sense as bad areas in larger midwest and east coast cities.

All your help is appreciated!

Thanks!

[clongirl]

No, I wouldn't do it! Single female+tenderloin= scary. Not, not really the "hood" but drug addicts, homeless, prostitution, crime.

[skatealoneskatetogether]

tenderloin isnt the hood or the ghetto technically. but youd have to be on one or low on cash to live in that area.no one raises a family out that way willingly.

[skeeter85]

Okay, a bit of clarification is needed I suppose. Sorry, should have been more clear.

First, I'm not looking to raise a family at all. We are a young 20's couple who is used to living in urban environments in the midwest and east coast. Second, she isn't a single female since we'd be living together, but she could possibly be walking in area by herself. So walking from say the Powell Street Bart to the intersection of Post and Mason in the early evening (5-7) would be a big no-no for her?

Thanks for the replies so far! Appreciate it....

[City Boy]

The Tenderloin is only bad if you're scared of transsexuals, prostitutes, mentally ill and drug addicts. Other than that it is not what I would consider ghetto or bad. In san francisco the only really dangerous area's are Bayview/HP and parts of the western addition. People who usually label the TL scary are tourests who thought SF was all like the post cards.

[krudmonk]

My friend used to have an apartment on Leavenworth. She was hit upside the head and had her purse stolen right on the street. Another friend of mine was pushed around at the Civic Center BART station for just being there. I've walked through the area at 3AM (looking for the Nan-N-Curry place) and had people follow me, but nobody did anything. It's not the best place but just keep your wits about you.

[clongirl]

Another thing you might want to consider- many of the apt buildings are really old and have many slumlord type landlords (I'm generalizing here, now). Many of my friends that lived in that area had really bad roach infestations and landlords that might not be too concerned about getting things fixed in a timely manner, hence one reason for the cheaper rent.

[skeeter85]

Originally Posted by krudmonk

My friend used to have an apartment on Leavenworth. She was hit upside the head and had her purse stolen right on the street. Another friend of mine was pushed around at the Civic Center BART station for just being there. I've walked through the area at 3AM (looking for the Nan-N-Curry place) and had people follow me, but nobody did anything. It's not the best place but just keep your wits about you.

Exactly - I'm used to seeing and being around these kind of things. That doesn't really bother me a whole lot, I'm more worried about gang-infested areas that feature nightly drive-bys and things of that nature. Thanks for the help.

Does anyone have any other suggestions on areas to look within walking distance of BART? I'm looking for a Studio or 1BR (most likley a studio it seems) for around $1500.

[jscore]

Originally Posted by City Boy

The Tenderloin is only bad if you're scared of transsexuals, prostitutes, mentally ill and drug addicts. Other than that it is not what I would consider ghetto or bad. In san francisco the only really dangerous area's are Bayview/HP and parts of the western addition. People who usually label the TL scary are tourests who thought SF was all like the post cards.

I have to agree with this 100%. As long as you're not naive and have common sense, you'll be ok. end of story.

[Milliano]

Yes the Tenderloin is quite unique as a 'bad neighborhood' compared to usual American 'bad neighborhoods'.

You're referring to the Montgomery BART station, yes? Walking there would probably be much safer than the Powell station. I don't know about the stations themselves but I mean the streets you would have to walk through to get to/from there.

On the SFPD crime map, viewing assaults/robbery in the Tenderloin, almost all of them from the last 90 days were south of Geary st.. Many on O'Farrell, starting at the corner of Jones and going west. Same with Ellis, except starting at the corner of Taylor and going west. Eddy and Turk both have very significant amounts. As does Market St..

I don't know but I'm guessing once you get to Geary, and anywhere north of there, it's much different from "the Tenderloin".