How close is too close to live near the Harlem and Heights areas?|113682

I am looking for an apartment and have found some I like that are either north of the Upper East Side or north of the Upper West Side, pretty much between the labels of Harlem and Upper ____ Side if you look at it on Google maps. When am I getting too close to either area (I have heard from many people to stay away from those areas)? Can the northern edge of Central Park be used as a good cut-off, or is there a better line?

The _traditional_ dividing line for Harlem was 96th Street. On the West Side, the Morningside Heights/Columbia area extends up to approximately 120th Street. There has also been significant gentrification above 96th Street on the East Side, such that you shouldn_t consider 96th a hard and fast boundary for Harlem, AND you shouldn_t categorically rule out living in Harlem. Come visit and see where you actually feel comfortable.

You wrote, _I have heard from many people to stay away from those areas_

Well, sorry, but those people were misinformed, probably not NYers, and were basing their advice on twenty-year old information.

Nowadays both of those areas are just fine, so don_t worry about it so much, just get the best apartment you can afford in Manhattan without worrying too much about the neighborhood, because today, with all the gentrification and soaring rents, there really aren_t any _bad_ neighborhoods in Manhattan these days. Some areas are nicer than others, of course, but none are what anyone would consider _dangerous_ any more.

Bardley, I clearly disagree with the last post. Both Harlem and the Washington Heights have seeing a lot of change in the last 15 years. In particular Harlem, the crime rate in the area is a lot lower now then in the early 90s and the area is attracting a lot people who would there not travel north of 110th Street a decade or so ago.

Washington Heights is also seeing some improvements, but its getting there. Just give some time.

I been to both areas many times and I have survived. I also have friend living in both Harlem and Washington Heights and they seen thing change for the better.

Good luck

I also agree, they are experiencing some change, but they still are not the best neighborhoods. I don_t know where you are moving from, but for someone who, i_m assuming doesn_t live in the city moves to the city, those aren_t great places to start out. I_m not saying it can_t be done, because it most definitely can, but be careful and insightful.

Since you are looking in that area, I would advise you NOT to look in the Washington Heights area of Manhattan. Most of that area is ghetto and noisy... especially in the summer.

Here_s more info on what_s considered to be that area:


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_��