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Hello everyone,

I am looking for a place to stay in NY, I have found some options in Harlem,but I am wondering if the place is safe, the address I have is this.

West 141st between Amsterdam and Convent.

Txs for the help.

How about this, kiddies: If you're so concerned about your safety amongst the "natives" of Harlem (the heart, middle, upper and otherwise), then do yourself a favor, go to Brooklyn and plant yourselves around the safety of other people "like you". Insulate yourselves in a tight coccoon of homogenic bliss (Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Kensington). OH, I forgot - it's SO expensive! It's so frustrating to hear and read about whites who want to enjoy the so-called economic advantages of certain ethnic areas of NYC, while simultaneously worrying that they will singled out for a specific horrific crime.

For one thing, I'm a born/bred African American NYer living in Upper Manhattan, and I fully realize that violence in the city does not discriminate. As for the safety of white residents, you're just as likely to mugged on the outskirts of Chelsea or the West Village, SoHo, the Upper and LES at night, just as easily as if you were uptown. PLEASE, SPARE ME.

I, myself, am cautious about my surroundings IN ALL NEIHBORHOODS, especially unfamiliar surroundings. Yes, the city has become gentrified in a lot of areas, but it's still NYC, folks. As for grabbing a cab uptown, there are TONS of cheap gypsy cabs at all hours of the night, but I notice that whites mostly ignore them. Today, on Amsterdam & 123rd, I saw a white guy wave away several gypsy cabs traveling south in favor of a Yellow Cab. Perhaps he was worried about being provided a proper receipt. Well they do provide them. Or perhaps he was concerned about exiting a gypsy cab in the middle of midtown, his job, or a date. Hmmmm. We, for one think they're extremely valuable, as they're more open to fare negotiations, not to mention that minorities still have a hard time grabbing a yellow to take them to even the more so-called safer ethnic neighborhoods.

And I do get it. There ARE dangerous areas uptown, and one, black, white or otherwise should be more aware in certain neighborhoods which contain "hot pockets" or "hot blocks", but it comes with the territory. So wise up, especially those who are newcomers. Perhaps you should engage the residents a little more. Maybe shop locally more often, intstead of schlepping Whole Foods bags from downtown. There are PLENTY of cheap, healthy food shopping options available. If you can't find one right away, it might take a little time to hunt down, but in the meantime, grab a couple of friends and travel around the neighborhood. It's your hood now, so enjoy it. This gives you an opportunity to learn its history, while enjoying its treasures. Perhaps make friends with a few locals of color in your building, next door or on your block, and ask if they'd like to accompany you (this is what I meant by engaging). Don't be oblivious by wearing iPod headphones late at night, hell, I don't even do that! Develop a "third eye". That goes for ANY neighborhood. Respect your surroundings.

And most of us have earned our battle scars, learned from them, and have moved on. It's all a part of city living. None of us are immune, and we can all be vulnerable. So cut the crap, man or woman up and deal. Or move to Seattle.

End Rant.

Also, please excuse my many typos and any overall butchering of the English language! Like many NYers, I'm far from perfect!

Best.

banjiboi,

You have summed up what I have been saying for years (or trying). Unfortunately Harlem has a stigma that I have realized have stuck.

It will take time and people like you to help others open their eyes.

Many blame TV shows and movies; but a sensiable person should realize that this is simply not reality.

But, great write up. I might qote some of your lines if I have to bring proper light to Harlem as well.

regards

The area immediately around Columbia (Morningside Heights) is totally safe, especially staying on Broadway. As a Barnard student, I get emails from the security services at Columbia every time a crime is reported in the area, and the vast majority of those occur either in Riverside or Morningside Parks, on Morningside Drive, or to the north of the university (past about 118th st)-- usually muggings (although there was a serial flasher in Riverside last spring... go figure). Basically, it seems to me like most crimes occur at night and in the less populated areas, but anybody with common sense should know to be especially careful under those circumstances anyway (and really, under all circumstances). That said, I've lived on 116th street for two years and not only have I never had a problem, but I have also always felt completely safe. As far as Harlem is concerned, for the most part I think it is fairly safe (at least the parts immediately above Columbia-- where I have spent most of my time). At the same time, I do think it is definitely more dangerous than Morningside Heights (this is based on personal experience and the security emails I receive), and I, personally, would hesitate to venture too far up there alone at night, although I am somewhat paranoid. I know of quite a few people who have relocated to Harlem and totally love it-- it IS a culturally rich neighborhood with some really good housing. You just need to recognize that some parts are better than others and plan where you are accordingly, as with anywhere else. And always watch your back-- it's New York, there are weirdos everywhere.

Hi,

I'll move to NY to work there. I'm Mexican and my partner is Spanish. We found a very nice apartment in the 125 and the 5Th avenue but we're quite unsure about the safety of the neighborhood. I'm from Mexico city so I'm a bit used to not-so-safe places but my boyfriend is from a very quiet Spanish city.
Is the racial factor an issue?
Thanks a lot

Hi Monica!

That area is basically the border between historic 'black Harlem' and Hispanic East Harlem, so you'll be finding every ethnicity under the sun there. It's gentrifying but the local businesses still dominate the area. You won't have any trouble adapting to it, your boyfriend might be timid at first but will come to enjoy it.

Me and my boyfriend are moving from crown heights brooklyn to 145th and 8th ave in harlem. I'm not worried about the "safety" of the neighborhood, just wondering there are any projects in the area

Ciao, we're an Italian couple, our daughter will spend next year at Columbia and we are wondering about to invest/ buy in a very nice Studio on 133rd west / Lennox ( that she can share with another student)
We're not paranoid at all, just we would like to know what is safer for her in order to come back late at night from downtown (yellow cab? Gypsycab?)
Grazie for your answers
Giulia

I am a NYC native,I have been to Harlem numerous times. I just never lived uptown. I am looking to move to east Harlem. What do you guys think. Please note, I am not a white woman. I am a young middle eastern male. At first glance I do look imposing. I have been to my fair share of "ghettos" in NYC, so I know what not to do. I am curious on how it would be like to live in east Harlem.

Hi,

I don't have question about safety of Harlem...I just wonder, is it ok for few tourists to go on Sunday holly mass in some Harlem church? And which church do you recommend?
Thank you...