I agree with Kennedy that racism sucks, but the political correctness sucks as well, and the fact is that there is a lot of crime and poverty in the black community in New York, and across the country. They have a family crisis as well (many kids grow up without fathers). So, Harlem (to a lesser extent because it became gentrified) and the other predominantly black areas of the city remain relatively dangerous. Although, we have it pretty good in NYC because South Chicago and South Central LA are much worse.

Just got back from NYC on Tuesday. We were up on 125th having dinner at dinosaur bbq. We ha no concerns at all, great area.

Chris,

Obviously Sarahhh was joking, trying to sound like the "typical" harlem new yorker... Stop taking things so seriously, dawg.

yes and no just don't trust anyone and keep about where u going i lived there for over 25 years and my mom still lives there but she is trying to move . i since moved but now a lot of white people are moving here and they seem ok with the place . Me i never liked it but i made it this far lol.. just don't hang with the wrong people stay where its safe and kick ass if u need too and call the cops if u need too and KILL ANYONE that trys to hurt you .. if you need more info email me .. god bless

You are such a hypocrite.

First you say that "gentrification" is a trend, and then admit to both living there AND that it's sad we're a segregated city. After that, you then chastise New York for losing some of it's "flavor?" What exactly is this "flavor" you're talking about.

I hate when White people who live in Harlem, use that as a reason why they should know the area better than anyone. All high and mighty because they took the chance and haven't been approached yet. Y'all are just as racist as the ones you're "Defending" us from.

Harlem is a lot cleaner and safer than it was back in the 70s 80s and even 90s. Its a great neighborhood full of history,culture and many things to see. If anybody is planning on visiting, one area i would suggest is 125th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue, right by the Apollo Thearter. Anywhere in new york, u need to be alert. Crime happens here, even in the best of neighborhoods. It doesnt matter where u are. U still need to be alert. God bless u all

I am moving to NYC in a few days and will be staying in Harlem for awhile, and am trying to do a little research to clear up some sterotypes that I have always been told. I'm a single girl from a small town in the South (oooh, I'm white too! Anyone offended that I mentioned that?),and have ceased telling people that I'm moving to Harlem because I am tired of the horror stories. I fully admit my ignorance about the way Harlem really is, but at least I am attempting to educate myself beforehand. Everyone who asks questions on this forum should be commended for trying to educate themselves. I could just stay in my small town and be ignorant for the rest of my life, but I find value in venturing out and discovering new ways of life. Thank you to all who posted real and helpful information on this thread. Harlem is obviously going to be a whole new ballgame for me, but at least I am now a little more prepared and no longer fear the unknown. And I will keep asking questions, whether people think I'm an idiot for it or not.

If there are any actual "new yorkers" on here, My fiance and I are taking vacation to NYC for new years. We've both been there before on business but never had the opportunity to go on our own time. She has a friend that is letting us stay at her place in Harlem (157th?) but I'm not positive just know its across the street from a pool and community center. My questions are how is the area? Is there anything I should be concerned about? Any tips or pointers? Ive lived in some pretty nasty hoods and I can hold my own, I just want to make sure I'm going to have her in a safe environment. Thanks in advance for any help. Oh and Go Giants!!(watching them play the rams right now

And correction on my info, we will be at 145th & Bradhurst. There's a metro station two blocks west of there we plan on using daily and there are several mom and pop style eatery's we plan on hitting in that area. We will most likely be out out at night a few times but nothing crazy. Again thanks for any tips!

Well, you know, Manhattan is still a big city, with big cities there is crime. So long as you mind your own business, walk like you know where you are going you will not stick out as much like a sore thumb. Fine during daylight. The more scared you look, the more you look like a cornflower in a desert, get my gist? New Yorkers are a tough breed, if you stick to yourself and don't go around walking in the middle of the night you can lessen trouble, it's like most parts of the city, why walk in the dark on deserted street, get my gist? Even on the upper east side where I live it gets a bit deserted at 11:30pm on a Tuesday night, be aware, be aware, be aware is all I can say. I dont like walking to my subway station at 530am unless my hubby is with me.

I come home late from work from Harlem sometimes 8pm sometimes 9pm, once 1030pmI try not to make a habit out of it, but we have NYPD in our workplace and my subway stop is still quite populated and right in front of where I work on 135th. I would just avoid dark deserted roads, like any other big city, it's common sense people.For those wanting to move to harlem I would advise sticking close to a subway station to avoid walking home late at night in a deserted side street.The blocks that connect the avenues get quiet late at night especially in the residential area, where there are no businesses open.

Having said that, I do have a few co-workers who have been harassed, they were white folk and we have to dress decently at work. One guy asked for a co-worker's wallet at noontime on his way to get lunch just one block from our work, another guy told a co-worker to take his flyer or he will mug him; another girl took the wrong subway and arrived at 7am and had to walk 3 long avenues at 7am when it was still quiet and got her bag stolen. If you are a certain color, you will be prone to more harassment that folk with more pigment like me, a short Asian girl, may not be as subjected to.That said no matter who you are its always good to watch your back. For women, its true as in any part of the city if you wear a cute dress someone on the street will say you look beautiful if you are on your own. Men do not compliment women randomly if they are with their guys, I notice in NYC that is just plain disrespectful. Just say thank you just no smart comebacks and go on your merry way, that's what I do, no harm done.The people in Harlem are quite nice and friendly; of course , there will be good apples and bad apples wherever you go, but comparing midtown to harlem community, overall, they are much nicer in harlem, trust me.Many will be street smart but once you gain their trust they will have your back and be your ally. I enjoy my co-workers they're great adn I enjoy where I work. Good luck everyone!

My 16 year old daughter and I are coming to NY from Britain for 4 days shopping trip, I want to go to Target, as I love that shop, its on E 117th St. Thinking of getting the subway and then walking northeast on Lexington toward E 117th, during day time. Never been to Harlem before, should I get a taxi instead from our hotel down near Empire State building? Will it be easy to get a taxi back? Or will we be ok with the subway choice? VV

Sure you can take the subway to Target, it's safe during the daytime, no problem, just don't go around with your expensive cameras hanging down your necks and try to blend in walk like you know where youre going please don't whip out your map on the streets so that people dont ask yo for money; you're where the real NYC locals are not too many tourists, but sure, it's safe during daytime

I am the one who posted the post above



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/29/2011 10:14PM by Anonymous User.