Worst Neighborhood in New York City
So everyone has their favorites, but I want to know about what neighborhoods people avoid in NYC? What neighborhoods do you never venture into, or are scarred/feel threatened when you wander into?
The opinions expressed here are those of the individual and not those of StreetAdvisor.
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75 Answers
AdamS
Amazing answer!!!
2yrs+
EddyKleinfeld
So if we go in those bad neighborhoods bad guys gonna come to us and rob us ?!? In those so call bad areas,it ain t have no womans and childrens?...I am white and i hanged out in the worst neighborhoods of N.Y at night ,it was in the late 90 s and nothing ever happen to me.U just have to mind your own business and dont stare at peoples and of course dont walk around with a map of N.Y and a camera .Most peoples will live u alone thinking u are a undercover cop (who will go out there at night ?!).
2yrs+
dalewrolphjr
I've been to New York once, it was different. Can't say I would like to live there. I went out at 1:00 am in the morning, walked around and found a Pub. Had a beer and went back to the hotel, can't recall where we stayed, I was across the street from Central Park. Seemed safe enough for a City anyway
2yrs+
BeeWise
Most crime ridden areas, around America not just n.y are actually mellowing out. Theres still some places where its a little chaotic but if your not doing dumb, hot, reckless shit, no ones gonna mess with you, now to all you materialistic folks don’t feel like you can walk around with a gucci outfit and a whole bunch of expensive jewelry on (because not just in low income areas, but in the even middle class areas in the usa, not just in nyc) you will stand out to those who maybe scoping and those people exist anywhere.
2yrs+
RichardGarey
Jennifer #1 There is nothing cool about the posers in bushwick. #2 You are much more likely to be a victim of crime on the sparesely populated streets of clinton hill than the densely populated streets of the South Bronx.
2yrs+
RichardGarey
Susana I am sure tourists would love to heed your advice and make the trek up to Parkchester to shop at Payless Shoe Source. Perfumania at the Bay Plaza Mall is simply lovely this time of year. OR....they could visit Grand Concourse in the South Bronx which holds one of the largest collections of art deco architecture in the world. While they are there, the could also visit the Bronx Museum or the former home of Edgar Allen Poe. At Yankee Stadium they could watch a professional baseball or soccer game. There is great food in the South Bronx such as sushi at Ceetay, pub fare at Mott Haven Bar & Grill, Italian at Giovanni's, Currently, and Mexican Food at Xochimilco. The Bronx Documentary Center holds regular film and art exhibitions. "No Longer Empty" is currently holding an amazing art exhibition at the former Bronx courthouse. I highly doubt anyone under the age of 40 would get your "Fort Apache" reference short of doing a wikipedia search. It's about time you stop perpetuating outdated stereotypes.
2yrs+
KarlFaust
I lived there in the early 70's. I had heard it was a tough town with muggers and people who could care less about strangers. I must have met 5 new friends a day. Some of the nicest people I have ever met. Great town but so expensive. I recall standing on 6th Ave in fron of Nathan's and looking at the new Kentucky fried chicken across the street. As I was from the south (where a snack box then was .69 cents) I was amazed at the 2.49 cent ad price. One of, if not THE world's greatest city.
2yrs+
ClarkPowellII
if you're knew its if you're new
2yrs+
JenniferS4
As a New Yorker who lives in Clinton Hill and has for the past three years, I think you need to take this hood off your list. The same goes for Long Island City and Washington Heights. It seems to me they probably aren't places you've visited or know much about from your review of them; it sounds a little like you're just going on rumor. All three are really safe and clean. Clinton Hill is packed with cute, cozy restaurants, it's where The Pratt Institute (a pretty famous art school) is located, and the neighborhood is peppered with old mansions and churches from the days when it was the wealthiest neighborhood in the independent city of Brooklyn back in the 1800s. The Pratt mansions (old oil baron family) have been converted into The Pratt Institute, and St. Joseph's University; both with very impressive grounds (Pratt includes a large sculpture garden and a library featuring floors designed by the origional Tiffany's). It's a neighborhood full of gardens, quiet streets, and families with kids. Long Island City is where P.S.1 is located (MoMA's extension of contemporary galleries), not to mention another slew of great bars and restaurants. It's become one of the more affordable neighborhoods for young professionals. It's full of shiny new condos and hipsters who couldn't afford to live in Williamsburg or Greenpoint. Washington Heights is all nice buildings facing the river, full of Columbia professors. It's a long trek for sure, but it's home to The Cloisters (very famous rebuilt Medieval monastery, art collection, and gardens), and some fantastic views of the Hudson River from Fort Tyron Park. I would say that Bed-Stuy is a little sketchy yet, but coming along, and Brownsville and East New York are scary, Crown Heights and Lefferts Gardens are questionable, but coming along, Bushwick is somewhere inbetween, but where all the really broke cool kids live, and the south Bronx should be avoided at all costs. I've lived in NYC for the past six years and done my fair share of scoping out various neighborhoods. I hope this detailed response helps set the record straight.
2yrs+
SusanaMartinS
Stay in the South Bronx because it's close to Manhattan? This guy has no clue!!! This is the neighborhood nicknamed Fort Apache. Yes, it has changed as all of New York has, but NOT that much. I worked in that neighborhood and have friends who still live there. If you are a tourist--stay out of the South Bronx. You will stick out like a sore thumb. Everyone knows tourist carry money...you do the math. As for places you could visit in the Bronx: there's a lovely Mall in Parkchester and in Co-op City both in the Bronx. If you want a nautical/small town experience visit City Island. Don't forget the Bronx Zoo and the Botanical gardens, they're both world class.
2yrs+
EvelynM
As in any large city there are some dodgy people. I've been to NY a few times on holiday and felt safe. I'm a white middle aged woman and usually travel alone. I don't go out of my way to attract attention but do like to do the sights. I walked back to my hotel at night with no problems and thought new Yorkers to be most pleasant and helpful. Only place I've ever felt threatened was when I got lost one night in queens but a helpful man helped me get a taxi. Just keep your site about you and don't carry a sign saying I'm a tourist with lots of cash please mug me.
2yrs+
AnnaB2
Harlem gets a really bad rap when it comes to tourists but it's actually one of the more safer neighborhoods especially at night
2yrs+
RobertoR
The world as a whole has always been a dangerous place to live if a person is not careful and let their guard down,from the jungles of Africa to the pristine forests of North America,we carry with us our own destiny,our safety depends on our ability to avoid danger and it is everywhere all the time no matter where we are or what we are doing. For me it's looking both ways before I cross the street,and always,always be aware of all things in my area of being. Your safety and health should always be paramount as a human being because we are all about survivol. How can we protect own children or others if we cannot protect ourselves. Enough said,now go for a walk in the jungle.
2yrs+
AndrewBruskin
NYC resident for 29 years. Stay out of Brownsville, East New York, (parts of) Bed Stuy, (parts of) Bushwick and East Flatbush. Yes, parts of Bed Stuy and Bushwick are being gentrified, but if you are an adventurous tourist, just don't go there since you won't know which streets are fine and which are not. Some good areas of Brooklyn include Brooklyn Heights, Bayridge, Williamsburg, Park Slope, Carroll Gardens and Clinton Hill. All of these areas are ranked top 20 neighborhoods in Brooklyn, but most of these neighborhoods are boring compared to Manhattan. Coney Island is good only for the rides. You do not want to go exploring the streets. I personally recommend if you want to explore Brooklyn to take the 2 or the 3 train to Clark Street, get off and check out the promenade and the train museum in Downtown Brooklyn, a five minute walk from Brooklyn Heights. You can also get to this area by walking the Brooklyn bridge.
2yrs+
BridgetM
Dear Andrew I'm new in this forum. And plan to stay in Bushwick, Brooklyn with my family as a holiday in a private flat. Which are the streets that are fine in Bushwick? What about Troutman Street near Myrtle Avenue?
2yrs+
GriselS
Take advise from a native NewYorker!! I lived in the South Bronx for a year & that was more then enough to run for my life. Shoot outs in raw daylight, gang activity in plan site, drug dealers and drug addicts all over the place. The only good thing was the shopping area. 3rd ave had many shops n good prices. I visit Harlem frequently because I have family there & it has improved but crime rate is still pretty active. I worked in Bushwick Brooklyn for 4 yrs & also had family living there. My job consisted of visiting peoples homes in the neighborhood n nearby neighborhoods as well, so I clearly saw that neighborhood is changing a bit but crime rate is still pretty visible. Times Square is one of the coolest stops to visit but be viligent bc predators know this n love to stick around n look out for vurnable prey. Don't want to scare no one out of visiting this amazing city but just want to make sure people are aware of their surroundings. Welcome to NYC!! Enjoy your stay :)
2yrs+
AXIS
3 hispanic guys tried to rob me in broad daylight in midtown
2yrs+
alexm24
Brownsville/East NY were Jewish or Italian when your Mother's people hailed from there. The color of the neighborhood has darkened considerably since. Pls note that all of the 'bad' neighborhoods mentioned throughout this site are always Black neighborhoods, Or spanish/Latin to some extent. Say what you will.
2yrs+
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hotjesssica954
Harlem its not like it used to be i hear , in fact its becoming more desirable as time passes.
2yrs+
EddyKleinfeld
This was in the 80 s-90 s ,now any part of N.Y is safe since The Jiuliani era.I am from Switzerland and 2 years ago ,2 gangs started to shoot at eachoters in the city center in broad day light .this town has 15 000 peoples who live there and it is in the nice alpes (ski and all of that) ,one guy died.
2yrs+
dalewrolphjr
Well EgleEagles, there is truth in what you say. Its called being in the wrong place at the wrong time however in general, you are correct. You pose no threat to the gang members or drug users unless you start snapping pictures of them or smarting off to them. The same in this is you as a person should have the right to clean up your home town but the police Dont seem to back you. The laws protect the criminals as much as it protects the good
2yrs+
EgleEaglez
I think the term unsafe or worst are not comply to people who are not involved with gangs members. For instant: If you are one of the gangster's member then you are no in safe mode. Because you are dealing with people with weed, cocaine. So you have to be prepared 24/7 that there are some people who are watching you. For people are just walking to his way and has nothing to do with these things I think there are nothing that cause him harm. Might some conditions are apply.
2yrs+
RichardGarey
Way to generalize the South Bronx. Yankee Stadium is very popular with tourists. The Grand Concourse has the largest collection of art deco architecture in the United States. Last night I dined asian fushion and microbrews down at Ceetay in Mott Haven. Harlem has a ton of great spots as well.
2yrs+
gregorym2
Streetwise Guy: Above,makes the most sense of everyone on here! You can be on the street anywhere these days,and can get hit by crossfire from a moving car as some idiots from some particular drug gang will spot their competition and open fire! Pick up the paper or turn on the TV news and you'll hear of this every couple of weeks.Make sure you do the "High Line" in Manhattan this is very interesting with many places to eat along the way.It's the old elevated rail line that used to run into the old meat packing district of NYC. Respectfully,Gregory Mitchell
2yrs+
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AdamS
Hi BrittantH!, I'm a fellow Australian living in NYC for the past 2.5 years. The great areas for families are in general the most expensive, but you should look into Chelsea (West), West Village, Tribeca, Upper West and Upper East. I wouldn't live in Lower East, but that's just me.
2yrs+
112233445566
those suggestions are completely fake!!i m living in east village btween av b and c and i love this area..it's simply quite and pretty different!and it's also safety(we are not speaking of 20 years ago there!!!and actually the area is almost completely genetrified!!!!justa have a look of the price of the apt and rent!!!
maybe except harlem which could be dangerous in some area especially during night time..the other area are completely safety if u compare them with badford -or east new york or bushwick and sm area of cooney island for example (and i m just speaking about brooklyn!)!!! please don't make people scarried without reasonable reason......
maybe except harlem which could be dangerous in some area especially during night time..the other area are completely safety if u compare them with badford -or east new york or bushwick and sm area of cooney island for example (and i m just speaking about brooklyn!)!!! please don't make people scarried without reasonable reason......
2yrs+
12345m
Are you kidding me? I go to school across the street from those "projects" in Chelsea. They are COMPLETELY safe, and to reinforce this idea to a great extent... I've been INSIDE them, AND know people who live in them. The lady I helped to see her cat/dog adoption party reach a reality seemed pretty stable. This goes to show what so many people in this discussion have been saying, LOW-income does NOT constitute HIGH-crime. ESPECIALLY in a neighborhood like Chelsea. Maybe you were held up in front of the organic smoothie place on 27th and 8th with that guy in my yoga class on 23th and 7th, he looks really unstable.
2yrs+
SmartHedge
I hundred percent agree with the two comments above. Sharp4 must have slept through the last couple of decades and thinks we're still in the early 80s. The lower east side is totally safe. Different parts of NYC are probably different for guys than it is for girls, and like any big city there is crime, but as far as the projects in the lower east side and in Chelsea - SAFE. I was in the lower east side during Sandy, no electricity and wind, right on Ave B or C i think. As safe or as dangerous than any other part of the city. It's a project but it's not inhabited by thugs who are just waiting for someone to venture in by mistake.
2yrs+
sduconn
For a tourist, these areas would seem dangerous. While low-income may not constitute high-crime, it doesn't seem like the nicest place to visit (poor aesthetics, not much in the way of activites). Remember a local wouldn't need to inquire as to the desirability of certain areas and a person moving to a city obviously wouldn't be looking to live in a projects.
2yrs+
Jakimpoleon
sonytiwari333 and 112233445566 I've been to bedford Stuyvesant and there is projects there .there wasn't any ghetto action going on in those projects whatever I'm saying their isn't buckshot the only ghetto there is the people from east new York and brownsville entering the trains going downtown. If you want to see go to the south bronx and those to hoods in Boleyn next down from bed Stuyvesant. Bed styv used to be ghetto until Jews and whites moved in just like harlem.
2yrs+
LuizRobertoC
Luiz Roberto comments
I agree with Sharp4 comments, moreover because his comments is in the sense of prevention and not in the sense of denigration of neighbourhoods. As prevention is the mother of security, I shall agree with the direction of comments.
Congratulations.
I agree with Sharp4 comments, moreover because his comments is in the sense of prevention and not in the sense of denigration of neighbourhoods. As prevention is the mother of security, I shall agree with the direction of comments.
Congratulations.
2yrs+
BrittanyH1
hi i'm from Australia and we are moving to NY to live for 12 months, we have a 2 year old son and i'm wanting to know not about sky scrapers ect because we'll have 12 months to do that stuff but where there are areas with nice aparts in the city and for kids/parks ect. also want to know the areas to steer clear of as most days ill be walking alone with my son. I know here in Aus we deffinatly have places to steer clear of.
2yrs+
AndrewBruskin
NYC resident here for 29 years. No area is bad in Manhattan anymore. Anyone can be a victim of a crime, and Midtown has the most crimes because the whole world is there. As long as you are aware of your surroundings, tourists will generally be safe in Manhattan. Sections of Washington Heights I would avoid at night, but that is so far north in Manhattan most tourists will not end up exploring there.
2yrs+
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RichardGarey
Please try not to generalize the South Bronx. I reside in the the South Bronx. Some neighborhoods have higher crime than others. Overall crime is down like it is throughout NYC. There are a number of up & coming neighborhoods in the South Bronx including the Grand Concourse, Mott Haven, Melrose, and Longwood. There are new restaurants, stores, hotels, etc. The baby boomers all sought refuge in the burbs. However, these days most young professionals are clamoring to be either in Manhattan or on the closest neighborhoods to it in Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx.
2yrs+
OrlandoSonido
most of the people here are describing NYC from 20 years ago, NY is a safe city, i live in NYC since 1983 and i never been shot, mugged or assaulted, never got my car stolen, and i work nights, i work in nightclubs and come home at 4 and 5 AM every weekend, just use common sense, don't talk to strangers, don't stare to anybody because WE DO HAVE A LOT OF WEIRDOS , don't argue with others drivers, you could easily get shot or beat up for that LOTS OF AGRESSIVE AND BAD DRIVERS HERE , the only place i try to avoid in NYC is the upper west side of Manhattan, 135 st to 207 st, most of the Dominicans up there are plain stupid ( and i'm Dominican) but if you ignore them you'll be ok and have a good time, some parts of jamaica Queens are not so good either and parts of East NY and Crown Heights, number 1 rule that worked for me: MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS ,i now live in Howard Beach Queens with white people, the best neighborhood i've ever lived in my 31 years here , NYC is one of the most exiting city in the United States
2yrs+
JonathanS1
the village is a good neighborhood where the 2 and 3 trains go. And Union square where the 4 and 5 go and nq and r by my house like the 2 and 3. Soho is a terrible neighborhood and everything in Queens is bad. Bushwick used to be ghetto like bed stuy harlem and williamsburg until the last few years. I say union sq and village are the best.
2yrs+
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Rachellelulu
hahahahahahaha!!!! I know it's not funny cuz crime sucks but thanks for being honest! People should be aware that things like this may occur in this neighborhood...my personal favorite neighborhood in Manhattan is Greenwich Village...it's pretty pricey but so beautiful and charming!
2yrs+
TamelaRush
It sounds like she is speaking about East Harlem if people are parking there to go to The South Bronx. Her comments don't describe West Harlem.
But the dog poop comment made me cringe. I have seen a man poop on the sidewalk on West 71rst street in the super expensive Upper West Side. You are lucky in Manhattan if the poop you see is from a dog.
But the dog poop comment made me cringe. I have seen a man poop on the sidewalk on West 71rst street in the super expensive Upper West Side. You are lucky in Manhattan if the poop you see is from a dog.
2yrs+
RichardGarey
For anyone not familiar with present day Harlem, Olivia's comment is b.s. Perhaps, this little imaginary world she has illustrated was accurate 40 years ago.
2yrs+
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dalewrolphjr
Why do people stay there. Rents high crime rate is high why not move to like San Diego, Riverside Ca, Anaheim Ca, Palm Springs. Whatever your paying there you could puchas a home or even rent a 3000sqft home. Maybe its due to work but jobs are here to. Take a chance look you maybe surprised. Here are Great Places to live. Red lands Ca, Fullerton Ca, Anaheim Ca, Newport Beach Calif, Costa Mesa Ca, Santa Ana is OK. Riverside Ca, Loma Linda Ca, Helmet Ca, Palm Springs Ca, I'm about 35 min from Palm Springs. Get out of there go someplace safe and someplace you would like to raise a family just showing the opportunity.
2yrs+
MaryA
Jobs and excitement--no place like it in the world. I've visited Ca several times, it's beautiful and the weather is fine, but I find it a bit bland. But that's because I grew up here and I'm used to diversity, culture, excitement, night life, four seasons, great food, beautiful beaches and mountains a couple hours car ride away. We have it all quite frankly.
2yrs+
SapphireT
I love Cali too but it's not super-safe either in San Diego or LA. And come on, rents and mortgages are super-high there, too, especially anywhere near the coast.
2yrs+
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carlint1
I know it's all relative, but I was surprised some were saying that Alphabet City was not safe to walk in. I got lost walking around the LES back in August, 2018, and ended up there. There really isn't much to see as a tourist, and though it did look a little sketchy, I didn't feel like I was in danger.
2yrs+
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hotjesssica954
I hear mixed thoughts and comments about how safe its harlem. I'm glad to hear good things about harlem..as im moving there June 1st 132st by 5th av ( ANY THOUGHTS?)... I hope i learn to love Harlem as my new home and plan on learing everything east Harlem has to offer.
2yrs+
TamelaRush
I live in West Harlem and feel very safe. It's friendly as well. Not sure about East and central Harlem. Ut I can add that I often walk over to the Bronx Terminal Market from West Harlem and never feel unsafe.
2yrs+
terryh6
Well, the worst time I ever had in NYC was way back in the 50s, down Five Points way , I believe , there were characters like the 'Plug Uglies ' and the 'Dead Rabbits ' y''know you just could not go out for a six pack after 9am, that's how tough it was. Well I am getting on a bit now , and though I can get my beer anytime I choose, just can't open the dang things
2yrs+
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ns14
Brooklyn Heights is one of the most expensive and nicest neighborhoods in the city... I dont think anyone who actually lives in/goes to New York would EVER call it a hood
2yrs+
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BeeWise
right, real talk all that paranoil will make you a target ANYWHERE now a days, you should keep your p's and q's open anywhere but know how to live.
2yrs+
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Frank646
You'll be fine. There is more of you that inhabit the five boroughs than the bad people of the world. These are small pockets of the city that are pretty far removed from the mass populated areas that you'll most likely live and work in. Harlem isn't a hop-skip from mid-town Manhattan, by foot it would take you over an hour to walk normally to. Alphabet city, the street named by letters in the LES, aren't Starbucks-warm-and-fuzzy, but they sure as shit aren't what they were in the 80s or even the 90s. Brooklyn has its pockets of good and bad, but the good is over taking more and more, and it's, apparently, the place to be as a young person and/or artsy type, and hipsters that haven't grown up yet. Queens can be good too; you can get a lot for your money for a place to live and the transit is pretty good. There's no reason to live in the Bronx unless you're in need of a really decent price on a place to live, but it's a bit far removed if you really want to "live" in New York City. Staten Island, it's a borough in theory, but I think NYC needs to re-zone it as part of Long Island because it is basically all suburban and looks nothing like the city at all, but could be a good alternative if you're desperate for an affordable place and the ferry to Manhattan is free, but then you have to live on Staten Island, which won't really be city living. There are lots of great people form SI though, don't get me wrong. In fact, every borough has interesting eclectic people that inhabit it so safety-wise, you'll be fine. There's also the "backdoor" of Manhattan in Jersey(Hoboken: all safe & Jersey City: Newport; Journal Square, parts of the Heights, but avoid Downtown) and good transit.
2yrs+
ChristinaHolder
I'm going to have to disagree with that part about the Bronx. I've lived in the Bronx almost my whole life (I'm 22) and have witness a crime once. There are nice neighborhood in the Bronx and even have areas that are somewhat suburban feeling. Riverdale, Throgs Neck, Country Club, Pelham Bay, and Pelham Pkwy are all pretty nice residential neighborhoods in the Bronx. Also, it is certainly not far removed from the feel of living in New York City. You can also get to Manhattan in less than an hour by train.
2yrs+
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Rachellelulu
If you are gonna say this about the Lower East Side you may as well say it about all of Manhattan. The LES is the most expensive, trendy neighborhood in Manhattan now. Most people can't even afford it unless they're wealthy!
2yrs+
JayDeeGrande
Lower East Side is expensive and trendy because people have no place left to go, and people from out of town make it trendy and gentrified but when it comes down to it, ANYWHERE there are a bunch of housing projects is going to be sketchy. People from the mid-west move to NY and find the grit and crime novel, and that makes the neighborhood du jour trendy. But I don't care how open minded those folks pretend to be, if they were buying a house where they wanted to raise kids... they would NOT be buying next door to a low income housing project. Even the people who live there would tell you the same thing. I am low income, and I wouldnt be found dead near one... or maybe I would!
2yrs+
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Rachellelulu
Cheapest? It depends...probably areas of Queens...and they're pretty nice and not too far from Manhattan. I really like Astoria...its nice, safe, close to the city and not that pricey...look into it. :)
2yrs+
MaryA
Astoria is great. Family oriented, diverse, close to city. One bedroom in private house going for $1400 a month. If that is too much you can go further out, Middle Village, Ridgewood, Whitestone.
2yrs+
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NatD
I recently moved back to the US after living in London for 1.5 years. Whilst in London, I lived in East London and when it comes to bad neighborhoods, I'd say London has NOTHING on NYC....really am missing the lack of shootings....
2yrs+
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TimZappasodi
Not to be a schmick... but Queensbridge and Jamaica are both in queens... Just Sayin :-)
2yrs+
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dalewrolphjr
Well you have to admit there is crime there right. Where do you recommen this person move that's safe a crime free to at least a positive level?
I'm just asking as I've not been to any of these cities and only visited NY once. From Palm Springs Cail.
I'm just asking as I've not been to any of these cities and only visited NY once. From Palm Springs Cail.
2yrs+
MaryA
Hoboken-NJ anywhere on Staten Island, Forest Hills-Queens, Astoria-Queens, Bayridge- Brooklyn, Carroll Gardens-Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights, Howard Beach- Queens, Whitestone-Queens Riverdale-Bronx, Pelham Bay- Bronx, Throgs neck- Bronx, Rosedale Queens. Lots of nice decent neighborhoods out there.
2yrs+
georgev5
I'm not from NYC, but I;ve visited there many times and I have several friends that have lived many years in NYC. MaryA HAS listed some of the better neighborhoods in the CITY. What gets me though is why, so far, I haven't seen any comments about Brighton Beach? Years ago, while visiting NYC, I took my wife and two sisters-in-law to a Russian restaurant and an after-dinner walk on the boardwalk. This was mostly after dark. We walked back to the car(parked on a dark street) and the hubcaps and wheels were still there, everything intact. All I can say is, the Russians take good care of their tourists, and I rate Brighton Beach one of the safer neighborhoods in Brooklyn, if not the entire city.
2yrs+
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georgev5
Nothing wrong with Canal St, or Houston, or SOHO in general. It's busy most hours and there's safety in numbers. Just don't buy anything from any peddlers and don't act like a tourist with money to spend. Another peddler area is that area where you catch the Staten Island Ferry...crawling with peddlers selling watches, wtc.
2yrs+
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carlint1
I'm a tourist (white) that has walked through there many times, I felt perfectly safe. I personally find Chinatowns boring, as I live in Toronto and we have 6 or 8 of them, so I was keen to move to other interesting parts of the LES.
2yrs+
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carlint1
I've visited NYC frequently enough now that I am starting to get a decent vibe of which areas to avoid (though I would never pretend to know more than the locals obviously). I also have family in Brighton Beach (Brooklyn) that have given me some advice. It all depends on your level of comfort, but I generally avoid the northern parts of Manhattan, though I was in Harlem with a group of people in 2005 and had no issues. I really want to visit the south Bronx for the architecture, but I still haven't mustered enough courage to take the subway up to Grand Concourse and walk around. One day I hope too.
2yrs+
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BillB2
Im originally from nyc. Left in the late 70's for Houston. Everybody should live in nyc at least once to experience the culture which I see fading compared to years ago. Perhaps the best reason to live in nyc is if you are young & pursuing a carer in one of the arts like fashion, theatre, acting, finance etc. Growing up there in the 60's was amazing & a beautiful time to be a new yorker. My fathers family came from the lower eastside & my mom is from the upper eastside. They ended up in the bronx I think in the 30's or 40's after they saved enough money. I love nyc especially midtown Manhattan were I spent much of my time. Ny'ers are real & very friendly people. They tell the truth whether its what you want to hear or not. Other places including texas not the same level of raw honesty. I am very proud of my nyc roots.
2yrs+
MaryA
NYers have a bad reputation for some reason (maybe its the demeanor) but yes we are pretty friendly people and we help anyone including strangers when they need a hand. I found whenever I travelled out west (this was in the 80s & 90's)and someone heard I was from NY they always had a negative comment to make. Couldn't figure out why all the hate for NY. Don't know if that's changed since, haven't had the desire to go back.
2yrs+
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