Moving to 9th st between 3rd and 4th ave? Hows the area/bloc

montana

I found a very reasonably priced apartment on 9th street between 3rd and 4th ave. I heard rumors that this block has had a bad reputation in the past, and I am wondering what it is like now? (Prostitution, etc.) I am a female in my early twenties...is this block a good idea or should I keep looking?

mamaforobama

everybody has different comfort levels, plus you can be a victim of crime on the "better" streets at any time.

I suggest taking a trip there after dark and seeing how you feel

veets

That block is a mix of residential and commercial stuff that is of course closed by evening.It is the transition block in to the more industrial block of 9th between 2nd and 3rd. I agree that everyone's comfort level is different so I would take a nite time stroll and try to get a vibe. The F train stop on the corner of 4th ave does mean there are people around entering and exiting often. I haven't seen a prostitute on that block in years.

smitty

I don't think you'll see any prostitutes - while the blocks between 3rd & 4th are still "up and coming" the people who live in this area are generally families who don't bother anyone.

raw

I'd be more afraid of getting hit by a truck or car down there in Gowanus. Cars and trucks fly down 4th avenue.

triebensee

you have good transportation options there: close to a significant subway nexus (F and R trains); bus routes down to Red Hook and up the slope; one of the better car rental outfits.


I would have no trouble living on that block.

fruitbat

also, the B77 to Red Hook (and Fairway!) will stop right in front of your door...

lnelson

I'm also female and in my 20's, and I'd walk down around there at pretty much any hour. It's more a matter of being aware of your surroundings. There's so much activity around the subway station that you certainly won't be isolated.

I'd suggest that you check out the atmosphere in the places you'd be going that you'd want really close by - bodegas and a decent laudromat are the only thing you need really really really close. Just walk around and see how it feels, if you can picture yourself living there.

If it makes you feel better, why not call the local police precinct and talk with them a bit, ask what they think of the area. I've found police officers to be a pretty good gauge on that kind of thing, not overly cautious or mocking or anything. I have some friends living in Bed-Stuy, and the 1st time I went there I asked a couple cops that were patrolling the subway station at Prospect Ave if they thought it was safe for me to walk from the G train in Bed-Stuy to my friend's house late at night. I felt dumb asking, but I was glad I did because I felt more secure (as I walked there at 10 PM but took a car home at 1 AM) that I wasn't being either too paranoid or too dumb with my transportation choices.

livetotravel

Please follow Flexi's advice - visit the area you are thinking about - in the daytime and the nighttime - weekdays and weeknights. For instance today and tomorrow that area will be jammed with car traffic heading to stores like Lowe's and the grocery store on 9th and also going to Red Hook for Fairway.

Never take a rental without walking the area first.

lp

Bar Tano recently opened in that area - which looks like a good place for a drink/light meal. We walked by yesterday, in hopes of stopping in, but it was closed during the day. Apparently next Saturday it will start opening for brunch/lunch.

armchair_warrior

i would go with what other people said about walking in the area at night first.

personal i don't like mix industrial/commercial and residential areas. at night time its kinda deserted. but some people love those areas.