Crown Heights safety?

anonymous

We're considering a move to Crown Heights, the south and west part of it, right around Montgomery and Rogers. We're a 30-something white couple and we're wondering about safety in that area. We've done a couple night-time walk-throughs and have had different impressions at different times. We're especially concerned about walking from the train at night.

I also just looked up crime stats from the 71st precinct, and they were surprisingly bad.

Anyone care to advise?

Thanks so much.

anonymous

Bad as in more crime than which precinct?

Here's Crown Heights:
http://home2.nyc.gov/html/nypd/downloads/pdf/crime_statistics/cs071pct.pdf

Here's Manhattan South:
http://home2.nyc.gov/html/nypd/downloads/pdf/crime_statistics/cspbms.pdf

anonymous

Wow. Guess that's a good reason to not live in Manhattan, right?

Actually it was when I was comparing stats with Sunset Park (72nd) where I live now that CH's stats looked pretty bad.

Thanks.

lilbangladesh

Where you live in Crown Heights is what's key. There are good blocks and bad blocks. Aside from trying to live on a good block and staying away from the bad blocks, basic common safety sense and good manners will stand you in good stead.

After about 8 PM, much of this area shuts down so it's not really advisable to go anywhere after that without a specific destination in mind. When I get off the subway at night, I go straight home and don't dally. Nostrand is safe enough at that time if you're just picking up some groceries or takeout.

Invest in a deadbolt and don't advertise your possessions.

If you find an area skeeves you out, don't be there after dark. For me, east of Kingston does it for me, but fortunately for me, I only have to go east for the bank and post office, which are only open during the day, of course.

Get to know your neighbors and be friendly! Most people here are very nice and you'll enjoy living here for that reason.

Oh, and don't do drugs.

anonymous

Although crime may be up now for the most part, moving to Crown Heights will pay off in the long term. Both communities from Crown Heights North and Crown heights South are combating crime all the time and it will go down again.