Safety on Washington Ave? Should I sign this lease?

If you're nervous, definitely go over there today, before you sign, and check it out. I believe that's just about the edge of Crown Heights South and Prospect Lefferts. I don't beleive it would be an issue for you, but my idea of "safe" may be different than yours.

I couldn't imagine not at least checking the area out --during the day and at night -- before signing a commitment to move in anywhere.

Lately, the biggest danger on Washington Ave seems to be fire. Get yourself a good smoke and CO2 detector.

The stretch of Washington Ave between Eastern Parkway and Empire is a mixture of coops and rentals, but as others have stated, you should visit the area this weekend around 10 PM and see if you feel comfortable.

Your nearest supermarket will be Western Beef.

See you around

I would say that area is pretty safe. It's right next to the Brooklyn Botanical gardens & the Museum, so in terms of stuff to do, those are two really great options.

I actually got a ticket from the police right there for riding my bike on the sidewalk, so that would be my biggest complaint.

Washington is not really Crown Heights the way I see it, but then I live on the other side of Eastern Parkway. I was under the impression that Franklin was the line between Prospect Heights and Crown Heights.

The dress down... I'm sick and tired of the "immigrants" to my community always looking down their noses and asking "Is it safe?" as if they were in Marathon Man.

I have lived in central Brooklyn all my life (60 years). I have felt very unsafe and unwelcome when in other communities within NYC. Some of those communities, I am sure, were the same communities that several posters to the Brooklynian who have asked "Is it safe?" are fleeing.

I have raised three children, gotten them educated at excellent schools, and watched them go on to productive lives. I walk the streets with some trepidation, but realize that is is stifling, strangling poverty that, for the most part, makes people act in antisocial ways.

If your economic status is that significant, stay where you are. We'll manage just fine.

Jenee, it's Crown Heights. Period. Anything on this side of Eastern Parkway is Crown Heights no matter where you move the border on the North side.

Actually, your nearest supermarket is Associated on Franklin between Carroll and Crown. It's a constantly improving market and the owner will look into ordering anything you don't see on the shelves. You'll be fine parking your car and walking home provided you can find a parking space, especially when the botanical garden and museum are open. You're exactly midway between the 2/3/4/5 and the B/Q, so should be ok with the train. Relative to CHN along Washington or Franklin, this part of CHS is pretty quiet, especially Washington Ave.

Anyway, everything has already been said. Practice common sense and you'll be fine. I was violently mugged in Murry Hill while distracted, yet I've never been a victim of violent crime in Crown Heights, which far too many people write off as some terrible and awful place to live.

borders should be cultural not stupid lines on a map when it comes to neighbourhoods. for example. little Italy doesn't exist any more its just chinatown and soho. You know this by just walking into a neighbourhood and stop because everything around you changes that's when you know its the end of that neighbourhood and generally its at big streets.