n00b

Just put a deposit down on a studio just east of Nostrand on Saint Johns. Not going to ask if it is a "safe" neighborhood, I made my own assessment of that before signing up. I actually found this board trying to refute some assertions on the neighborhood from my old school Brooklyn relatives, who told my soon to be ex that if she valued our children's lives, she wouldn't let them visit at my place. Lol!

Looks like a lot of baggage to overcome. I haven't felt uneasy in the streets when I've been there. It seems to be a very black area, I happen to be very white. Oh well. People are people, and the people I've met seem pretty good. I haven't been made to feel unwelcome in any way, in fact folks who have noticed me hanging around in front of the apartment have been downright friendly.

Found this area by following rents from Manhattan until I found a place that met my pricepoint and was reasonably nice, in an interesting and vibrant neighborhood. And it doesn't give me the "artificial" feeling I got in, say, Greenpoint. I feel like I've made a good choice, and am excited to become part of the community.

I'm sure I'll have some questions after I move in May 1, and I am glad I've found this board which seems to include a diverse population of residents.