Shady areas?

hellodarling · January 2007

Again, I apologize for the random questions, but I've been scouring these boards and keep thinking of more questions. It's been mentioned often that when out, one should steer clear of known shady blocks, et cetera... now, my question is, in your opinion, where should I steer clear of?

We're on Park btw Classon and Franklin, MUCH closer to Classon (a few houses down) and will likely stay toward the PH side. If we're walking up to Washington or Vanderbilt at night (my boyfriend and I), where should we avoid? Or, where should we avoid in general? Not sure if this makes a difference, but I'm a 22-year-old pansy-ass white girl, and he's a skinny 6' white guy, so we're not the most threatening team (just throwing out there).

I'm sure I'll get lots of differing opinions on here, and I don't mean to offend anyone if someone thinks your block is shady and you think otherwise

Just trying to get a feel for the neighborhood from people who know it best!

Thanks again for everything--if only everyone in our neighborhood was as helpful and friendly as y'all are!

anonymous · January 2007

You get a feel for a neighborhood by exploring it. Not on a message board. If you have so many doubts and fears about crown heights then maybe you should've asked these questions before moving here. Act like a victim, and you'll be one. But these questions have got to stop!

anonymous · January 2007

christ.....I wish people would stop worrying so.....

....there are no "danger" blocks in crown heights.....as a girl you should avoid empty streets after dark...(thats true of anywhere outside of suburbia).....if you're together i wouldnt worry about it....statistics show that almost every single attack/homicide happens to non-strangers...theres a tiny chance you could get mugged, but so what?....just dont carry large amounts of cash on you.

hellodarling · January 2007

It's not so much that I was originally worried, but honestly, these message boards could likely evoke paranoia in anyone! "Known bad areas" have been referenced in numerous previous posts, and since we're new, they're unknown to us. Just looking for recommendations

Thank you for the thoughts, btw... it all seems pretty common sense stuff that we should think about anywhere in the city

alafairnadia · January 2007

almost any block can be "threatening" or "scary" at some point. I'd stick to blocks that are well lighted and that are either residential or commercial (NOT industrial). if you get the willies walking on a certain block at a certain time, walk in the street - I do this all the time, even in times square to avoid getting smashed in with big crowds. on the sidewalk, I'd walk toward the center - you have a much better view of everything around you. explore your immediate area - in all directions. where's your closest bodega? is there a bodega nearby that keeps the gate up past midnight? where's the nearest bar? get to know the bodega workers and bartenders and restaurant employees - it's always nice to know that you can duck in somewhere. same with folks who hang out on the stoop - smile and say hello. the more you get to know the area, the more comfortable you'll feel, which will translate into not feeling like a victim. keep your head up and paste a smile on your face. if you act like you belong, and project friendliness, you'll be a lot better off.

gingerolive · January 2007

Hellodarling, I know your concerned but try not to take everything to heart that you read. There are some individuals, the media incleded who thrive on what I call the "buggy man element". (Some thuggish, brutish, monster just waiting to attack newcomers in the neighborhood)

Eventually you'll develop a feel for the neighborhood and know which areas to avoid. There is no one geographical area that is immune to crime. I'd feel scared walking down some streets in suburbia. Hold your head up high and act like you belong!

Read my last post on Jan. 2nd to your original question:

"Hi everyone I'm a newcomer to this site, but not a newcomer to Brooklyn. (So forgive me if my post is not reading correctly, I'll get it together)

It's natural to be uncertain when you're a new comer to any neighborhood, especially when you hear "fun postings about gunshots". I was born and raised in Brooklyn (and lived in quite a few nabes), so although I'm not immune to gunshots, I don't feel as threatened by them (maybe because I've never been shot at mugged or attacked).

There are just some general precautions I take when I walk around any neighborhood in Brooklyn or anywhere for that matter.

â€¢ Never walk down dimly lit sidestreets alone
â€¢ Act like I belong in the neighborhood
â€¢ Befriend my neighbors (always helps to know someone that has your back, helps to foster community)
â€¢ Lock your doors (a given in any NYC nabe)
â€¢ Lastly don't walk around afraid (fear can be sensed rather quickly)

I hope yuu enjoy your stay in CH, you have nothing to fear. Every nabe goes through it's ups and downs. CH is on it's way up, consider yourself one of the fortunate ones to get in before rents get too rediculous.

All the Best... "

capt. planet · January 2007

hellodarling wrote: It's not so much that I was originally worried, but honestly, these message boards could likely evoke paranoia in anyone! "Known bad areas" have been referenced in numerous previous posts, and since we're new, they're unknown to us. Just looking for recommendations

Thank you for the thoughts, btw... it all seems pretty common sense stuff that we should think about anywhere in the city

Crown Heights like most nabes is very much a block to block kind of thing. Your block on Park Place is mostly small home owner type properties and should be generally pretty quiet. The next two blocks towards Nostrand are decidedly not that way: mostly 8 family walk-ups. THus you have lots of hanging out, not much ownership, lots of poor folks, etc. Once your get past Nostrand going east, things change again: mostly smaller home ownership and condos/coops.

So, like others have said, you need to walk the blocks and develop your comfort level. I've been around this area for years and none of these blocks do I find particularly scary, but hey, that's me.

x-brooklynite · January 2007

The areas may not be scary in some cases, but if you are not a west indian immigrant, it seems like there isn't a lot there culturally to get into in CH, unless you like west indian food; But that's about it.

homeowner · January 2007

X-brooklynite wrote: The areas may not be scary in some cases, but if you are not a west indian immigrant, it seems like there isn't a lot there culturally to get into in CH, unless you like west indian food; But that's about it.

Actually, I'd say just the opposite. If you are from the west indies, you already are familiar with everything most of these stores have to offer and in some cases you can probably make some food better than what is being sold out on the street. If you are unfamiliar with west indian culture, its a great opportunity to get into a culture you may not be familiar with and explore the differences between places like Jamaica, Trinidad, St Lucia, Barbados, Guyana, etc.

anonymous · March 2007

Subject: Re: Shady areas?

hellodarling wrote: We're on Park btw Classon and Franklin, MUCH closer to Classon...

Your stress of the word "MUCH" to indicate that you're more west than east suggests you're already in the know as you're already playing the game. Looks like you'll make a fine addition to the communities we're trying to improve on here in Brooklyn. Good luck...and remember, petty criminals are like dogs...they attack when they sense fear.

getonmylevel718 · March 2007

I'm a 22-year-old pansy-ass white girl, and he's a skinny 6' white guy, so we're not the most threatening team (just throwing out there).

Admit it, you feel threatened by young black men. In fact, if you were to see me tonight, coming towards you on the street, you would probably sh!t bricks. Eventhough I'm just a neighbor. Not every black male is a criminal. I know I'm not. And neither are my friends.

Shady areas?

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