I live in Crown heights and have been a young single female, However, Crown Heights never fails to prove that it's not really all that safe --every time I go to defend it some crime seems to happen here.

Hi, I live in crowne heights presently for the last year. At first i was scared to move in b/c i always see this place on the news for violent crimes. There are shady characters who live in the neighborhood but for the most part so far so good. Im on Buffalo, so its a little run down and forgotten at night, it is a bit scary but there is consistent police presence. I wouldnt recommend anything from Rochester ave down towards ralph to tell you the truth.

It all depends on where in crown heights. Yes the neighberhood has changed but it still can be scarry at nights. I wouldnt let my little sister live in Crown Heights.

As a former resident of Crown Heights, and as one who keeps up with the news there, I can say that you have to be very, very careful in choosing a building, block, etc. It's true that some houses, areas, etc. are stunning -- lots of great old dwellings. But within the past year, a young woman was killed by a stray bullet about two blocks from where Iived (Bedford Avenue/Eastern Parkway vicinity.) I walked back and forth to the Franklin Ave. subway station daily with no problems, strolled my baby, shopped in the neighborhood -- all with no problem, but I still would not recommend it for a young (or old!) single woman without carefully checking out specific buildings, blocks, routes to and from subway, etc.

I speak as one who loves, loves, loves Brooklyn, but I have to say the shopping and conveniences in C.H. are not great all over. Apparently Franklin Avenue near Eastern Parkway is getting better and better, and Washington Ave., which is the border of Prospect Heights, has been improving for years.

You do not want to live in a nice apartment in a good building, but in a nabe where there's nothing to do (no decent diner or coffee shop, let alone "cafe," for example,) few good places to shop for groceries and other necessities, and where friends are not too inclined to visit because you're too far from subway stops, parking is risky, streets are too dark or not active enough at night, etc.

Hi Nicole,

I live in Crown Heights with my wife, my son, and our two dogs. We are very happy. The architecture is stunning, transportation is great and we love our neighbors. That still doesn't mean it's for you. There aren't a lot of great restaurants and some of the blocks may seem rough to an out of towner. Do you have time to visit before your move date? Everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to these things, and it would be great if you could explore a little before making a decision. I would suggest more than just a cursory look. Have a walk around and ask some people for directions or the best place to get coffee. You'll find the residents here to be very friendly. If you do decide to visit, feel free to give us a shout and we'll be happy to help you acclimate.

One more thing: apologies if I have this wrong, but it sounds like you may be looking to move to New York, without first seeing the apartment or the area that you'll be living in. I really wouldn't recommend this. Craig's List has entire section for sublets and temporary living situations. Why not look into one of those until you have time to settle in. Here's the link: http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/sub/

Good luck. Hope this helped.

Jim

As Realtors are not allowed to give our opinion on such questions. However, I would suggest going online and checking the crime statistics yourself, and if you have friends or relatives in the area have them drive through the neighborhood at different times of the day, or maybe putting a call into the local precinct to get some feedback from them. I believe Crown Heights is Pct. 77.