Hi Aimee,

I know that feeling! Don't buy somewhere that you don't feel safe, but don't rule out an area because of pre-existing notions or what people who haven't experienced it directly would tell you. These are the statistics... http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/downloads/pdf/crime_statistics/… ... but statistics mean nothing if your life will be inhibited by your feelings. If it's a specific property that you're thinking of, talk to people on the street and get to know your potential neighbors. Also, look for a place with a doorman. There are many areas where you can get a good deal AND feel safe. If you need further assistance, please let me know.

Best Regards,

Alessandra Marx
alessandra@elikaassociates.com

I agree with most comments, walk around the area, and also commute from your job or where ever you hang out in the city to the heights and time it. You'll notice depending where you are commuting from it's going to take a certain amount of time and please, please keep in mind that on the weekends there's a lot of track that's done which will delay your commute. If in dought read the signs that are always posted on the tops indicating track work. Secondly check out the nyp website for the crime rate and lastly listen to your gut feeling. Ask yourself who am I going to feeling coming home late on the subway, walking home is it going to spook me out or will I be fine with it? My question is, are you looking at the heights because you can get more for your dollar regarding? There's some well priced apartments in othere areas in the city, feel free to send an email if you're considering othere areas, good luck.

my suggestion is dont move to neighborhood that you are afraid of..point blank!

I would walk the neighborhood for a day, talk with residents, and probe for your answers from the source.

You will never find the answer via e chat...at the end of the day you will have to feel comfortable
with your neighborhood....

Something that Washington Heights has to offer that is missing in high rise environment is a really neighborhood feel...Yes, like Park Slope : )

It will not take long before you know half the neighborhood....Yes, so it's quite safe : )

If you are checking out Washington Heights tomorrow swing by my open house
on 474 West 158th Street Apt 1....

Best of luck Aimee !!

Aimee,

I notice that you are in Queens. The most important unkown variable which directly affects my earlier advice, is what is your purchase budget and financial situation for both monthly payments and also to pass a co-op board screening process. Without knowing that, is it even feasible for you to look in Washington Heights? Typically, most places range from $300K in the areas you would even consider for safety and practicality.

My best advice is to take your time and to work with someone who listens to your needs.

I would stick to Inwood ( Dyckman St. - 218th St., west of Broadway) and Hudson Heights (181st to fort Tryon, west of Broadway). They are both leafy, safe residential neighborhoods. I love both neighborhoods, but Inwood is my particular favorite because of all the great new restaurants etc.

Washington Heights is in general a safe area. If you want to be close to the train, stay west of Broadway, the A train is fast and gets to you Midtown in less then 25 minutes. I live in Washington Heights and come home late as well.I know my neighborhood an love it. Email me with any question you have.
adina.greenberg@cbhk.com

Dear Zack,

I understand your concern. I do recognize that im not in the 212 area, but I do have extensive experience there. Moreover, I want to provide aimee with another avenue in which she can ask for information. I am not rambling for her to call me to make her my client but to help her make a judicious decision.

Caesar, stop spamming questions with answers of "please call me". If you have answers, post them, since you're not in the 212 area code and answering questions in it, well, spam is the word.

Give me a call at (718) 698-2179 at Prosperity Real Estate Group, I can help you answer any questions you may have, this is not commitment to come with us. YOu can come and inquire about this even if you are already working with someone. Property is a constitutional right, and we are here to make sure you are not provided with erroneous information. We welcome this questions because it allows us to do research for you and ourselves which we can share with others.

My Name is Caesar Galindo Office manager, and Law Student at CUNY Law School.

The best areas of Washington Heights are west of Broadway. There are great places along Riverside Drive and also Fort Washington is great for proximity to subway. Feel free to contact me anytime for more feedback and insight.