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November 10, 2007
Safety of Sunset Park, around 45th?
My boyfriend and I are considering renting an apartment in that area, and we wanted to know if it's considered safe/liberal?
We're not the most traditional of folks, and the apartment we found is lovely. We're both artists of one kind or another, so that's a big deal for us, but he and I are both... a bit on the odd side when it comes to looks. My boyfriend especially needs to watch where he wanders at night as he's somewhat effeminate looking, and we're both aware of the reaction it might get him in certain places, so really, what I want to know is, is this the sort of place where punk/goth/indie kids could live, as long as they're reliable, quiet, and make sure the rent is on time?
Comments
i don't think you should have too many problems down there at all. i've been around the 45th street area a few times and while i feel more comfortable in other places, i never felt unsafe. the people in sunset park are a little more conservative than neighborhoods to the north, but they are hard-working, usually very friendly and you'll have some amazing mexican food right outside your doorstep.
i think you'll probably find quite a few others who you identity with in that area. i hear lots of people really enjoy it, and you've got great, quick access to manhattan on the r train, i believe it is.
Posted by: guest at November 10, 2007 5:26 PM
i think you'd be better off in clinton hill, bed stuy, prospect heights or crown heights. more pratt kids. depends what you can afford.
Posted by: guest at November 10, 2007 5:27 PM
I disagree with the above poster.
I am the landlord of a four family brownstone on 49th Street and when I bought the building a few years ago, the neighborhood was almost entirely hispanic families.
In the last few years, many young artists and professionals have moved in and everytime I go there I see them walking down the street. I think you will fit in just fine.
As for safety, most of my tenants are young single females and they all feel very safe coming home late at night.
Posted by: guest at November 10, 2007 5:43 PM
Go back to the village please
Posted by: guest at November 10, 2007 5:54 PM
is a a fagget undercover. gays are hated whereever they go just like a pedofile any man who takes dick in his ass should de ashamed of himself
Posted by: guest at November 10, 2007 6:08 PM
To the fellow who can't spell: ...maybe I'd take your opinion into consideration if you spelled be, or faggot correctly. Not only that, but your logic is faulty, and your assumption about us is wrong. Not that I'd give a donkey's behind about you if we were a gay couple, but I'm a girl, and my boyfriend is (well duh) a boy. As for gay's being hated where ever they go? Ever been to Chelsea, or the West Village, ass-hat? Go, and you'll get gay-basher bashed.
To the fellow who suggested we go back to the village: I suggest you look at prices in the village. I’m an art student; do you seriously think I can pay thirty-five hundred a month for a studio apartment? If you do you're crazy, not to mention, I was born in Williamsburg, so I wouldn’t classify it as going back to the village. Though, I’ll make you a deal, if you drive all the yuppies back to the upper east side, I’ll think about it.
To everyone else: Thank you for the advice. I've had a look at Clinton Hill, public transport situation isn't what I need. As for bed stuy and prospect heights, I actually feel a little more nervous in those places, thanks for the suggestion though.
I think, if the landlady agrees to give us the apartment (which hopefully she will) we’ll take it.
Posted by: MadeiraDarling at November 10, 2007 7:07 PM
I think you should be ok on 45th st, I've walked more then a few times late at night from the south slope down towards bay ridge. At night it seems mainly hispanic, but harmless. Even though it was late night, families with their children are hanging out in the street with lawn chairs. Don't get me wrong, its NY, keep your eyeballs to yourself.
Posted by: curijay at November 10, 2007 9:32 PM
The feeling of safety is a relative thing. Where I may feel safe you may not and vice versa. So its hard to "recommend" one location over another.
I think the area you are considering is fairly safe and any hesitation to recommend the area would have nothing to do with the way you look. You could look like the most average joe and still have a problem with someone looking for trouble. That said, I wouldn't feel comfortable walking around there (or most areas in NYC) in the middle of the night without concern. So if you're careful after hours and keep an eye out, I think you're fine. The area has definitely improved over the years and there are plenty of families and young couples who are moving into that area every day.
Posted by: Mrs. Limestone at November 10, 2007 10:00 PM
Kids these days...
Posted by: guest at November 11, 2007 12:58 AM
I bought a brownstone at 47th & 6th ave, 7 years ago and have never had any trouble. I am a white. I have tenants who have tattoos and some piercing. They like it here too. Sunset Park is changing, there are more artists moving out here because the houses are nice and rentals are not sky high. No matter what you look like, if you simply participate a little with the locals on your block, you will fit in better than you think.
Posted by: Rick at November 11, 2007 6:23 AM
if you goto above 7 ave its asian. if its below 5th ave its hispanic area. lower 40's mostly hispanic. upper 50's asian.
Posted by: armchairwarrior at November 11, 2007 10:11 AM
May I just say something as an ex goth/punk/indie kid (of the 80's)? If you're uncomfortable in certain areas, the problem is not with the neighborhood. Be proud of who you are and try not to give a f*ck what people think. If you're so concerned, change your look. This is NYC.
Posted by: rh at November 11, 2007 11:50 AM
Ugh, this is why I outgrew "punk" in high school in the 80's. Because all the other "punks" like 11:50 never did.
Safety is a real concern. It's not hip and cool to be put into bankruptcy paying your hospital bills after getting beat up by thugs who hate people who are different. It is certainly something that happens in some of the more conservative, macho, patriarchal neighborhoods of NYC full of men who are always having to prove something.
One idea since nobody has mentioned it, if you can handle the commute, is upstate on the Metro North. There are artists, hippies, gay and alternative lifestyle couples forming communities in small historic towns upstate. It's harder for singles to live outside the city when they want to be socializing a lot, but committed couples who are mainly focused on school, they could do fine with that. Plus you could get studio space for your money, perhaps. It's a thought.
Posted by: guest at November 11, 2007 2:00 PM
We live on 46th street. You'll be fine. I have never felt unsafe, even late at night.
And you won't be that alone. Seems like there are more funny haircuts on the 46th street platform every day.
Posted by: saturdayrenogirl at November 11, 2007 5:05 PM
2pm, so it's "punk" to not be afraid to live your life the way you want? I better let me 76 year old "punk" mother in Florida know that, since she's the one who instilled these values in me.
Oh, BTW, I live part time in one of those hip upstate communities mentioned (Beacon). It's still got a ways to go.
OP, Sunset Park is fine. You should try the Brooklynian forums.
Posted by: rh at November 12, 2007 7:47 AM
nothing agaisnt the goth/punk/indie look, they definitely have style... but why would you go out with a guy that looks like a girl? unless i read your post incorrectly... "he's somewhat effeminate looking". That must really be love right there. you should post a picture up of your boyfriend and then as people in that neighborhood what their reaction would be. But good luck with the apt. Update us when you move into the hood.
Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 10:26 AM
I live on 41st Street between 7th and 8th. Are you talking about 45th near 2nd Avenue or nearer to 7th Avenue and such? Not that either will be a problem but it gets a little dirtier (i.e. rats, garbage) down by the water. And it's more desolate at night with the warehouses and all. But that's not particular to Sunset Park...
Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 3:52 PM
to 10:26 - because it's about personality and dick, not social gender roles.
- girl who loves not-so-manly man
Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 9:01 PM
Who is this 'dick' you speak of?
Posted by: guest at November 12, 2007 9:49 PM
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