Greene Ave and Nostrand
I am sorry if I am beating a dead horse here but I am thinking of renting an apartment around Greene/Nostrand and have had a strangely mixed response split into people who say that it is a nice relatively safe area of Bedstuy and, others who mention this as definitely an area to stay away…
I am sorry if I am beating a dead horse here but I am thinking of renting an apartment around Greene/Nostrand and have had a strangely mixed response split into people who say that it is a nice relatively safe area of Bedstuy and, others who mention this as definitely an area to stay away from. Curious to see what the forum’s take would be. I will most likely live in Bedstuy, I like the neighborhood, but would like a little guidance in choosing the location. Thanks in advance.
I dont know that particular block that are you interested in moving onto. My sense of looking at apartments though is that many parts of Bedstuy that are closer to the Clinton Hill border are less nice. They have less trees and some can look rundown. But generally Brooklyn is a patchwork. One block may be good and the next supersketchy.
Bedstuy is like a mix of Mattapan and Dorchester. Bedstuy has the reputation that Mattapan does and for some areas that is a reputation that is deserved. But mostly its not. Bedstuy just has a lot of poor and working class black folks trying to survive. Stuyvesant Heights is like those parts of Dorchester/Mattapan that have had longstanding working class families as anchors in the neighborhood. And in the same way that Dorchester has there has been a newer influx of young professionals that think they are “changing” the hood or are “pioneers”.
Dont listen to the naysayers about Bedstuy. Listen to your gut and then sign a one year lease. I didnt listen to my gut and missed out on an amazing duplex garden apartment in Bedstuy on Macon btw Stuyvesant and Lewis that I am still kicking myself over. You have to live and learn for yourself and can only make an informed decision. The best way to do that is to ask advice from people who have actually LIVED in Bedstuy. I havent lived in Bedstuy so take what I say with that proverbial grain of salt.
I’m not familiar with this area of Bed-Stuy, but something else caught my attention in your posts: If you’re having that much trouble making the decision, then maybe your gut is saying that it’s not the neighborhood for you. Unless you’re rushed for time, why not check out some other areas so you can contrast and compare? Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, Windsor Terrace?
Also, if price and safety are top concerns, you may want to check out Astoria in Queens. No, not nearly as pretty as Brooklyn, but inexpensive, diverse, and very safe.
No, I’m between Nostrand and Marcy. Close to Nostrand. Any thoughts on that block?
Are you talking about Greene between Bedford and Nostrand?
If so, I had friends that lived on that block for many years. The Bedford end is nice and the Nostrand end, not so nice. There was one house with a lot of drug activity that had a major fire last year. Not sure if the dealing resumed afterwards though, but you might want to ask people on the block and find out.
My friends lived towards the Bedford end with their family and little kids and really loved it.
I have checked the local stats but to tell you the truth I have trouble gauging the situation based on a 20% variation in this or that crime. I’ve been to the place a few times but am having trouble making a decision. I thought that I would get more out of people’s opinions as they would have some basic notions about a specific place based on their everyday experience of it. For my money, that’s what forums are great for. So, I appreciate any and all advice.
Is there any reason that you don’t chk w/ the local police/ crime stats, go there at all hours to observe, read the local papers, go to a favorite eatery, and etc. The reality is YOU need to make the decision, and YOU need to choose if you will live there or not.
Ask your lady’s opinion, since you will be away and she will be here. I know a great iron guy if you need guards on the windows… Great apartments are all over-
NYC is a fantastic place. And like anywhere, you can find trouble, or it can find you. Do look…
Re: the 4:05p comment–(Sorry DIBS)– it’s YOUR opinion that matters. For the record, opinions are like noses– everyone has one. Welcome to NY!
Dave, I quite like the apartment and the block seemed quite nice. Do you think otherwise?
Why that particular block?? Do you have some price constraints??? What are you looking for and in what price range?
I am between Marcy and Nostrand but only about 75 yards from Nostrand.