Dangerous to Walk Around Brooklyn?

Peter: 26th May 2006 - 14:46 GMT

no its not dangerous at all to walk around coney island, especially in the daytime. its not 1970 anymore, you know, nor the crack-wars of the 80s ;)

Jayne: 26th May 2006 - 15:06 GMT

Thank you Peter! My family and friends are telling me that walking around in Brooklyn by myself would be dangerous.

Peter: 26th May 2006 - 15:14 GMT

i live in brooklyn. ive lived in many parts of brooklyn, and all have been ok. its not any worse than any other part of nyc. where are you from?

Jayne: 26th May 2006 - 15:25 GMT

i live on eastern long island but will be moving to marine park.

Peter: 26th May 2006 - 15:34 GMT

jayne: if you havent read up on the neighborhood lately, check these links out...

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_Park,_Brooklyn
www.answers.com/main/ntquery;jsessionid=2icgk57bchg5t?dsid=2222&dekey=Marine+Park&sbid=lc06b
www.answers.com/topic/marine-park-brooklyn
www.nycgovparks.org/sub_your_park/park_info_pages/park_info.php?propID=B057

anon (ool-457387f4.dyn.optonline.net): 26th May 2006 - 15:52 GMT

Yeah i'd be careful, there's been at least 50 reported rapes in that area in April alone. Trust me I am a cop. I wouldn't walk those parts, especially being a female!

Kakumei: 26th May 2006 - 16:56 GMT

I'm a 20 year old white female and I live in Brooklyn (Flatbush) - I go around to Coney Island, Crown Heights, Marine Park, Williamsburg, Sunset Park, etc by myself during the day _and_ night and I've never had a problem worse than people asking me for change. The only part I stay away from is the Bed-Stuy/ENY area unless I have a reason to go there - and even then, if you're careful it's not a huge deal.

jack: 26th May 2006 - 17:03 GMT

jayne its bad anywhere bad people are. look at the kids getting killed by stray bullets. lets put it this way, a guy has a better chance than a pretty white girl. peter probably looks like an undercover cop and they stay away from him. but peter is correct, coney is better today than it was in the 70's and 80's. because of the families there and increased policemen. and jayne, i think your pulling our chain with the job proposal in coney island.

Mitch Waxman: 26th May 2006 - 18:09 GMT

Marine Park is really nice, coney island a 20-30 minute drive away (belt pkwy is alway traffic plagued, so learn the local street way to go). Standard NYC logic applies- trust your instincts & if a bell is going off listen to it. Coney has a couple of gangs, but they're not interested in you as anything else but a target of unwanted affection (hurrm). Don't let racial preconceptions of who is and who isn't dangerous rule your perceptions, Bklyn is a class (upper, middle, working, poor) based culture, with race figuring in mainly during the name calling part of a fight. You actually have more to worry about from the rich kids and their consequence free lives than the poor ones. As you may have guess, this is my old hood you're talking about.

Amanda: 26th May 2006 - 18:09 GMT

Im a white girl, 23, and I moved to Brooklyn from the suburbs of Massachusetts. I have been all over Brooklyn, in whats considered the "bad" areas, and I honestly think its hysterical that people are afraid. Unless you're walking around LOOKING lost and scared and uncomfortable, no one is going to bother you in broad daylight. Unless you're offended by the occaisional whistle or "hey baby", youve got nothing to worry about. Brooklyn is a great area, I love it, and have NEVER felt unsafe at any point since Ive been here, including walking back to my apartment from the subway at all hours of the night.

anon (cache-dtc-ac06.proxy.aol.com): 26th May 2006 - 20:06 GMT

I grew up in Marine Park. It is a safe, residental, working class area where a high population of police and firefighters live. Not pretentious, and with a nice middle-income suburban vibe.

Most places in Marine Park are a two fare zone, but if you are working in Coney Island, it shouldnt be an issue -- especially if you have a car. Parking is pretty available in the area as well.

For the most part, Brooklyn isn't really the scary place people make it out to be.

Jayne: 27th May 2006 - 02:49 GMT

Thank you all for your comments. Keep 'em comin', please!! The more opinions the better. Happy Memorial Day Weekend.

C.: 27th May 2006 - 08:30 GMT

Walk tall and with a purpose and you can get through anything (in heels too!).

jack: 27th May 2006 - 13:16 GMT

jayne, thx for the gramatical come back, i try to watch my grammer and spelling when i type but most times i just fly throught it. mitch seemed to wrap the whole thing up. its true, it does not matter what race you are, there are bad people everywhere. and mitch, where in coney did you grow up?

sally: 27th May 2006 - 16:09 GMT

coney island is fine by day but i've seen some really, really bad things go down there at night.

ian: 27th May 2006 - 18:42 GMT

It's funny how terrified white people are of black neighborhoods. Most of the time it is genuine, honest fear. Such a rare delight.

anon (cache-rtc-ad06.proxy.aol.com): 27th May 2006 - 22:38 GMT

As a life-long (more than 50 years) Brooklyn native there's no place I'd feel afraid to walk in the daytime, nor was there even in the 70s and 80s.

force: 28th May 2006 - 21:05 GMT

nah nah nah.. yall got it allllllllll wrong sweet hearts.... 1st of all.. ghettos n slums never change.. white civilizations will never change.... coney island is ghetto.... u aint realizin it... cuz u focusin on sumin else.. if u focus on gangs n bad shit... u will notice alotta shit dat been goin down n u neva knew bout it.... i left wen i was 12yrs of age.... i knew NOTHIN bout gangs... i know dat 1 was red another was blue..... dey do bad shit n slash niggas... but i was 2 caught up in pokemon n powerangers.. n godzillas 2 understand.... i left linvcoln place. 2 go to texas.... now look.. im surfin on da net n im seein like eye slashins bein reported in newyork..... gangs/.. people nation folk nation... latinkings... n all dis shit..... i was really star struck... so aint nuin change... u jus gotta focus on dat shit 2 see wat happens.... my brother tells me every fri on coney island bloods come out 2 punk lil kids n slash n test knowledge n shit.... i aint even know dat.. so aint nuin change.... u jus focus on sumin else

Max: 13th Jun 2006 - 17:14 GMT

How about Brooklyn Cruise Terminal area? Is it safe? Do you know nice hotel nearby?

T Bagz: 7th Jul 2006 - 20:55 GMT

Its funny what everyone here thinks of Brooklyn. Yall bin listenin to too much news and rap music. I liv in Bed Stuy and seen lots of tragedies but unless you come round here at night tryin to hustle aint nothin gonna happin to ya. Just be smart cuz violence is everywhere, dont frown at no one and if you really scared, hop in a cab. and dont listen to force cuz he jus flossin. you dont see crips or bloods wearin red or blu anymore unlless they kids. So dont worry bout a thang and welcome to Brooklyn baby girl!

blondie: 16th Aug 2006 - 14:07 GMT

Brooklyn is not the best place to be but I won't let go of a good job offer just because I had to travel through the area. I'm not from the area but everytime I go to visit relatives I can't walk the street alone. Every guy young and old bugs the shit out of me. Like hey baby and I have even had some follow me, If you are attractive the guys in that area will drive you crazy. Sometimes I do feel threatened. Just be careful and be aware of your surroundings.

Peter: 16th Aug 2006 - 14:40 GMT

for what its worth, ive rarely observed the above-mentioned behavior in brooklyn, and i live here. maybe out in the hood, though. who knows. but brooklyn isnt all hood.

wackojacko: 16th Aug 2006 - 20:15 GMT

Check the police blotters of NY papers. Brooklyn, especially the bad parts, IS bad. Even in the bad parts, what are the chances of something happening? Pretty low. Chances still higher than in the suburbs? Damn straight. I have friends who've been mugged at gunpoint in Park Slope, which is supposed to be safe. I know cops in East New York, and it IS REALLY BAD. No reason for a white girl to go there other than to buy drugs.

Other bad spots: East Williamsburg near the projects, Bushwick, Brownsville, Bed Stuy.

Are you safer during the day? Yes. Are you "safe" compared to Long Island? No.

BROOKLYNusmc: 22nd Aug 2006 - 01:53 GMT

don't be scared, jus keep ya head up and everythang will be aight ;)
welcome to CROOKLYN!
"IF YOU CAN MAKE IT HERE, YOU CAN MAKE IT ANYWHERE!" ha ha haaaa

anderson: 22nd Aug 2006 - 03:34 GMT

i been to brooklyn before i never had problems there i find kool
but i really dont about living there

Keith: 25th Aug 2006 - 18:54 GMT

My roomate and I are moving from Buffalo to Brooklyn next week. We were originally looking for a place in Manhattan, but there was no way we could get co-signers that made enough cash for us to get approved, so we found a place in East Williamsburg. It's on Flushing Ave near the Morgan station off the L train. I hear the area has been gentrifying a lot and has been getting a lot safer, and the people I saw around during the day seemed perfectly normal, but do any of you know how that area is by night? I can't help but worry, especially since I'm such a night owl and I'm always going out.

I'm just glad that I'm a big guy... 6'4" rocker type dude, lol. I'm sure there are lots of lowlifes out there that would mess with me anyway, but it couldn't hurt, right?

don't worry about it!: 29th Sep 2006 - 20:33 GMT

Coney Island is the safest neiborhood in brooklyn. I lived here for all my 15yrs and it's great. I go by myself alot of places and never had a problum. about the gangs their wannabes. thier are no crips, bloods,latin king or for movie go'ers no warriors. The biggest threat for coney island is the next hurricane.For "force" what coney island were you living in? "force" is the example of a wannabe. oh and i'm white so the race issue isn't a factor. Coney island is getting to be very diverse.such as russians,pakistanis,hispanics,african-americanand some asians.

Nug Flex: 1st Nov 2006 - 04:10 GMT

Why don't you just get yourself a gun and if you ever feel threatened you can pull it out and start shooting it into the air or, if need be, at someone.

anon (c-68-54-201-162.hsd1.fl.comcast.net): 4th Nov 2006 - 00:47 GMT

brooklyn is a good place, so ya people should stop talkin like that of brooklyn iight

whois: 4th Nov 2006 - 21:56 GMT

yeah brooklyn iz a good place... all east new york, brownsville, bed stuy, east flatbush, flatbush, crown heights, bushwick, east williamsburg and even williamsburg, we all in da house...

dela: 13th Nov 2006 - 06:04 GMT

I'm a white girl from N.Jersey, 24. I've been going to Brooklyn for many years to visit friends and family. I love Brooklyn, nice place to visit. If your worried just get a roomate and live in Manhattan. www.craigslist.com - to find a roomate.

c.: 24th Dec 2006 - 05:14 GMT

How is the area?
Atlantic Avenue 11233 area code
I am a white female petite and cute.
Am I going to be killed if I go there alone?

anon (localhost): 31st Dec 2006 - 13:22 GMT

How is east flatbush?
I want to buy a coop around there, is it safe?

dereck : 21st Jan 2007 - 06:34 GMT

I lived in brooklyn all my life . its relaxing and its fun . i have many friends here.youll get used to it.Some people exagerate about brooklyn

anabelle isabella: 21st Jan 2007 - 06:36 GMT

brooklyn can be danerous. so you got to be careful. but you getuse to it . when you live there.

giselle ashy: 21st Jan 2007 - 06:43 GMT

there are no bad parts in brooklyn.youll understnd it if you lived there like i do.but be very careful.you got watch your back once in a while .other than that relax

Donny Pricks: 17th Feb 2007 - 21:39 GMT

you got nothing to worry about ive been going to brooklyn for as long as i can remember n the only 2 places i ever really had a problem was bushwick and bedford stuyvesant

dominick: 18th Feb 2007 - 08:40 GMT

the italian neighborhoods are always the safest such as bensonhurst and dyker heights. Ive never had a problem in either.

want a job: 23rd Feb 2007 - 05:10 GMT

What type of neighborhood is Crown Heights? I visited today, felt a little uncomfortable in daylight. I am thinking of taking a job off of St.Marks. Can I (young female) walk to the subway alone???

upfromflames: 23rd Feb 2007 - 14:35 GMT

Crown Heights is partly Chasidic Jewish, partly Caribbean black, two communities who have conflicted for years over the territory. just check out the flags on the houses to see who's who.

Its also got the biggest parade in N.America, come labor day.
www.carnaval.com/cityguides/newyork/ny_carn.htm

But yeah, its crime is way down, and is a safe area.

Chuck from FreshDirect: 6th Mar 2007 - 04:03 GMT

Brooklyn is alright -- I dropped a few loads there in my time. My kind of town.

timdog : 17th Mar 2007 - 17:17 GMT

im black and im 19 i live in fot greene brooklyn I love it out ther when im ther it is all good but when i leave peaple get shot stapped arrested all that crap.brooklyn is good I love it there some gangs scare me like when i was in flatbush i went up the block and i saw many crips I was blood at the time

westcoast LK: 18th Mar 2007 - 12:38 GMT

one love to all my familia y gente no matter where your from or what nation you ride for, from the boogie down bronx to brooklyn its all love....5 alive ADR!!!!

racer: 22nd Mar 2007 - 05:14 GMT

What do yall think about East New York? Is it a bad area to be walking around in the daytime?

Sonray: 28th Mar 2007 - 01:45 GMT

i wouldnt go into bed stuy,marcy projects area,east new york area in daytime if i were you

Sonray: 28th Mar 2007 - 01:47 GMT

i live in bushwick its ight there in daytime occasional murder and rape more robbery really

upfromflames: 28th Mar 2007 - 03:14 GMT

Police statistics would not exactly back you up. Don't believe everything you read.

jamills: 6th Apr 2007 - 20:51 GMT

don't walk in bed stuy and brownsville at night because you will see bullets flying

iman: 6th Apr 2007 - 22:02 GMT

well i just moved to brooklyn 3 months ago, it is not what i expected. i heard all that stuff on tv like jay-z saying that it was the type of place you'd get shot at, but there are some nice people here. i haven't had any problems since i moved here, and i was living poor on long island.

robert: 8th Apr 2007 - 22:16 GMT

I know yall moved off the subject of ConeyIsland but some ppl talkin like its a nice place. Maybe if you stay by the amusmentpark you will be okay but if you go into places like Searise and Graveson its a different storie. Im only 14 and i lived there my whole life and shit, but im young and some of yall older but its already temptin for me to turn blood. Its not a good place anymore ppl shoot there gun for no reason i seen shootouts and alot of other things. So for ppl to say Coneyisland is safe thats not true because if it was safe why did my brother and cousin get jumped by bloods right across the street? Why do my other brother carry a gun with him and i even seen a blood in brod daylight with his 9mm in the chineese resturant acting like its nothing. They will try you but aslong as you keep it moving and mind your buisness trust me you will be okay. If you move to Coneyisland then try to move in a house over by the beach or in seagate is cool to. Just stay away from west33rd and places like that because its not good. They got us little kids selling there drugs and everything so if you have kids just be careful.

iman: 9th Apr 2007 - 00:13 GMT

to robert: man i'm 15 and i grew up around bloods. believe me man, if your gonna join anything, make your own small time clique, i'll garantee you that you'll fight a lot, but not get killed, i've seen so many bloods get wasted pretty badly. the bloods are a good connection though. and don't use a gun, show them that your tough by fighting. on second thought, keep one just in case, but only use it if you really need to. by the way, i live in brooklyn, but my clique is still on l.i., i've only lived here for 3 months, but if you get into any of that stuff, we got your back man.

robert: 10th Apr 2007 - 21:50 GMT

Thanks man, but ConeyIsland have mad clicks in my hood and shit. They got nfo im sure you heard of them niggas and some other ones that i cant recall at the moment. I live in Searise and its funny because the bloods never ran Searise until a couple years ago and now they taken over. I try not to worry about it because i know all the dealers and shit so its not that big of a worry but u still have to watch your back. Dont trust nobody you know but I just wanted to tell those ppl who was like its safe in ConeyIsland that its not as safe as there making it seem. Its not the worst but if it keep on moving the way it is ConeyIsland is gonna be one of the badest hoods.

iman: 10th Apr 2007 - 22:08 GMT

i hear that man, but if you ever need our help, i got some blood connections, as in i just have some friends that are bloods. and my clique could help you out too, we've never lost a fight, or a rumble. by the way man, i live in bensonhurst.

dougieESQ: 11th Apr 2007 - 02:23 GMT

there is no east williamsburg...it is bushwick.

If you haven't lived in NYC before you will find Coney Island to be sketch unless you are riding the Cyclone. Also, if you are a Brooklyn newbie you will NOT be comfortable in Crown Heights, East NY, Red Hook, Ft Greene, Bed sty or Brownsville.

And for people that say something could happen anywhere...well you are right. You could get mugged or beat up in Soho or the Upper West side but you are WAY more likely to be messed with in Bushwick or Bed Sty. Don't be an idiot. Check it out for yourself before you move anywhere.

robert: 11th Apr 2007 - 23:26 GMT

Ok well i can get what yall are saying. Yea I know where Ft.Greene is i got alot of family that live there real shitty place in some areas.Oh and Bensonhurst aint that by Lafayette HS my brother went there and to Grady. Well shit thers nothing to get scared of its just that ppl are dumb now ya know. They think there untouchable and trust me its not true because whenever my uncle come around they turn to pussys. IDK what he did or said but there scared of him for some reason lol. Well do you think ConeyIsland is getting worst or Better in a way?

dougieESQ: 12th Apr 2007 - 18:47 GMT

I think with all the changes coming to coney island in the next few years people will say its getting better but I think it will actually be worse. Luxury lofts and condos do not make a neighborhood.

robert: 13th Apr 2007 - 20:42 GMT

I agree 100%. I dont think Brooklyn is a borough for something like that and Coneyisland is always gonna be a piece of shit no matter what they try to do. People from places around ConeyIsland is gonna mess it up and its not gonna last. I seriously think its gonna be a waste of money because the purpose of it makes absoloutly no sence. Nobody wanna go there and then when they drive 5mins down the road there back in a ghetto or hood. ya know

iman: 13th Apr 2007 - 21:06 GMT

robert: yeah man i go to lafayette hs. by the way, if c.i. is bad already, you're right, it doesn't matter if it gets worse. just as long as it doesn't spread to some people. don't let it get to you, you seem like a smart kid. you should go to college, do good in life, and look down upon the gangs of coney instead of watching out for them. and i'm not saying this as a hippocrit, the clique i was in was just my friends and i watching out for each other from bloods and other gang members.

damn: 14th Apr 2007 - 20:03 GMT

Is bedford avenue around 7th street dangerous man? im a chinese kid and i dont wanna dir

robert: 15th Apr 2007 - 22:59 GMT

Iman: yeah i hear you out though. im not goin to college or no shit like that i dont think its for me. i just wanna be a automechanic because i like cars and shit. i guess maybe i can find a college for cars and shit like that. something like ITT tech or something i think i'll like

Paradox: 18th Apr 2007 - 21:53 GMT

It's interesting to hear what people think of Brooklyn but overall it's not as bad as it used to be. I'm not saying that crime is all gone but the city has changed a lot. All the notorius people from the crack / gang era are either dead or locked up. I myself grew up in Crown Heights (Crime Heights) so I was at the center of everything. Bed-Stuy (Do or Die) to the north, Flatbush (The Bush) to the south and Brownsville (Bumsville) to the east. Prospect Park was on our west side.
Really the only parts of Brooklyn that still has issues are where there are a lot of projects. But thats anywhere in New York.

Peace

Paradox
http://www.myspace.com/paradoxworld

iman: 18th Apr 2007 - 22:56 GMT

to robert: that's cool man. you just gotta do what you want to do. live cool man. brooklyn for life bro. holla.

brooklyngal: 24th May 2007 - 02:35 GMT

I am surprised by how many people respond to the question: is Brooklyn safe? Brooklyn is HUGE. It is a city. Asking if it is safe is like asking if New York City is safe. Is Chicago safe. Is San Francisco safe? Like any urban area is has good and bad areas and good and bad people. That said, I don't think there are areas anywhere in New York where you can't walk around in the middle of the day.

Bazz: 4th Jun 2007 - 20:38 GMT

Hi everyone, how are ye today? I will be living near Sunset park(44th and 4th) for 3 months, does anyone know how safe the area is, what type of place it is? Thanks by the way I'm coming from Ireland so I have no knowledge other than its a residential area, so anything would be appreciated

Peter: 4th Jun 2007 - 23:26 GMT

yo bazz, i used to live right in that neighborhood... 45th and 4th ave, actually. that area is great. be sure to walk up to 5th avenue for the good shopping, diners and amazing produce. also head up in that direction to see the actual sunset park. the views of manhattan in the golden hour of the afternoon are outstanding. youre close to the R train, and you can hop the N express and transfer to a bunch of other trains at atlantic ave. youll be about 40-45 minutes from times square via the subway so be sure to charge that ipod and pack a few books. the commute loses its novelty after the first 10 times or so... though the views from the manhattan bridge are superlative.

if you have a camera, take some shots and share them with us here. even though i live only minutes away now, i never get down that ways, so id love to see the old hood.

theres some great graffiti down there, too, between 3rd and 4th ;)

Bazz: 6th Jun 2007 - 20:19 GMT

Thanks Peter, that sounds brilliant. We wanted American culture and it looks like we're gonna get it! The commute will be no problem, I don't think we'll be going into Manhattan much other than work cos it sounds like everything you would want is there! Thanks a million for all your help

PhillyGuy83: 7th Jun 2007 - 05:14 GMT

People exaggerate so much about New York that its sickening. If you are from a picket fenced suburb and want to know if you'll be safe in some inner city neighborhood then more than likely you shouldn't be going there because you'll probably feel very uncomfortable and will stick out like a sore thumb regarless of your race. A suburbnite thinking that inner city people are out just waiting to rob them is as realistic as the chances of an "urbanite"? getting driven out the suburbs by a mob. Trust me, you aren't that important. Act like a tourist anywhere and there will be someone there waiting to take advantage of you.
...Oh yea, people exaggerate New York's crime rate so much it's insane. Same with Newark, NJ and Camden. Like people in those cities are all on the corner 24/7 like they don't have bills to pay too. I grew up in Northern NJ back in the early 90's late 80's when New York was actually a bad city. It is faaaaar from that now and 10 times much cleaner. A little too clean for my taste(its just not the same anymore true NYers know what I'm talking about). But yea New York has really improved and gentrification is in full effect. If you're worried about a rough city then Philly is the place you should worry about not New York. Atleast New York has attractions, Philly is just a big disappointment. Literally, 90% of the people here couldn't tell you where the Liberty Bell is or know a thing about the city's history. Outside of Downtown and the university districts, its pretty much neglected.

NAME: 19th Jun 2007 - 00:59 GMT

Brooklyn is a great place to be. I lived here since i was 2 and have seen many die, many leave, and many goin nowhere with there lives. 1st b careful about where u tell people u live. 4 xample If u go to East New york and some1 tries 2 press u and asks u where from tell dem EAST NEW YORK. Cuz if u tell dem Brownsville dey gon jump or shoot yo ass. Da gangs b gettin confused now cuz dey rep by set. If u blue from a different area you will get hurt. Not 2 much of a color and if u do no bandanas,flags or fitted with b's or c's. If u see a lot of people sittin around doin nuthin stay away. you might walk in2 a shootout or dey might wanna jump u. Da best things are 2 get 2 know people in ur area and always have sumthin 2 do. Dat means if u want 2 have a barbeque do it in the back or sumthing. Dont let people think ur doin nuthin cuz theyll wanna do nuthin wit u. Dat leads 2 trouble just be careful dont fight about everything but also dont be a pussy. Dis is da best way 2 be safe in some areas of brooklyn

Lakim: 19th Jun 2007 - 02:29 GMT

I'm from brooklyn born and raised straight outta the section of East New York it's one of the the worst sections in brooklyn we had bloods, crips, latin kings exc. And it was broken down by sets such as E.P.G, P.I.C, CODE 31, P.I.P, A.B.G, R.B.C, PLATINUM ANGELS exc. for example if you where blood - e.p.g you'll probably have beef with the bloods who where p.i.c it was getting ridiculous i've seen people get jumped countless amount of times i've seen a raping, countless gang wars, robberies, jumpings and meny more that I don't feel is safe for me to share.I now reside in a nice neighborhood in philadelphia. But I heard the the crime rate did go down by 2004.

milton: 5th Aug 2007 - 21:21 GMT

i grew up in brooklyn and it was terrific brownsville was a great place

KB: 12th Aug 2007 - 16:40 GMT

ive heard alot of bad stuff about brownsville out of all places in NY...is it really that bad?

Ganja joe: 16th Aug 2007 - 20:07 GMT

im moving to coney island soon, how hard is it to buy buds? like r there alot of under cover popos or what, hit me up and blaze on...

M.A.V: 25th Aug 2007 - 19:57 GMT

iv been living in in coney island graveson for 5 years. it wasent to bad. when i moved to east flatbush the first thing i saw was that the nieghbohood was runed by crips. iv been living in east flatbush now for anyear and it seems bad. mostly everyday theres gunshot or fights. this shit is serios. who ever wants to move over here pick a different place.

njdude: 30th Aug 2007 - 00:14 GMT

HEy

I am new to NJ and need to see someone on Ross St in Brooklyn. Is it safe?

becks: 1st Sep 2007 - 08:54 GMT

M.A.V. where are you living? i'm thinking of moving to e. flatbush, is it real bad? looks pretty family to me. you think it's just street by street, some parts better than others? or is it just really fights and gunshots all over? would b great to hear more -- before i move. thanks.

Dav: 25th Sep 2007 - 21:31 GMT

Hi,

I'm french and I want to visit New York.
I'll live for twelve days near fourth avenue in Brooklyn, is it sure? Some friends of mine said the security is bad but when I read this forum, it seems enough sure. I have to be careful but now, where we don'have to be careful?

Thanks for yours answers.

BathBeach: 11th Oct 2007 - 18:38 GMT

In December of 2006, I moved from Salt Lake City to Manhattan. I lived there around 66th street for half a year. [rent: $2,500 a month]. After I had been here a while, I realised that Brooklyn is not as dangerous as I had thought. I now live in Brooklyn in the Bath Beach area and it is mostly Russian and Chinese. That's a very safe area, in my opinion. I am a 6'4" male so I guess I'm not a representative sample but I am able to go nearly anywhere any time of night. By coincidence, my brother is visiting me and he got a hotel on Utita Ave. That seems a lot more hood-like and more dangerous. However, I have yet to encounter any problem in all of NYC or Brooklyn.

Qari: 16th Oct 2007 - 20:33 GMT

I have a question I am going to be moving to the Glemore plaza, in the Brownsville Area. is that a bad area like a shooting every day or week or a lot of muggings in that area?

huh?: 16th Oct 2007 - 20:47 GMT

Is there any single neighborhood in the world-- much less Brooklyn-- that actually has "a shooting every day"? Where do people get their ideas of Brooklyn from? It's not like it's fucking Darfur there or something. Geez.

FromAmsterdam: 2nd Nov 2007 - 16:31 GMT

Me and 2 friends are going to new york for 3 weeks in januari. me and another one are white and the 3rd one is hispanic looking. whe should be allright by daytime in brooklyn right? (the 2 guys im with are big :P)

anon (c-67-167-208-183.hsd1.il.comcast.net): 2nd Nov 2007 - 17:21 GMT

If you have to ask, don't go..there another job out there somewhere.. maybe selling insurance to white girls in their 20's....maybe move to another state? What a question...

catherine: 3rd Nov 2007 - 06:56 GMT

my best friend and i are looking for an apt in brooklyn. neither of us are stupid, but we are young (20). naturally, my mother is worried that i won't be safe if i move too far from manhattan where i would be taking the subway a long distance. i have been living in the city for a year and a half and have never had any problems, except being occasionally hit on, because i act like i know what i'm doing so no one bothers me. she is still deciding if she wants to let me move. i will be paying, but i want her permission anyway. how can i convince her to let me move and that it isn't the 70s anymore. she has an idea that brooklyn is unsafe because she lived hear 30 years ago. thanks.

CartLegger: 3rd Nov 2007 - 12:32 GMT

I think you'd be wise to let your mother read some of the comments on this post. Maybe you can print the positive ones for her? But it may take more than that to sway her from her memory. As I like to say, memory is the best antidote for history. She'll never see Brooklyn the way you will.

Shevo: 12th Nov 2007 - 18:44 GMT

This board is hilarious..I practically lived in Forte Green projects for about 3 months and nothing happened to me. I am what one would call an black white girl. I grew up in a Mass. suburb in which mine was one of the two black families, wear expensive clothing, speak properly, and love jewelry. No one bothered me- other than a bit of a culture shock I'd have to say my stay in Brooklyn was a nice one. I think no matter where you go in the world if you carry yorself with respect, and respect the people around you Karma will always protect you. If you are a lousy person to begin with then bad thins are undoubtedly headed your way.

In short take the job. Learn the 23 Psalms, and have a great life.

Partara: 2nd Dec 2007 - 04:32 GMT

What about the Dekalb area? I might move there.

brooklyn girl: 16th Dec 2007 - 06:05 GMT

im a white girl born and raised in BK. you cant be serious with this message board. most of these people sound like they never leave the house. why do you think because your white your going to be killed for walking in any neighborhood in BK? LMAO. get over yourself and get out more!!

Kasey: 4th Jan 2008 - 20:20 GMT

No offence but why are you sitting here saying you are white? To me it makes no difference what color you are. If there is troulbe somewhere you either get caught up in it, or you dont. I dont really think that daytime and nightime hours are going to make a difference, if someone is going to bust a cap in someone elses ass they gonna do it any time of day.

jollyboy: 3rd Feb 2008 - 17:03 GMT

english guy thinking of getting a place on clarkson in east flatbush. seems lively area, but last night when i left there were five, yes, five cops standing on the flatbush/clarkson corner. yes that's good to keep crime down, perhaps, but why should an area need five cops, something i've never seen in 40 years in nyc? it was only 10:30 pm, by the way.

Cloud: 16th Feb 2008 - 02:32 GMT

I live near Coney Island and I use the Q train to get around. I tell you what, I've been robbed 3 times over 1 school year so far. One of the robberies almost ended my life when a kid was about to stab me...

JGurl: 2nd Mar 2008 - 01:31 GMT

Hey I'm only 18, and I have concerns too. I have to transfer to a university in Brooklyn within a year, and I might get an apartment on the east side since I heard it's really safe. Is it true? Also is it true that the upper west side of brooklyn is very dangerous? I have friends who warned me to avoid it at all costs otherwise you'll mostly likely will no longer be alive.

Peter: 3rd Mar 2008 - 14:45 GMT

i think youre referring to manhattan, as it has areas referred to as "upper east side" and "upper west side", whereas brooklyn generally doesnt. to me, the "upper east side/east side" is where folks move that are a) rich b) interested in not having a typical nyc experience. as far as "no longer being alive", i must say that your friends sound like theyre spouting sensationalist bullshit, either way. i mean, how often do you hear about brooklyn- or anywhere else in nyc for that matter- being deathsville? i mean, seriously. thats tripe that only predjudiced people (and the uninitiated or ignorant) pass along...

brnxbaby: 20th Mar 2008 - 12:51 GMT

Nah, I got fam in brooklyn and they are just fine..I stayed my summers there alot when my moms was working... You have nothing to worry about sweet heart... But still be on your guard, but I mean anywhere you go. Crime happens everywhere, the degree of the crime just depends on why somebodys doing it and where they are. Got me? Hope this helps.

Cherie: 8th Apr 2008 - 18:43 GMT

Okay, can someone help me out? I'm looking at an apartment at corner of Broadway and Hart in Bed-Sty or is it Bushwick? Landlord says Bed-Sty. It's a good deal and the Myrtle subway's close. The neighborhood seems a bit strange—like maybe I wouldn't fit in, so I'm trying to get some education here. I almost hate to say it and please don't laugh too hard but, I'm 20, I'm white and I'm Canadian. I'm also tall for a girl, and thin but curvy, long medium blond wavy hair (does this stuff really matter). I saw some bullet holes in the building next door but those could have been from anytime right? There aren't any gangs or anything are there? Thanks for any advice.

Peter: 8th Apr 2008 - 19:03 GMT

cherie: broadway, in the area around hart street is the border between bushwick and bed-stuy, so i suppose it depends on which side of broadway the place is on, heh. the west side being bed-stuy and the east side being bushwick.

i, myself, live in bushwick, less than 5 blocks from that intersection, and i love my neighborhood. though i hate these sorts of subjective threads about race/gentrification/safety, i will say that you and i fit into a similar demographic, and i find the neighborhood to be perfect. affordable, safe, accessible, etc. right there, youre near the M train (which runs express on rush-hours, so you dont have to switch to the J at central ave to get into the city for work!), close enough to the L train, and theres a grocery right there... i say go for it.

Colorado Kid: 10th Apr 2008 - 03:59 GMT

I drove a truck in Brooklyn and Queens, delivering fuel oil. You should expect something bad to happen, always be on your guard. I've had more run ins with all sorts of people. You never know what they are capable of. There are a lot of angry people out there. Don't be lulled into a false sense of security. Brooklyn is not Mayberry. Remember the ONE rule of B'klyn and that's there are no rules! Do yourself a favor, stay out of crappy areas. Your just a walking target. Take my word for it, I know what I'm saying. I've spent more time on the street than any of these other posters. Try to get something on Long Island if you can.

jason: 7th May 2008 - 20:37 GMT

i use to live in east 21 between beverly and coutelyou (flatbush). thanks god i got out of there. it was terrible. Their was gunshots almost every day. my friend marlon god stab in front of my building. now i am living in ave k wich is a lot better. i wouldnt reccomend anyone to move there

sandra: 7th Jun 2008 - 15:52 GMT

broadway and hewes st is dangerous i am planning to move there i don't know anything about brooklyn new york.! help mee!

1life2live: 15th Jun 2008 - 05:25 GMT

I from brooklyn my whole life the truth is shit can happen if your in the wrong place at the wrong time im lucky i have many friends stabbed or killed for stupidity but as long as you keep your head up and nose clean for the most part nobody bothers you although its always good to mention some names if shit pops off. I love livin here but wouldn't raise a family here the school system is fcuked up. a word of advice to u youngerster dont be stupid and join a gang it just brings problems i rolled with locs (crips) my whole life although i though i was cool i was just makin thing worse. stay with ur close group of friends and NEVER TRUST ANYBODY LIKE BIG SAID "YOUR MOM WILL SET UR ASS UP PROPERLY GASSED UP" haha lifes funny

Allison: 15th Jun 2008 - 19:32 GMT

Well, I was born in Flatbush and even though I've been out for 20 years the place still gives me the willies whenever I return. I live in Manhattan now and am constantly amazed at the amount of self-delusion that people have about crime here - it reminds me of when I lived in San Francisco and people would tell me about how earthquakes were no big deal. The truth is, Brooklyn is huge and there are bad and good parts. Go online and search databases with crime stats and call (or visit) the local police precinct where you are thinking of living and ask them what type of neighborhood it is. Believe me, whatever you may think about cops, they know. Here are the latest stats I could pull on Kings county as a whole, unfortunately from 2006. NY has cleaned itself up a great deal over the years, but don't kid yourself that ANY big city is safe.

County Kings
Community/county police department County Total
Year 2006
Total number of reported crimes (violent and property) 61,368
Number of violent crimes 17,992
Number of murders 225
Number of rapes 307
Number of robberies 8,182
Number of aggravated assaults 9,278
Number of property crimes 43,376
Number of burglaries 7,415
Number of larcenies 30,785
Number of motor vehicle thefts 5,176

(From New York Department of Criminal Justice Services, Uniform Crime/Incident-Based Reporting system as of 12/14/2007

Allison: 15th Jun 2008 - 19:37 GMT

Not to bog you down with stats, but just by comparison here is the info for the same year in Manhattan:

County New York County
Community/county police department County Total
Year 2006
Total number of reported crimes (violent and property) 56,255
Number of violent crimes 10,662
Number of murders 111
Number of rapes 222
Number of robberies 5,083
Number of aggravated assaults 5,246
Number of property crimes 45,593
Number of burglaries 4,631
Number of larcenies 39,225
Number of motor vehicle thefts 1,737

Megan: 31st Aug 2008 - 03:16 GMT

Hello,

I have recently relocated to NY and am living in Bensonhurst, near Bay Parkway and 66th. I was wondering if I could get people's opinions on how safe it is for a single, white female to walk around at night?

Thanks for the help!

Guitarista81: 8th Sep 2008 - 15:01 GMT

We went to manhattan in 05' and felt so safe, 1st time ever been there im 26 walked all around uptown-downtown at night, I felt safe as shit. People like force could be believable if they knew how to talk like a human rather than a 12 year old trying to be a hardcore gangbanger, get a life loser. I'm rollin to brooklyn in a few weeks to go visit a friend, and all he said was as long as u mind your own business and dont go 2 the shitty parts then ur good. So fuck whatever anyone says saying brooklyn and the entire 5 burroughs are the most dangerous places in the US. Please dont be over dramatic about it. I lived in LA for 12 years and thats a hardcore place too, so it aint no different

Danielle : 12th Sep 2008 - 17:48 GMT

i probably will rent a room in brooklyn sunset park ...is it save ? I will be working in manhattan and coming late from work ...i never been in new york and im scared hearing all the stories about brooklyn ...

surfer: 17th Sep 2008 - 18:16 GMT

Answer to Megan> Bensonhurst is changing from Italian to Chinese. Still a good neighborhood.
Answer to Danielle> Sunset park is now called the 2nd Chinatown. Excellent neighborhood. I grew up there in the 50's & 60's. Expect to pay very high rent. All of Brooklyn has changed for the better. The 70's & 80's were probably the worst times for the Borough.

surfer: 17th Sep 2008 - 18:26 GMT

One more item on Brooklyn. Do not beleive everything you hear about Brooklyn being unsafe. Us Brooklynites have been picked on since DAY ONE.

surfer: 17th Sep 2008 - 18:44 GMT

Colorado Kid And I do mean Kid, when you say (THEY) whom are you referring to?

Hello, Brooklyn: 24th Sep 2008 - 04:22 GMT

Please dont come to Brooklyn... Please stay wherever it is you live if you're going to post dumbass questions like "Is Brooklyn safe for a pretty young girl?"

Please, please, please do all of us a favor and stay where you are. It's a jungle, greatness never comes out of Brooklyn. The restaurants are terrible, the shopping is horrible, all neighborhoods are bad, there are no good schools and the pizza sucks, okay?

So please, stay wherever it is that you are and don't get your soul snatched in the mean streets of Brooklyn, USA!