Harlem (low income, section 8, real estate)

[destinedtodave]

Can someone tell me what the climate there is like now? I've heard that it is becoming gentrified but to what extent? How would you guys rate it in the areas of affordibility, nightlife, and safety? I'm young and considering a move to a cheaper area of Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, etc. Thanks a ton.

[cyntmac]

You are referring to above 125th street? What kind of night life are you used to and what range are you willing to pay for rent?

[baylovers]

Harlem is a pretty broad description for several smaller areas. Each block has its own merits and pitfalls. And they are changing rapidly.

I have a friend of mine who purchased a co-op on W 145 St & Edgecombe Ave across from Jackie Robinson Park. A couple of years ago he wouldn't even have considered it because of the quality of life. He got in at the right time because it looks like in a year from now he couldn't even consider because of the costs.

There is still crime and drugs in many sections of Harlem but there are many blocks making a comeback and some of the old brownstones are really gorgeous.

Climate: Spring is very nice in NYC, temperatures in the 70's and quite comfortable and will stay that way until July & August.

[Hustla718]

Harlem still is a poor area and it is nothing like Midtown and the rest of Manhattan South at night. Yes there is some gentrification but the area is still overwhelmingly poor and Black/Latino. It is also residential and much of the housing is projects.

People hype up Harlem (mostly real estate) but it's still a Moderator cut: Language area to me. Still a lot of crime, tons of drug dealing becuase of the poverty. Would rather live in parts of southern Brooklyn, Queens or Staten Island.

[destinedtodave]

Thanks for the insight. I'm drawn to Harlem for the low prices but I guess the areas of Harlem with low prices are like what Hustla described. Still though, if had alot of money I would invest in Harlem property.

[Hustla718]

Originally Posted by decafdave

Thanks for the insight. I'm drawn to Harlem for the low prices but I guess the areas of Harlem with low prices are like what Hustla described. Still though, if had alot of money I would invest in Harlem property.

Best thing to do with Harlem property is to buy then rent it out. You will make a ton, especially with large need for affordable housing in the area. The gov't will pay you to house lower income people and you will cash. Section 8, ect. Then you can live somewhere nice like Long Island, parts of Queens and Staten Island or the Jersey shore while your investment makes you money.

[mead]

Yeah but running an apartment building in Harlem has to be a huge pain in the a$$. The only way I would ever even consider something like that is if I got some nasty-looking, gun totting, mobbed up, Albanian super to run the place. Only then would I go along with it because he'd probably be able to keep everyone in line.

[d_the_inc]

Originally Posted by Hustla718

Harlem still is a poor area and it is nothing like Midtown and the rest of Manhattan South at night. Yes there is some gentrification but the area is still overwhelmingly poor and Black/Latino. It is also residential and much of the housing is projects.

People hype up Harlem (mostly real estate) but it's still a area to me. Still a lot of crime, tons of drug dealing becuase of the poverty. Would rather live in parts of southern Brooklyn, Queens or Staten Island.

You should keep your punk A$@# in southern Bkly or SI

and guess what....Moderator cut: Personal attack... many of the "overwhlemingly" poor Black/Latino who live in housing projects earn more money then your a(**...You see...they have learned how to stack their chips and pennies and move to a 2500 sq ft home in Atlanta in affluent suburbs surrounded by other "poor" Black/Latino's who did the same chump


One final thing...Moderator cut: Personal attack...there is more 300k+ condo development occuring in Harlem than any other section of the city....source NYC Dept of Housing...so speak facts

[Hustla718]

Originally Posted by d_the_inc

You should keep your punk A$@# in southern Bkly or SI

and guess what....Moderator cut: Personal attack... many of the "overwhlemingly" poor Black/Latino who live in housing projects earn more money then your a(**...You see...they have learned how to stack their chips and pennies and move to a 2500 sq ft home in Atlanta in affluent suburbs surrounded by other "poor" Black/Latino's who did the same chump


One final thing...Moderator cut: Personal attack...there is more 300k+ condo development occuring in Harlem than any other section of the city....source NYC Dept of Housing...so speak facts

I don't live in either and just becuase they are building expensive condos in Harlem doesn't mean it's a nice place to live. It's called getting ripped off. You do realize Harlem has one of the highest concentrations of housing projects in the USA. East Harlem is #1. Not to mention Section 8, HUD, and other affordable housing programs. There is WAY more low income housing then anything else in those neighborhoods. Use your head before you talk again. As a matter fact there was a shooting in Harlem this afternoon, plenty more since then.

[Elizabeth Ray]

Originally Posted by cyntmac

You are referring to above 125th street? What kind of night life are you used to and what range are you willing to pay for rent?

lookin 4 2 bedroom , i have 2 kids girl 4yrs. old , son 8 mon.