Adam McCarthy I've lived in Harlem, Bushwick, Bed-Sty, and Morris Heights. These are all ghettos in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. I have been out at night many times, doing laundry (at the 24-7 super laundry centers) and going to the store. I've never felt overtly threatened, though I have certainly been careful to be aware of my environment. I was young, and big, and am a guy, so that might explain much of my luck. Ironically, perhaps being Asian was something helpful, too -- since a big tall muscular Asian guy is an unusual sight, particularly at three in the morning! Maybe folks figure I'm crazier than any body else out at that time. =) Frankly, the only thing I'd be afraid of is that random riccochet stuff. I'd even actually live in those neighborhoods -- very easy women, for one thing, and extremely hot too -- but that crap they call music is waaaaaaayyy too noisy for me. I'd have window bars up, for sure, and have to be constantly on alert, but I'd be able to enjoy life well enough in those places, if it weren't for the noise. Trash and odors are a big problem, but usually as long as I can close the door on it all, I'm all right. Oh, generally speaking, though: take a look at the Chinese restaurants to gauge the safety level of a neigbhorhood. If those short skinny non-English speaking guys feel safe, you can be sure it's safe! Otherwise, expect shatterproof opaque plastic blast-windows and usually no seating (to discourage loitering). Another helpful guide is to see how many windows are barred. For example, the Hasidim in Williamsburg are (rightly) distrustful of all the blacks and hispanics that surround them -- hence they'll even fence up windows way up on the fifth floor!
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