Is New York really as bad as people think it is?

Question

I'm thinking of moving there and attending N.Y.U, but some of my friends and family members are trying to discourage me from making my big move to N.Y.C. They seem to think it is "dangerous". I've been to N.Y 3 times in my life and I personally think its fine.

Answer 1

Around NYU is the one of the nicest areas. The people who get hurt the most in NY are the drunks, they get robbed and hurt all the time as long as you have friends to help you out the gutter you'll be fine.

Answer 2

New York is one of the safer big cities in the US. It is not even in the top twenty five of most dangerous cities. As long as you don't do stupid things and know what areas to avoid you will be OK. The area around NYU, Greenwich Village is a safe area. Of course it is more dangerous than little college towns.

Actually, downtown Manahattan -- the financial district is very safe and almost deserted at night. Uptown normally refers to Harlem but Harlem is a lot safer than people think. Washington Heights and Inwood are way uptown and are probably the sketchiest areas. The person who says uptown is safe is probably thiking of Upper East or Upper West Side -- that is NOT "uptown" . I live on the East Side between 34th and 23rd, this is a very safe area. I have lived here for 15 years and I know what I'm talkin about. People who say it's bad have probably never been here and anyway they don't know what the !@#$ they are talking about.

Answer 3

I live in New York City and I have never had problems with any danger. The reason certain thinks happen is because sometimes people like to show off and make others feel bad but sometimes those feeling bad have very bad tempers and only take it out being violent...... Like girls that get raped alot of girls just show too much cleavage and provoke guys.... I know its okay to show skin and all but sometimes girls in New York just show a little more then they are suppose to like their underwear! Personally I love living here and I live in the project buildings you can't more dangerous then that! But all people have their own opinion about NYC and living here for so many years and knowing how people are I think it is just fine just if you rather feel safer at night alwasy walk with a buddy after dark! Also they sell pepper spary! But you have to give it a shot on your own and live your life your way! Because maybe if you decide not to come you might just regret it later in life nad you will never forgive yourself!

Answer 4

NYC is only as dangerous as you let it be. We had a nut job stabbing people on the subway without being provoked a couple weeks back. (He was caught. He was visiting from Canada!) That kind of stuff you can't avoid in a city of millions of people. BUT if you don't take unnecessary risks (like walking around drunk & alone @ 2AM), you should be OK.

New Yorker's aren't as rude as most people say. Conversation style tends to be more direct. The native NY'ers that I work with have big hearts and are very cool people.

PS - I know a little about NYU. If you are to live in the dorms, be sure to NOT live in the dorm without fire sprinklers. Remember the Seton Hall fire?

Answer 5

Nyc has changed from the reputation it used to get in the past years, but you still have to be careful. Some areas or neighborhoods that used to be considered rough or run down have become more friendly and are thriving. Some strangers you can't trust if they start talking to you. Some people will have no qualms with helping somebody and ask for nothing in return. Always go places with atleast one or two other people. Don't leave a bar with somebody you just met, alone. Carry mace, just in case. Otherwise, millions of other people have alot fun here, why can't you?

Answer 6

I agree with you. I think the movies and myth have done much to damage Ny's reputation. Go to the NYPDS website and you will be able to look up annual homicide/rape/assault stats. They are better than most cities. I have lived in NYC for 5 years now, and I have never witnessed an act of violence personally while living here. I have lived in the E. Villiage and 2 locations in Midtown.
As for expense, (ie apartments, food, gas etc) however NYC may deter you from moving here. It is EXPENSIVE (but worth it). Make sure you inventory your $$$/jobs/income before packingyour stuff.

Answer 7

I've lived in NY for 2 years also attending NYU and its a great place to grow..its not dangerous..all places have violence but NY is as average as any other... I love it here wouldn't want to live anywhere else..if you gonna be getting your own place and not live in the dorms..look for family oriented neighborhoods..i live in Brooklyn, flatbush near the park..its really great..lots of families..its a Great City...there's an article i think in time magazine .that says we are the most polite city in America..I know shocking but true..its a lovely warm city..full of culture and i cant imagine living any where else...hope you come..

Answer 8

well, depending on what part of new york

like, the uptown part of new york is gorgeous, and i think it's rather safe, but downtown new york is pretty dangerous

also, you have to remember that anyy big city is dangerous in some ways

my brother attended NYU for a year, and he seemed to really like ny, i mean, he survived didn't he?

well in the end, it's your choice. just remember to stay safe anywhere you go.

Answer 9

It is not unsafe. Everyone judges the city on movies and the mafia. As long as you don't go asking for trouble, most of the time it won't find you.
Just make sure you know someone there.

Answer 10

I don't know any of the technical stuff but I do know that it has really great shopping. I visited there and it is awsome. You should take a trip down there and see what it's like.