NYC... safe walking area?

[SirDuff]

I suspect that, if one looked, one could find similar photos from any metropolitan area. Given that the photos clearly violate the "instructions" we were given earlier this week, I don't suggest anyone post anymore photos, but I'm sure that they are out there.

OP - if it isn't too nosey, what kind of entertainment role is your daughter going out for?

 

[Missy1961]

I'm sorry that some people only see the negative. This was a fun thread for a while.

 

[Missy1961]

Exactly. Only one of those pictures is from midtown Manhattan. The second picture was taken outside the Empire State Building. It's the body of a man that was killed by police after he came to his old job and started shooting at his former co-workers.

The rest of the pictures are from Queens or Brooklyn. Two of them are pictures of policeman that were killed in the line of duty.

Once again, you're bringing logic to the conversation. That doesn't work when people's agenda includes spreading fear.

 

[Missy1961]

Will do! We have the hotel and train tickets. Now the hard part- deciding which show to see! We are leaning towards Curious Incident, but King and I is tempting; such a classic, and to see it on Broadway? Or Les Mis or Phantom. Might throw all caution (and money) to the wind and see a matinee AND an evening performance! Between rush tickets and TKTS, this trip should only cost about as much as next month's mortgage, LOL!

I love the King and I, and it does look amazing. I'm not a big fan of Phantom or Les Miz (I know, I know. But they're just so depressing) Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll have fun.

By the way, I loved having the discussion about NYC with you. Please don't hesitate to post stuff in the future just because this thread went sideways. Your questions were legit and I'm glad I could help.

 

[leebee]

By the way, I loved having the discussion about NYC with you. Please don't hesitate to post stuff in the future just because this thread went sideways. Your questions were legit and I'm glad I could help.

I love NYC and try to get there when we can; it's a bit of a haul from up here, but manageable. I appreciate you (and others, of course!) taking the time to answer my questions and provide helpful information. I, too, enjoyed the discussion! I'm not sidetracked by the info on crime; this is Manhattan we are talking about, so of course there's going to be serious crime. I posted my questions to avoid becoming a victim! We are UBER excited to be going down to Manhattan next week- I'm sure we'll have a wonderful time!

 

[frndshpcptn]

I heard that the King and I is wonderful. Have also heard great things about Something Rotten and Beautiful. Helen Mirren in The Audience and Fish in the Dark are two other great options, play-wise!

 

[NewRVLady]

I think it is not nice to hijack a simple thread like this

I love visiting NYC and as a Southerner who grew up in New Orleans, I feel safe in all the tourist areas in NY

 

[gemini2727]

And now for the facts, not the party line from the local tourism boosters, who don't want you to know what an absolute disaster DeBlasio has been in terms of law and order.

Murders in NYC up 20% from 2014:

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york...ear-to-year-comparison-nypd-article-1.2134509

Violent crime spiking in wealthy Manhattan neighborhoods:

http://nypost.com/2013/04/13/violent-crime-spiking-in-wealthy-manhattan-neighborhoods/

Public Outcry Directed At Mayor De Blasio As NYC Murder Rate Shoots Up

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2015/06/02/nyc-crime-rate-nyc-murder-rate-mayor-bill-de-blasio-nypd/

Your sources are laughable. The Post, really? And crime scene photos??
I am from NYC and don't appreciate you maligning my city like this. Crime happens everywhere, but for it's size, NYC is relatively very safe.


Is NYC safe? The answer is a qualified yes! Considering 8,175,133 residents share 320 sq miles, NYC’s crime rate is impressively low. According to FBI data, NYC is the safest big city in the U.S., ranking above San Jose and San Diego, California. www.walksofnewyork.com/blog/is-nyc-safe

 

[ashley0139]

For shows, I can't recommend Fun Home enough. Matilda and Curious Incident are also highly recommended. Les Mis is a classic you can't go wrong with (one of my sentimental favorites).

 

[Art 1]

I heard that the King and I is wonderful. Have also heard great things about Something Rotten and Beautiful. Helen Mirren in The Audience and Fish in the Dark are two other great options, play-wise!

Daughter saw Matilda last night and enjoyed it. I saw Aladdin not long ago and it was excellent. One of my favorites now.

 

[bsblady01]

Dinolounger you are exactly what I experienced when we were in FL with your preconceived ideas. No one says there is no crime, but it is considered safer than many. I saw worse things in Miami when were there. Have you ever been to NYC? Not only do I encourage at least once in your lifetime visiting, but take the train and go just minutes outside of the City into places like the Hudson Valley and along the Hudson River. NYC is exciting and full of culture, but also has mountains, beaches just minutes from the City, and history. You will see some of the most beautiful country you will ever see in the United States in NY. Trust me, we camp and travel all over. You can boat, kayak, hike, explore charming towns, visit historical places.

I agree all of new York is great. a visit to the Hudson valley and the catskills is a must do for anyone.

 

[bsblady01]

I love NYC and try to get there when we can; it's a bit of a haul from up here, but manageable. I appreciate you (and others, of course!) taking the time to answer my questions and provide helpful information. I, too, enjoyed the discussion! I'm not sidetracked by the info on crime; this is Manhattan we are talking about, so of course there's going to be serious crime. I posted my questions to avoid becoming a victim! We are UBER excited to be going down to Manhattan next week- I'm sure we'll have a wonderful time!

did you guys go and see the lion king yet. if you have not seen it go check it out. if you think you will be in and out of the city a lot the rest of the summer look into getting a metro card for the trains/subway

 

[Art 1]

I agree all of new York is great. a visit to the Hudson valley and the catskills is a must do for anyone.

I didn't care much for Buffalo when I was there this past January.

 

[bsblady01]

I didn't care much for Buffalo when I was there this past January.

a little to cold for you

 

[Arden01]

I didn't realize I was going to stir up such a ruckus!! I appreciate all the experienced folks who gave me exactly the information I was looking for: It's safe to walk from Times Square to Penn Station at night. Having lived in San Francisco and Boston, and traveled to/vacationed in NYC, New Orleans, Detroit, Paris, DC, Rome, and Salzburg, I/we are experienced travelers and know how to be city-smart; I am just more familiar with Manhattan from Times Square and uptown, where we've stayed and roamed repeatedly, than I am with the area around Penn Station and wanted information about this "new to us" area of Manhattan.

Regarding the hotel: This is a very last minute trip for an audition. I chose this hotel specifically for it's convenient location near Penn Station and the audition venue. DD will work a half-day on Tuesday and then we'll head for NYC, arriving at 11PM. She has to be at the audition venue around 9AM the next day. I know we are going to a show on Wednesday evening, then catching an 11AM train home on Thursday morning, as DD has to be back to work on Friday (and no, airfare is prohibitive right now- not a consideration). If we'd planned in advance, or she had more time off so we could travel more leisurely and touristy, we would have looked more widely around the city, but honestly, we like staying in the Times Square/Midtown/Central Park south area. I didn't Hotwire or Priceline a room because we want to be in a very specific location, and of course with Priceline you take the risk of accommodations for 2 being one double bed (NOT happening!). The room at the Wyndham New Yorker is a queen room at the AAA rate of $215 a night. The next best price I could find (through Expedia) was at the EconoLodge Times Square, at $223, and those rooms are teeny. I'm pleased with the accommodation and that DD won't have to take the subway to the audition the next morning, and now know that it'll be safe for us to walk uptown to Times Square for dinner and a show and then walk back to the hotel on Wednesday evening.

Thanks to all who sent good wishes for my DD's audition. She's auditioning for a job as a dancer on the Disney Cruise Line!! We'll see... I hear the crew accommodations on DCL make NYC hotel rooms look spacious!

Shaking my head at some of the posts... OP, you will be FINE! I work in the area. Like other New Yorkers have said, keep your wits about you and be aware of your surroundings as you would in any major city. 8th Avenue is very crowded at night and day and watch out for all the clothing carts coming down the sidewalk since you are in the fashion district! I'm a long time New Yorker, recently moved to NJ, just outside the city. I take the train from Penn Station frequently and sometimes very late at night because I work in the theatre industry. I have never felt unsafe. I would stay exactly where you are. You don't want any extra stress or travel from another hotel for such an important audition. Best of luck to your daughter!! PM if you'd like any more specifics about the area, rec's for restaurants, B'way shows etc.

 

[cabanafrau]

I didn't care much for Buffalo when I was there this past January.

If you get a beatdown with endless outdated snow stats and the most outrageous blizzard pics ever, you brought it on yourself.

 

[Caskett616]

I heard that the King and I is wonderful. Have also heard great things about Something Rotten and Beautiful. Helen Mirren in The Audience and Fish in the Dark are two other great options, play-wise!

My sister loved Beautiful.

 

[CPT Tripss]

I love NYC and try to get there when we can; it's a bit of a haul from up here, but manageable. I appreciate you (and others, of course!) taking the time to answer my questions and provide helpful information. I, too, enjoyed the discussion! I'm not sidetracked by the info on crime; this is Manhattan we are talking about, so of course there's going to be serious crime. I posted my questions to avoid becoming a victim! We are UBER excited to be going down to Manhattan next week- I'm sure we'll have a wonderful time!

UBER? Now you got all the cabbies angry.

I agree all of new York is great. a visit to the Hudson valley and the catskills is a must do for anyone.

Can I get there on public transit or do I need to rent a car?

 

[snapppyd]

OP, if you somehow make it out of the city alive, come back and tell us how the audition went.

LOL! I worked at 39th Street & 7th Avenue for years. It's a great area. I also rode the 7 Train every day. Never once was I stabbed, mugged, etc. It's a very busy area and as long as you walk like you belong (briskly, like you know where you are going) and are aware of your surroundings you will be fine.

Just this past Sunday my best friend and I saw "Finding Neverland". We loved it! I don't like depressing plays, musical comedy is my favorite.

Hope you have a wonderful time in our great city!

 

[aprilgail]

LOL! I worked at 39th Street & 7th Avenue for years. It's a great area. I also rode the 7 Train every day. Never once was I stabbed, mugged, etc. It's a very busy area and as long as you walk like you belong (briskly, like you know where you are going) and are aware of your surroundings you will be fine.

Just this past Sunday my best friend and I saw "Finding Neverland". We loved it! I don't like depressing plays, musical comedy is my favorite.

Hope you have a wonderful time in our great city!

My friends and I saw Disenchanted this past Sunday, we walked from Penn to 48th and 10th- went tot he Hells Kitchen Flea market and walked back and we are all still here to tell about it. Tomorrow I am taking my 86 year old mother to see Mamma Mia and she is going to walk the 12 blocks to the theater, guess I should be charged with elder abuse for putting her in a deadly situation!