East 122 St, East Harlem

I live in east harlem and have been told by other ghetto residents that this is the worst neighborhood in manhattan. I believe them. My building is infested with bloods, and shootings occur regularly. the most recent one right outside my building, the one before that 3 blocks up. Realtors created the myth that "Harlem is picking up" so they could charge absurd prices prematurely. It is picking up, but until honest, working people displace the gangs and vagrants it will remain a place to avoid.
It should be noted that police presence in the neighborhood has increased with the recent influx of young professionals, so perhaps things will improve over time. But without the architectural appeal of the west side, that timeframe is looking a little longer.
I've lived here for more than a year now and things have certainly diversified, but as the neighborhood maintains its veneer of danger and grit without the addition of a nightlife (aside from the one pub i know of on 119 and park), it remains a simple rest stop for young professionals to stay until they can move on to nicer digs.
And to be honest I think the construction of some bars and lounges in the neighborhood could be the kick East Harlem needs to start drawing a more permanent transitional crowd.