Harlem

Harlem is one of the largest areas in Manhattan, and is hence quite varied. Over the last 2 decades it has changed dramatically, with the most rapid change in the last 5 years. There are tony brownstones, modern luxury buildings, affordable housing and housing projects, mixed in, with professional families, people who have lived her for decades, new and old stores and restaurants, all blending together in a nice way. Several large parks that are well maintained, many new shops, high walkability, and a great restaurant scene.
The areas near Morningside park, FDB, are especially nice. Affordability has declined, and housing may be cheaper in Morningside heights, Manhattan Valley or north of 125th st
The feel is urban/suburban given the low rise environment -amenities of the city without the oppression of high density of the other neighborhoods. A vibrant community. Lots of dogs, and park access for them. Some fog owners need lessons in picking up after their dog. Park goers generate a lot of trash on weekends that is cleaned up by city volunteers, but early mornings in the summer look like trash, prior to cleanup
I noticed the other reviews are over 2 years old, and hence decided to add a review. The change in the area over those 2 years has been dramatic. Especially in the area near Morningside Park, but also all around.

Harlem. One of the hippest areas in New York. Music floats the streets as you shop and dine and enjoy all the nightlife. In 2005 Harlem had about 75 murders. In 2010 the murder rate dropped all the way to 39. Which means in 2012 it should be about 30 murders, and since were 3/4 into the year, there are still about 7 murders to be commited. Safe during the day, fairly sketchy at night. But, this neighborhood is a must see for nightlife, not to mention the apartment rates. 900$-1500$ for a one bedroom? Amazing!

Harlem begins somewhere around 110th Street or so and ends at about 155th Street. I have never gone all the way up but having lived up by Columbia University, I have ventured as far as 125th Street for some soul food at Sylvia's and experienced wonderful morsels of Southern cuisine.

Another place that I have gone to visit is the Apollo Theater which is where Luther Vandross was discovered although as I hear it he was booed his first time out. Harlem used to be a music hot spot for jazz and was really hopping back in the day. Rents are affordable but safety and crime are still big concerns. Of course, there are some really wonderful doorman buildings about but you have to look a bit to find something that really suits your needs in an area you feel secure in. The lower portion of Harlem is nice as it's by Columbia University which offers everyone a nice venue to visit. It's campus is not to be missed. Shopping in Harlem offers lots of bargains but you won't find many high end goods. The best shopping avenue is 125th Street I hear.

The area is accessible by both train (which goes above ground once it's at 125th Street) and buses of course that run along Broadway and Columbus. Great restaurants abound though. They may be on the small side, but you can get great deals on food, and often they are gotten in places you will want to flock back to.

Harlem has been "the next" great neighborhood for the last fifteen or so years. When you look at it on paper, it's easy to understand why.

The brownstones are absolutely beautiful, and Harlem has more than almost any area. Apartments are also spacious, even three bedroom apartments are affordable and generally very nice--big windows, hardwood floors, high ceilings.

Also, most of Harlem is accessible via the 2,3 express trains, and some lucky Harlem residents live between the 2, 3 express trains and the 4,5...the perfect position between the East and West subway lines. Metro North trains make country escapes easy, and 125th Street also leads to the George Washington Bridge and the RFK Bridge.

Affordable, convenient....great food spots like Sylvia's, Rao’s, and Lenox Lounge, an incredibly rich history with cultural significance? What's not to love? Even Bill Clinton has an office here.

Well, there's a flip side to Harlem. There's still crime, some violent crime, and inevitable racial tentions resulting from gentrification. Most of this is secluded to certain areas, but senseless crime waves can strike anywhere.

There are wonderful places to live and wonderful places to visit. Standard city safety rules apply, however, and tourists are encouraged to keep south of 135th Street.

never would have gone to visit Harlem if it weren't for people I knew who got a group of us to take this tour. But I'm SO glad I did!
I felt a lot more educated on the area of Harlem and would really like to go back to the area the next time I'm in the city, if nothing else, to see the people I met there and take in the sights. There are some incredibly important historical landmarks, as well as some wonderful jazz bars and locally-owned restaurants.

I'd recommend it to anyone who is interested in the history and vast culture of New York City, as well as anyone just looking for a nice place to experience music and culture.