East Harlem

Really depends on how your building is. A great apartment can make up for the lack of polish in a new neighborhood. Some of the little things may not be as available to you, like a 24 hour Duane Reade etc. I had to move from UWS to West Harlem, in terms of safety there's been no drop in how I feel from my time on the UWS. East Harlem gets you close to the only Target in the city though.

I don't think East Harlem is cheap anymore. But if you can get a rental apartment near to central park it should be very nice.

if you're getting an apartment in East Harlem that is cheaper than Astoria, you're in the rough part of town. once you get to the "safe" part, you're paying over.

agree, even the "rough" parts I dont think are cheaper than Astoria...

What would you say is the "rough" part in East Harlem?

There are no rough parts in Harlem don't let these people fool you. Don't bother them and they wont bother you. I went to High School in Harlem never had a problem.

Life is cheap in Harlem.

flyflyfly84, tell us more about you and your fiance.

I think "rough" means the areas next to housing projects. I guess the assumption is that these "rough" people are up to no good and travel only close to the projects.