High 140s Between Frederick Douglass and ACP

Central Harlem in the 140's, and more specifically in the upper 140's has been improving, but unless you fall in love with a particular apartment or building, I would recommend Hamilton Heights over this area. Granted, it's well known on this board I am biased toward Hamilton Heights, but there are solid reasons to head west. South of 145th in this section of Central Harlem are lots of housing projects..and problematic crews (gangs). North of 145th in Central Harlem it's a lot more new development because the area had been so run down for so long. The one building I really like in the area is the PS 90 condo's, but it's the only real standout I have seen in the area. If buying a new construction building, expect headaches or wait until the buildings are 7-10 years old when the legacy construction issues are resolved. Another issue you should consider is whether the building falls into the flood zone or not. Retail wise, you have Pathmark (which is poorly managed), Duane Reade, Starbucks, all within a block . The one standout performer was Mountain Bird- the landlord hiked the rent which forced them out and they are seeking to relocate in Hamilton Heights. South of 145th, on the eastern border of the neighborhood and Hamilton Heights- you have some new quality retail (Manhattanville Coffee, The Butcher's Daughter, The Edge)...but it's not around the corner from the high 140's you are asking about.

Thanks Semerun. You basically confirmed what I already thought. We went to 2 open houses today between 145 and 140 and while the spaces were quite good, I'm not sure that I would feel comfortable with my wife coming home alone late at night. We've been looking in Hamilton Heights and that would be our preferred location for a variety of reasons, but someone always seems to beat us to an offer. We're pretty much limited to the HDFC buildings and the inventory has dwindled dramatically since we began looking a couple of months ago. I'm hoping that something new will come on the market soon.

I have a friend who lives in an HDFC in this neighborhood, and I agree it is a pretty area, in daylight. But I personally do no feel very safe there at night, there are not enough business to bring activity to the streets. The park cuts it off from the rest of Harlem. But it is improving, more restaurants are opening, and you can walk to Yankee Stadium from this neighborhood.