srddave t1_jdl6qjv wrote
This area would not be comparable to anywhere in The Heights at all but you said you spent some time working in “the hood”—where, specifically, are you talking about?
The neighborhood you are talking about is very poor and has a lot of gang activity but if you keep your head down and keep to yourself, you are just gonna be the white guy from the neighborhood. No big deal. 95% of the folks from the hood are just working folks like you.
The concealed handgun permit also has me worried. I only know one type of white guy who has a concealed permit and that type of white guy doesn’t belong in Clinton Hill.
srddave t1_jdl6u9x wrote
This area would not be comparable to anywhere in The Heights at all but you said you spent some time working in “the hood”—where, specifically, are you talking about?
The neighborhood you are talking about is very poor and has a lot of gang activity but if you keep your head down and keep to yourself, you are just gonna be the white guy from the neighborhood. No big deal. 95% of the folks from the hood are just working folks like you.
The concealed handgun permit also has me worried. I only know one type of white guy who has a concealed permit and that type of white guy doesn’t belong in Clinton Hill. Where, in the suburbs did you grow up?
octaviusmirranda t1_jdltlp2 wrote
I’ve worked in the Paterson area for a few years, many years ago. In regards to the handgun permit, I’m not some crazy gun nut or someone who would ever look for a chance to bring it out. If someone wants my wallet, I’m gonna give them my wallet not pull out my gun for example.
srddave t1_jdlzn3q wrote
I am a gun owner so I am not judging you harshly for being a gun owner. But there is a MAJOR difference between someone who owns a gun and someone who feels the need to have concealed carry. In my experience, white men (and other races if I am honest) with concealed carry are a certain type of person and that type shouldn’t live in a neighborhood like Clinton Hill. (Unless you are carrying due to your work). That is my opinion.
In Paterson terms, I would say Clinton Hill would be comparable to the East Main st area in P-town. Lots of gang activity, decent amount of drug trade (though most blocks are ok) and vast majority of people are just struggling poor folks working their asses off and decent folks.
octaviusmirranda t1_jdm08ib wrote
I figured the vast majority living in those areas are good people just trying to get by, and most of the crime is probably dumb teenagers or people in their early twenties. I’ve never had a problem in inner cities but have never lived in one
srddave t1_jdm1a9i wrote
If you are from the burbs, living in an inner city, you are gonna have to get used to some stuff—like people being loud at all hours, and in Newark and Paterson, lots of trash on the street (but some blocks are worse than others). You may have a few junkies and some working girls in your hood too. And in some areas there are abandominiums which will draw junkies and prostitutes. That can be annoying and bring other petty crime. Look at the other houses and the other people living on the block. Stay away from blocks with more than one abandoned and burnt out property. If you find a place you like, visit the hood and walk around a bit during some morning and get the vibe. Also drive through at night and make sure the dealers aren’t on your corner. Other than that you will probably meet some of the best people you have ever known, truthfully.
octaviusmirranda t1_jdm232s wrote
I appreciate the advice. I think there are some drawbacks but it could be an awesome experience.
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