Its definitely the hood. Back when citizen still worked in newark, you would see crime alerts for shootings and other violent crime there all the time. Youre gonna stick out like a sore thumb as a white guy there. It is very very different the jersey city heights, which is a very diverse area in comparison and more middle class.

Thanks. So avoid at all costs, or look over my shoulder and mind my business? I’m not racist by any means but I understand that sticking out like a sore thumb could cause problems… do you think I would get messed with because of my race?

Take any comments from this subreddit with a huge grain of salt. Even if you’re the only white person in the neighborhood, it IS racist to assume that will cause problems.

Do you think all Black people who live in majority white neighborhoods are scared all the time?

You will be fine. My coworker been living right on that hill for some time now since he moved from Eatontown to be closer to work. Being born and raised in the heart of Newark the hood hood.. I always tel people … it’s not like you running the streets or buggin the block or looking for drugs so you are fine!!!! Mind your business keep your nose clean and support the local businesses and eateries and life would be grand!

People might once in a while say something nasty under their breath, but I doubt you'd be messed with. I'm white, felt the same way initially, then I realized it's stupid to make situations all about myself.

As others have said, support local business and you'll be celebrated. And be aware of your surroundings as you have before, I'm sure. You'll have a great time

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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.

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?

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.

I appreciate the advice. That’s pretty much on par with what I was thinking.

I never assumed it would cause problems, I just acknowledged that it would make me stick out which could possibly cause issues. But there’s always the very likely outcome of me having no issues and being completely unbothered and just a regular neighbor. I don’t think all black people in majority white neighborhoods are scared all the time, but some might be depending on the state/area. I don’t think I would be scared all the time if I lived in the area. Can you please elaborate on me taking any comments w/ a grain of salt? Thank yku

Thank you!

Appreciate it!

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.

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

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.

I appreciate the advice. I think there are some drawbacks but it could be an awesome experience.

When you call a place “the hood”

Well I was talking to a gentleman from the area outside yesterday when I visited, and he referred to it as “the hood”

😂😂😂 I feel you