The Good: There are bars and restaurants in walking distance if you come over to Union Hill / Church Hill or walk down to Shacoe Bottom. The overall area has improved from where it was 20+ years ago.

The Bad: I live three blocks from there in Union Hill / Church Hill and more less avoid the area you are talking about. I was attacked while walking my dog over there by a crazy person with a baseball bat near the lovely Ocean Grocery (can someone burn that down please or at least require that shit hole to close at 11pm).

My 2 cents: On my specific street I have not heard of, experienced or seen any problems. Walking in Church Hill and Shacoe at night from bars has not been a problem for me. I think North Church Hill will continue to get better as it gets further gentrified, which (unpopular opinion) I am rooting HARD for. One can only hope.