East 122 St, East Harlem

While attending college I had a friend who lived on E 122nd street. She would complain all the time that she could never get rest because her neighbors in her building were too noisy, having parties, arguing, etc. The cops were a regular show at her building as well. Very violent. One night she invited me and a few other people over to discuss an essay that we needed for English Lit class. On the way there we passed by #1. A guy pissing on the street. He had his "package" out peeing right out in the open. It was disgusting. #2. A homeless guy that followed us for half a block asking for money. and #3. A fight had actually broken out in front of my friend's building between a group of guys. We only stayed at her place for 30 minutes before deciding to head to the student library to finish our essays. It was just too noisy! No way will I ever go back into that neighborhood!

I live in east harlem and have been told by other ghetto residents that this is the worst neighborhood in manhattan. I believe them. My building is infested with bloods, and shootings occur regularly. the most recent one right outside my building, the one before that 3 blocks up. Realtors created the myth that "Harlem is picking up" so they could charge absurd prices prematurely. It is picking up, but until honest, working people displace the gangs and vagrants it will remain a place to avoid.
It should be noted that police presence in the neighborhood has increased with the recent influx of young professionals, so perhaps things will improve over time. But without the architectural appeal of the west side, that timeframe is looking a little longer.
I've lived here for more than a year now and things have certainly diversified, but as the neighborhood maintains its veneer of danger and grit without the addition of a nightlife (aside from the one pub i know of on 119 and park), it remains a simple rest stop for young professionals to stay until they can move on to nicer digs.
And to be honest I think the construction of some bars and lounges in the neighborhood could be the kick East Harlem needs to start drawing a more permanent transitional crowd.