Have seen and heard some dubious things about the prospect of walking around New Haven, CT, and was wondering about how safe it is to walk in these areas of the city, both during the day and after dark:

--from Union Station (AMTRAK) to the Yale campus area near New Haven Green.
--from the Yale campus area near New Haven Green to where Frank Pepe's Pizza and Sally's Pizza are located.
--from the Peabody Museum of Natural History to Modern Apizza.

Serious and sincerely helpful replies only, please. Many thanks.

My son lives in New Haven, a half-block from the New Haven Green. I'll ask him tomorrow and get back to you.

Here is what my son had to say:

"I don't understand where people get these ideas about New Haven. Really, you think the city is so unsafe that you can't walk around during the day? You can walk anywhere downtown while it's light out. The walk from Union Station to campus is about 15 minutes, right through the center of town. The sketchiest part is around the train station, but there is a police station across the street if you're really that worried. From campus to Wooster Square (where Pepe's and Sally's are) is about 15-20 minutes, and again, it's totally safe. You have to cross State Street, which is probably the part of downtown that people think is the least safe, but again, there are a ton of people around during the day and I don't see why you'd have a problem. From the Peabody to Modern, you're in East Rock the whole time. It's basically a suburb - totally safe.


As for nighttime, I wouldn't walk from Union Station. I don't know anyone who's ever had a problem, but the first part of the walk is not well lit. Plus it's about an $8 taxi ride to campus, so you might as well do that. From campus to Wooster Square, it's probably fine to walk (especially if you're not alone), but again, the streetlight situation isn't great crossing State Street, so a taxi might not be a bad idea. I have no opinion about walking around East Rock at night. I've never had a problem, but I know one person who was harassed a bit walking between there and downtown.


I think the gist is that during the day, walking anywhere is fine. At night, if you're leaving the immediate downtown area, probably take a cab just to be safe. In general, common sense. Don't walk where there are no street lights, don't wader around at midnight alone, and you should be fine."

HTH.

Thanks to you and your son, sf7307. Given the amount of dire stuff one sees about New Haven safety online, thought it was a good idea to ask some questions.

Much obliged.

Believe me, bachslunch, when we first went to look at New Haven before he started grad school, we assumed just like you did that it would be awful. There are certain areas you're not supposed to choose to live if you're a student, but those are NOT where you're going. Will you see people you likely wouldn't invite to dinner - yes. Will you be in danger - no. FWIW, the three block or so radius around the campus is actually quite nice.

I've lived here for many years and here's my take: Daytime--Perfectly safe to walk. Nighttime-- As long as it isn't too late or too nasty weather -wise, you can walk around New Haven with ease, especially around campus and the Wooster Square area (where the pizza is). Enjoy!