Skip to content

Was Times Square Dangerous

The area acquired a reputation as a dangerous and seedy neighborhood in the following decades. Nevertheless, Times Square continued to be the site of the annual ball drop on New Year’s Eve. The ball drop was placed on hiatus for New Year’s Eve in 1942 and 1943 due to lighting restrictions during World War II.

Was Times Square dangerous in the 70s?

By the late 1970s, the Times Square area recorded the most felony and net crime complaints in the city. That said, not all activity in the neighborhood was bad; in 1973, the first TKTS booth opened to provide affordable theater admission with the hope of increasing Broadway attendance.

Is NYC dangerous now?

Generally, NYC is a safe place to travel (believe us—it’s nothing like Taxi Driver). With some local input, we created this guide to staying safe in New York City. It covers everything from the coronavirus to tips for solo travelers.

When did Times Square get dirty?

Back in the ’60s, Times Square took a turn for the worst. Former movie palaces started showing adult films just to stay in business. By the the ’70s, 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue had become a slew of illicit activity. Times Square became gritty and grimy, a panorama of seedy debauchery.

Did Times Square used to be dangerous?

The area acquired a reputation as a dangerous and seedy neighborhood in the following decades. Nevertheless, Times Square continued to be the site of the annual ball drop on New Year’s Eve. The ball drop was placed on hiatus for New Year’s Eve in 1942 and 1943 due to lighting restrictions during World War II.

How was Times Square in the 70s?

In the early 1970s especially, Times Square was a difficult place to be. Felony and crime rates were high, despite heightened police existence. A plethora of go-go bars, sex shops, peep show establishments, and adult theaters became symbols of the city’s very apparent decay.

Why was New York so dangerous in the 70s?

Fiscal crisis. US economic stagnation in the 1970s hit New York City particularly hard, amplified by a large movement of middle-class residents to the suburbs, which drained the city of tax revenue. In February 1975, New York City entered a serious fiscal crisis.

When did New York become dangerous?

Crime rates in New York City have been recorded since at least the 1800s. They have spiked ever since the post-war period. The highest crime totals were recorded in the late 1980s and early 1990s as the crack epidemic surged, and then dropped through the 1990s and 2000s except for murders.

Is NYC too dangerous right now?

Generally, NYC is a safe place to travel (believe us—it’s nothing like Taxi Driver). With some local input, we created this guide to staying safe in New York City. It covers everything from the coronavirus to tips for solo travelers.

Is it safe in New York right now?

The truth is that New York City is one of the safest big cities in the world. Visitors are constantly under the protection of the city’s friendly and vigilant police force. Having said this, that doesn’t mean that tourists in this city, like any other, don’t need to be cautious to stay safe.

Is it safe to visit New York Covid?

As of June 25, 2021, the New York State Travel Advisory is no longer in effect. As such, travelers arriving in New York are no longer required to submit traveler health forms. All travelers, domestic and international, should continue to follow all CDC travel requirements.

What is the most dangerous part of New York City?

Brownsville When it comes to drug related deaths, murder and homicide, Brownsville beats every other city in New York to it. This neighborhood is also in record to have the lowest life expectancy rate and highest infant mortality. This is all because of the extreme violence it faces.

When did Times Square become seedy?

From the 1960s to the early 1990s, the seediness of the area, especially due to its go-go bars, sex shops, peep shows, and adult theaters, became an infamous symbol of the city’s decline.

More Answers On Was Times Square Dangerous

Did Times Square used to be dangerous? – Quora

Apr 17, 2022There were a lot of prostitutes in the area, and a lot of pornographic theaters and peep shows. That meant there was also a lot of drugs, drug dealers, and the violence that comes with that. So yes, prior to the corporate renovation that pumped money into the neighborhood, Times Square was once a pretty dangerous place to be, especially at night.

How NYC’s soaring crime is bleeding into Times Square

Jun 29, 2021So far in 2021, there have been three shootings in Times Square, compared to zero in 2020, though the city spent most of that year shutdown due to the COVID-19 crisis. “Things were going steadily…

Beware Times Square: Liberal madness has made it patently unsafe

Oct 12, 2021Just like on the subways, crime has risen as foot traffic remains low. Daily walkers through Times Square number about 218,829 — 42 percent lower than in September 2019. Everyone moving through…

When New York City’s Times Square was sleazy | CNN

Apr 18, 2016″And here [in Times Square] you had a place that had all the Broadway theaters, the greatest concentration of live entertainment, and none of those positive things could be seen or were…

Rising Violent Crime in Times Square | City Journal

Oct 11, 2021Everyone moving through Times Square today, then, is at greater per-capita risk of violent injury. Mayor Bill de Blasio can’t decide whether this is a crisis. On one hand, he deems business leaders “unproductive” for being concerned about random shootings, stabbings, and assaults. On the other hand, he has deployed more police to the area.

TIL Times Square is one of NYC’s most dangerous areas

Grand larceny (theft not by force) is what drives the midtown number so high. So if you’re definition of a “dangerous neighborhood” includes a lot of shoplifting in a heavily retail-oriented area then yes, you’d better stay away from Times Square. You’re unlikely to get mugged or assaulted there though (comparatively speaking). 2 level 1 [deleted]

The Times Square Killer: The Messed Up Truth – Grunge.com

Dec 10, 2021Times Square and New York City became so dangerous that pamphlets titled “WELCOME TO FEAR CITY” were distributed to tourists, whom were strongly advised to keep off the streets after 6 pm. This zone of lawlessness and corruption was perfect for Richard Cottingham, who could prowl the streets and target vulnerable women to maim and murder.

27 Pictures Of Times Square At The Height Of Its Depravity In The 70s …

Jun 29, 2021Adult theaters and sex shops then took over while the neighborhood became an open market for prostitution and drugs. By 1984, Times Square was one of the most dangerous areas of the city, with over 2,300 crimes committed every year in a one-block radius. We look at this Times Square of yesteryear, where chaos and seediness reigned supreme:

Time Square At The Peak Of Its Depravity In 70s and 80s

During the 70s and 80s, the crime rates were high, and police morale was low, with over 2,300 crimes committed every year in a one-block radius. After the Great Depression Times Square fell into disrepair, sex shops, grindhouses, and adult theaters slowly took over the music halls and boutique hotels.

10 Reasons To Avoid Living in Times Square

Some people get around the problem by shopping elsewhere, but having to drag your weekly groceries all over town isn’t exactly a great way to spend a weekend. 6. Everything shuts early. Regardless of what time of day it is, the flashing billboards give the impression that Times Square is open for business. It’s not.

Times Square is dangerous. (neighborhood, living in, authority) – New …

I have grown to really hate Times Square because of the lunatics walking the streets Times Square is dangerous. (neighborhood, living in, authority) – New York City – New York (NY) – Page 2 – City-Data Forum

Times Square Is Safer Than You Think – The New York Times

Aug 8, 2019The fear of gun violence in Times Square was reasonable, said Chief James R. Waters, who leads the Police Department’s Counterterrorism Bureau. In the past two weeks, horrific mass shootings…

Is it safe 2 walk from times square back to hotel night time – New York …

TImes Square generally has stores that are there to soak up excess tourist dollars. Above all, avoid the numerous electronics stores. For just dodging in and out of stores, I would rather go to places like Greenwich Village [East or West], Soho , The Upper West Side [Amsterdam and Columbus Aves], Fifth Ave in Park Slope or Bedford Ave in …

New York Today: How Safe Is Times Square?

May 19, 2017A car plowed into pedestrians in Times Square on Thursday, killing an 18-year-old tourist and injuring at least 22 others. The driver, Richard Rojas, a 26-year-old from the Bronx, appeared to have…

Times Square – Wikipedia

Times Square is a major commercial intersection, tourist destination, entertainment center, and neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.It is formed by the junction of Broadway, Seventh Avenue and 42nd Street.Together with adjacent Duffy Square, Times Square is a bowtie-shaped space five blocks long between 42nd and 47th Streets.. Brightly lit by numerous billboards and advertisements …

Workers at Times Square business worry about safety

May 11, 2021″It’s a little more dangerous, yes,” said Morillo. “Before you felt safer but now it’s not safe.” “I’m very scared every night when I finish and I’m going home,” Prado-Stevens said. “I live in…

10 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods in NYC 2022 – PropertyClub

Jan 3, 2022The hustle and bustle of tourists in Times Square and Central Park make it easy for criminals to grab personal items and run. The property crime rate here is about 7,400 per 100,000 people. The violent crime rate is about 1,200 per 100,000 people.

Times Square is dangerous. (hotels, theatre, school) – City-Data

Times Square is actually pretty safe most of the day. After 11 P.M. you get some of the old school elements rerurning, esp on 8th Ave. I got this twice myself in other areas. One guy said “Your going to die man!” I told him to get in line, since everyone dies eventually anyway. A few people around on the street laughed

Times Square In The 1970s | Groovy History

Feb 17, 2022The area was rife with con games, open drug trade, and alcoholism. Despite the large numbers of police officers, crime flourished in the subway and underground passages of the Port Authority Bus Terminal. By the end of the 1970s, the most felony and crime complaints were recorded in Times Square.

Dangerous Stations on NYC Subway: How To Avoid Being A Victim

1. Times Square Station, 42nd Street at Seventh Avenue. The Times Square Station is one of the most dangerous stations with a history of most crime rate occurrences in the NYC Subway. The most common criminal activity reported in the station was theft, assault and sexual harassment.

Is New York Safe? (INSIDER Tips for 2022) – The Broke Backpacker

May 18, 2022New York has seen a lot of gentrification in recent years. Many areas that were once practically ’no-go’ a decade or so ago, are now pretty cool areas. For example, Greenpoint was once a hotbed of crime, but has since transformed into the hipster area it is today. With an estimated population of 8.74 million people, New York is the biggest in the USA.

Why do New Yorkers dislike Times Square? – Quora

Answer (1 of 58): I dislike Times Square because it isn’t Times Square any more: It’s a garish tourist trap full of tacky chain restaurants, tourist attractions like Madame Tussaud’s ,desnudas and aggressive panhandlers dressed like cartoon characters. When I was in my late teens/early 20s, it wa…

Is New York City Safe to Visit in 2022? – ViaHero

Whether you’re ready to make your first trip to NYC or you’ve been many times, the city is ready to welcome you in 2022. … Stay aware of your surroundings at all times; Avoid dangerous neighborhoods with bad … aggressive performers in Times Square, and some out-of-this-world fashion. It’s all part of the magic NYC experience. Take it …

After Times Square shooting, NYC grappling with crime spree as tourists …

Jun 29, 2021After Times Square shooting, NYC grappling with crime spree as tourists make plans, commuters return to work In addition to increase in tourism, commuters are gradually beginning their return to NYC

Is It Safe to Travel to New York City? – TripSavvy

Jul 19, 2020New York City is not generally considered to be a dangerous place to visit or to live, but there are certain neighborhoods that are safer than others. … Times Square is a great place to visit at night and it stays populated until after midnight when theater-goers head home.

The curious history of Times Square – The Telegraph

Jun 25, 2018Times Square has not always been thus, not least for the absence of the hustle and bustle of tourist hordes. … Times Square acquired a reputation as a dangerous neighbourhood in the following …

Times Square (New York City) – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Hard Rock Cafe New York Times Square (From $32.99) New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour (From $99.00) Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Tour (From $53.99) New York Secret Food Tour of Historic Greenwich Village w/ Private Tour Option (From $85.86) See all Times Square experiences on Tripadvisor.

Police identify Michigan woman, children, allegedly killed by boyfriend

TodayWYOMING, Mich. (AP) – Police have identified a Wyoming woman and her two children who were allegedly shot and killed by her boyfriend who then killed himself. Read: Ford to invest $3.7B, 6,200 new …

When New York City’s Times Square was sleazy – CNN

Apr 18, 2016In 1990, the city established The New 42nd Street, a nonprofit dedicated to the revitalization of 42nd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues — arguably Times Square’s most dangerous and seedy area.

TIL Times Square is one of NYC’s most dangerous areas

If you look strictly at the number of crimes reported in a given time period (let’s say the week of 1/2-1/8 since that’s the most recent report), Times Square is about on par with the South Bronx. That doesn’t mean it’s just as dangerous though.

Resource

https://www.quora.com/Did-Times-Square-used-to-be-dangerous?share=1
https://nypost.com/2021/06/29/how-nycs-soaring-crime-is-bleeding-into-times-square/
https://nypost.com/2021/10/12/beware-times-square-liberal-madness-has-made-it-patently-unsafe/
https://www.cnn.com/2016/04/18/us/80s-times-square-then-and-now/index.html
https://www.city-journal.org/rising-violent-crime-in-times-square
https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/5oqzee/til_times_square_is_one_of_nycs_most_dangerous/
https://www.grunge.com/703344/the-times-square-killer-the-messed-up-truth/
https://allthatsinteresting.com/vintage-times-square-pictures
https://www.bygonely.com/time-square-depravity-70s-80s/
https://moneyinc.com/avoid-living-in-times-square/
https://www.city-data.com/forum/new-york-city/3014635-times-square-dangerous-2.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/08/nyregion/newyorktoday/times-square-panic-safety.html
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g60763-i5-k4597966-Is_it_safe_2_walk_from_times_square_back_to_hotel_night_time-New_York_City_New_York.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/19/nyregion/new-york-today-how-safe-is-times-square.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Times_Square
https://www.ny1.com/nyc/manhattan/news/2021/05/11/workers-at-times-square-business-say-neighborhood-isn-t-the-same–safety-a-concern
https://propertyclub.nyc/article/most-dangerous-neighborhoods-in-nyc
https://www.city-data.com/forum/new-york-city/3014635-times-square-dangerous.html
https://groovyhistory.com/times-square-in-the-1970s
https://nysubway.com/dangerous-stations/
https://www.thebrokebackpacker.com/is-new-york-safe/
https://www.quora.com/Why-do-New-Yorkers-dislike-Times-Square?share=1
https://www.viahero.com/travel-to-new-york-city/is-nyc-safe
https://www.foxnews.com/us/times-square-shooting-nyc-crime-spree-tourists-commuters
https://www.tripsavvy.com/is-new-york-city-safe-1613379
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/north-america/united-states/new-york/articles/times-square-history/
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60763-d110145-Reviews-Times_Square-New_York_City_New_York.html
https://www.wilx.com/2022/06/02/police-identify-mid-michigan-woman-two-children-allegedly-killed-by-boyfriend/
https://edition.cnn.com/2016/04/18/us/80s-times-square-then-and-now/index.html
https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/5oqzee/til_times_square_is_one_of_nycs_most_dangerous/