I have been looking at the neighborhoods of Wooster and East Rock with the idea of renting and working at Yale Hospital. Are these good areas crime wise? What neighborhoods would be considered safest to live in?
I live in what might be termed the East Rock area, and have never felt in danger walking home late at night from the center of town. I don’t really hear about any burglaries, either. I’m not sure about the square, but from not living there I know that parking’s a bitch and a half.
Actually, if you’re going to be working at the hospital, you may well be able to use the Yale University shuttle. It runs from the medical school (stops at 333 Cedar) all around and through East Rock. In fact, if you get off at Becton plaza there’s another shuttle that runs right up Orange street. Finally, at night there’s a minibus that operates door-to-door. The range includes both East Rock and the hospital, but not the square, afaik.
Overall, the complaints about New Haven being dangerous are far overblown. I heard them six years ago when I got in, and the most danger I’ve encountered is the drivers who don’t know what a red light means.