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blup12 t1_j0jrakl wrote

Are you also afraid of your own shadow?

71

sortageorgeharrison t1_j0jri3q wrote

Definitely bring your bulletproof vest, it’s rough…Kidding of course. Mark Wahlberg has a house in Pittsfield. It’s a very nice town, violent crime rate of 7.76, which is low.

Edit: Can’t believe I’m editing this, but 7.76 per 1,000 residents.

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sydiko t1_j0jujls wrote

Massachusetts is probably one of the safest States as a whole, but you have your sketchy areas just like anywhere. Pittsfield is on the smaller side for a MA city and the area is pretty safe, but I haven't been out that far in about 10 years. Springfield on the other hand used to list in the upper top 10 for most violent cities in the country and rightfully so as it was a war zone 10-15 years ago. It's changed quite a bit, but I'd still tread lightly if you head there as its close to Pittsfield, deceitful in appearance, and still sketchy as hell lol.

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Fit-Anything8352 t1_j0jzc4e wrote

I rode my bike through there once and it's the only place in Massachusetts, including the most rural parts of the Berkshires, that I've ever been coal-rolled(by a doorless jeep nonetheless), so take that how you will. I've never seen so many people ignore red lights in any other city either. Maybe it was a fluke though and everyone was just collectively having a bad day the day on April 18 2022.

Other than the sketchy traffic it felt like a pretty normal city; I wouldn't be concerned for my safety or anything.

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Chappy_Sinclair_ t1_j0klvkf wrote

It's always fun to say "I've got two pickets to Tittsfield"

−2

JaKr8 t1_j0krq50 wrote

You're not likely to have any issues. Berkshire county tends to be relatively laid back.

It's a good thing you're not going into a high crime area of the Berkshires like Washington, Williams, or Monterey ; )

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BossCrabMeat t1_j0ksxpi wrote

It has been a couple years since I have been that way. There were 5 liquor stores per Dunkin.

Take that as you will.

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joeltb t1_j0kvh3y wrote

Yes. I once walked to Angelina's sub shop from a parking lot down the street and some old man joined me walking and chatted me up. I'd say the people are pretty friendly.

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Beck316 t1_j0l0mgs wrote

There's been a few drug busts in Pittsfield lately. Are you visiting from another country?

0

wkomorow t1_j0l1cpi wrote

Yes, stay away from the areas around Linden Street by Daniels and Robbins especially at night because of drug activity. If you are walking downtown or are at Coltsville you may be approached for money by homeless people. The city has hired social workers to help provide resources and has put up porta potties to provide comfort stations for the homeless, but it is sad to see the struggles some people are experiencing

One thing to be aware of is the city probably has the highest dog ownership in the state. It is also a running and walking city, so even in winter you will see people jogging, walking, walking their dogs. Be on alert for that as you are driving, especially now we have snow piles and pedestrians are pushed further into the road.

This time of year people here are display lights mad, and almost every street is lit up. I would encourage you to avoid Stockbridge (Norman Rockwell's home town) this time of year. It is amazing but very, very crowded. Naumkaeg Winterlights has an amazing display if you get a chance.

And yes we like to talk to strangers more than our friends in the Eastern part of the state. I would lock your car, but not worry much about your personal safety, just remember it is a city.

Any specific questions, places you interested in?

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[deleted] OP t1_j0lhdjc wrote

To be honest and other people's sarcasm aside ,there is violent crime and drugs in Pittsfield,I live in North Adams and see it all the time in the papers.

THat being said ,like most cities crime is confined to certain areas and unless your friends or family your visting live in very tough areas ,most of Pittsfield is very nice actually so you should be fine.

I suspect if your friends or familiy live in low income ares then your also low income and would not be bothered by that ,so you have nothing to worry about.

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Spicymunchkin98 t1_j0ljca5 wrote

Replying to wkomorow (#953,055)

Yes! So I’m actually visiting near Columbus Ave, south train station around that area. It seems like it’s a decent area, I’m not exactly sure what towns are nearby or how big Pittsfield is, but it’ll be near the st. Charles church that I’m arriving at.

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NotnotNeo t1_j0ll09g wrote

Just wildlings and whitewalkers.

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_lainan t1_j0ln37u wrote

I'm sorry, you're coming from Florida and concerned? Give me a break.

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wkomorow t1_j0lniun wrote

Replying to Spicymunchkin98 (#954,126)

The intermodal center is on the corner of Columbus and North. Transportation is tricky, very few ubers, you need to call for a cab, so have those numbers ready unless you have secured a ride and buses do not run at night, and daytime they run like once an hour. They originate from the intermodal center, so ask for the bus going to upper North. It is not really walkable to St Charles, especially in winter. Do expect to see homeless people nearby, you are at the Center of Downtown. If it is dark, stay closer to North St rather than walk too far down Columbus. There is a huge fire station a block away and the area is very well lit.

St Charles is North and in a safe area, though it is a mixed use neighborhood, residential and commercial. Harry's supermarket is a block away. I would avoid walking too far from there alone especially on Wahconah St much after dark. It is not so much unsafe but the design of the area is unnerving and there is not a lot of traffic at night. I would not have hestitation walking around in daytime there, it is just very isolated at night.

Also the area around St. Charles is hilly even for Pittsfield and we have had snow so walk carefully.

Hope you have fun. Transportation without a car is really your biggest concern.

5

wkomorow t1_j0lz78n wrote

Replying to Spicymunchkin98 (#954,903)

If you get a chance walk down hill to Harry's. They have a good deli. It is been own by the Nichols family forever, but they recently sold it. Staff were long time Nichols employees many well passed retirement age. The new owners are South Asian and I am told have introduced several South Asian specialities, so you may find some interesting things there.

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Damnit_Fred t1_j0m63tc wrote

Yes, the people are fine and Pittsfield is perfectly safe.

Use common sense and follow the same general safety rules that apply for every other city in the country and you'll be fine.

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burritoman88 t1_j0n6570 wrote

Depends where ya go… there’s gangs in the area, lots of drugs, people getting stabbed, that sort of thing. Source: I work in Housatonic & have coworkers from Pittsfield.

Massachusetts is a great state, but Pittsfield is not.

−1

Dedahed t1_j0ngsn8 wrote

Replying to Spicymunchkin98 (#954,126)

You'll be fine but as others have said..avoid the Robbins/Daniels area. Also Lincoln/Cherry St areas. Two small "bad neighborhoods" Hotel on North is nearby, very nice. Several good restaurants and a little nightlife. People are "New England friendly" Meaning they will say hi, be helpful, hold doors but we are seemingly always in a rush? I guess it's the cold.

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bubalusarnee t1_j0nu5d7 wrote

Only go to bars on North. Better yet, just go to Lenox for that drink.

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bubalusarnee t1_j0nunyu wrote

It is currently Dec 17 2002 in Pittsfield.

They are always exactly 20 years behind.

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wkomorow t1_j0nuok9 wrote

Replying to Dedahed (#957,895)

Hot Harrys is great. I should add that although there are few uber rides, Doordash and Instacart are both quite reliable, so delivery is an option. Angelinos has the best subs in the city. They used to have a location next to Harry's Supermarket but it closed. They have other locations in the city.

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