ShinerTX wrote:Growing up in a small west Texas town I've heard all the stories about Manhattan all my life. Rude people, expensive, crime, and ... In the last 18 month I've been there three times, each time for a week. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it and how great the people were. Not one bad experience. Looking at the previous posts you notice that several are from individual that had bad experience years ago. Much has changed and for whatever reason, it is an amazing place.
I love walking around cities and I've been on the street at pretty much any time of day, bars typically close at 4:00 so there is always music and action somewhere. Stay south of Central Park and you won't have any problems.
As a CHL holder you probably always maintain situational awareness, continue to do so there.
My philosophy is that people pretty much find what they look for, go with an open mind expecting the best and you won't be disappointed.
I go to NY periodically for a number of reasons, the last was to run the NY marathon. I always enjoy going there because its so different from most other cities. I've never had a problem anywhere I've ventured there, and I look for odd or off the path type places. I even ride the subway which is a real treat sometimes. I know I may be putting myself in a vulnerable position sometimes, but to me the payoff is coming home with more NY stories under my belt. Until such time as there is a National reciprocity agreement in place, this is the type of decsion we're all going to have to make. I suggest just be rational in your decision making. If sense something could be bad, don't go there or make alternate plans to visit at another time.