These are the two locations that I have narrowed down my home search to but I need your help. Since I do not know much about either areas I could use your feedback on downtown and/or Silvercreek (across from Willow West Mall).
UPDATE: I decided on the downtown location, BIG THANKS to all those who gave me their feedback it was really helpful.
Both have pluses and minus on the side of the apartment itself but if someone can give me some feedback on the area maybe that will help me decide. I will make my choice by Wednesday so please take the time to leave me your comments.
Its good news that I have found a couple choices as I gave up on getting a house and living in some acreage, so it is going to be apartment life for me at least until I decide to buy something for myself.
16 comments:
Hey,
The Willow West Mall area is a little sketchy in my opinion. I've always felt uncomfortable there, and I remember hearing something about that being the area with a drug problem. I'd definitely move downtown before out there.
As far as I am concerned, there is no other place in Gelph to live except the Downtown core. Downtown Guelph offers way more than the Silvercreek area, unless of course you are into shopping malls.
The 2 quebec street building is old, but decent. This address is as downtown as guelph gets, so it's relatively busy, and can be noisy on weekends, and nights. This area is also the main bus terminal, so if you're planning on using public transport, this is the place to be. Lots of restaurants, and plenty of bars in that area, it's the main entertainment area for students.
I haven't actually seen the Willow road apartment, but towards speedvale there are some newer buildings, and fewer students are out in that direction.
That part of Willow Road doesn't have the drug problem, it is lower Willow. Downtown isn't any better as many know there is a drug problem in the Downtown area as well.
I say go downtown. its more central, and the buildings are old and beautiful. plus downtown in the summertime is pretty quaint.
What ever it takes stay out of the willow area, nothing but trouble. I have been a life long resident of the city, that area is as sketchy as it gets.
A couple of good friends of mine are Guelph constables and you were to ask them they would suggest you stay away from the Willow West Mall area. Its a criminal mess, not only drugs, but car theft, house theft etc.
My vote is for the downtown core as well.
Willow West, eh? Not unless you're into being shanked by juvenile delinquents.
I lived downtown Guelph for 5 years up until last year on Cork St. and I also lived right on Quebec St. for about 2 years, years before that. Downtown's great, but it definitely has it's negatives. There are an increasing, and alarming number of delinquents hanging about downtown, altho less so on Quebec, even tho it's only a few streets away from the Midnight Circus. You really have to watch out fro the kids (ahem, major trouble-makers from Change Now) Downtown is definitely loud at night and not only on the w/e's, but yes, 'quaint' indeed in the daytime and close to alot of amenities.
Silvercreek has a reputation for criminal activity. It all depends on what you're willing to trade off. Silvercreek would be quieter and you'd not have scores of people around. if you have an active social life, I'd say downtown. Oh, and patience. You MUST have patience.Also, make sure the entrance door to your apartment building as a functional lock!
I'm going to throw in my $0.02 for living downtown as well. I've lived in various sketchy areas in Guelph over the past few years (Elizabeth&Huron, most recently) and I wouldn't live near Silvercreek.
I disagree with this suggestion that Willow West and Silvercreek are bad areas. The sketchy side of Guelph is: The Ward (Elizebeth Street) and Willow Road between Edbourgh and around Willow Road Public School.
Crime is not that high in Willow/Silvercreek as it is in Lower Willow. Actually, there have been more problems in Downtown with theft, drugs and violence then in that area.
Take your pick. Downtown with the drugs and crime every night, or the edge of drugs and crime.
Why don't you come down and try to look at some houses on the south end on the city. It is really beautiful and very nice . There are some new houses also being built in the area and south end is growing at a fast pace. It is getting new stores and grocery places. and i can see from your post that you do like to go to the Stone Road Mall, so it will be very close as well.
Good Luck with your decision.
Having lived in the ward it is no the nicest area, but it is safe. Nobody bugs anyone. I would also concur you couldnt pay me to live in the Willow West area. South End is a great choice if you can afford it.
This coming from someone who has actually lived in the Willow area....Right in the heart of the Ghetto....O yes, Bagot st. My sis & I lived there for a little less than a year. We never had any of the problems listed by any of these people above (that obviously never lived in that area.)I just wanted to comment as before I lived there I heard the same comments. Now that we moved to the South End, we have decided it is the best area to live in Guelph, Close to 401 & the mall, Beer/Liquor store ....Everything you need. Although it would be nice to have a drive thru Timmys close, Miss it on my way to work.
Overall, I would just like to say Don't hate on Bagot /Willow area, Its not so bad, drugs/violence/crime happens everywhere. Cheerz.
I've lived in the in the Willow Rd./ Bagot St. for 10 years now and I've never had any of the problems listed above. Obviosly those people have never lived in the area. Working nights I've been downtown transfering buses and Downtown during the day is okay if you don't mind all the people hanging around the fountain asking for change everytime you walk by them, as for the nights. Nothing but drug deals and drunks stagering home after the bars close...For a small downtown could we have anymore bars. If city hall wants people to come downtown maybe bring some more stores in and spread the bars through out the city so the drunks can't stager from one bar to another. No wonder there's problems at night.
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