Walking up Bailey Avenue after dark can be an unnerving experience, especially starting from the Goodyear Hall bus stop. Just ask Haley Stats.
"I don't feel comfortable walking home at night," said Stats, a junior linguistics major and one of many students who chose to rent an apartment in the University Heights for its low cost of living and proximity to South Campus.
Stats said that after she moved in, she received a rude awakening about her living arrangements and her new neighborhood. In most years, the crime and safety in the Heights aren't enough to deter students from the cheap rent and college town atmosphere, but recently more UB students are seeking a place to call home away from the Heights, on the artsy, cleaner, and safer Elmwood Avenue.
At the center of the change is the threat of crime, which has left many UB students dissatisfied with the security of the Heights. Annual robberies and the occasional shooting are both facts of life around South Campus. This semester, one series of knifepoint robberies saw the attackers go right into students' houses while they home.
Many students have directed their frustration towards city and campus police, and whether unwilling or unable to stem the problem, the usual crimes continue each semester.
"The cops have come and said, 'there's nothing we can do,' " said Karlene Hafemann, a junior sociology major.
Bill Boulden said he's critical of the effort the police departments put in to prevent these incidents.
"The Heights are unsafe and Buffalo police do nothing," said Boulden, a senior computer science major.
Boulden's second floor apartment on Englewood Avenue was robbed on Christmas Day last year, with over $2,000 in electronics stolen. The door's lock was not damaged because the door had simply been kicked down.
"They even left their crowbars, but (the police) couldn't bring a guy down to dust them for prints," Boulden said.
Boulden now lives on Elmwood Avenue, where he is happier with the police presence.
"There's a cop every five feet," Boulden said. "Tickets are a pain, but you can bet that they show up in less than 30 seconds when you call and do everything they can to help."
Another concern of Heights residents is the poor living conditions inside the apartments. To sum it up, according to Stats, you get what you pay for.
"Things are falling apart," Stats said. "There are several holes in the walls and one in the ceiling."
Not all students are unhappy with their living arrangements in the Heights.
Joe Gobeyn is one of many students who appreciates the proximity to UB.
"The nearness is very helpful since I don't own a car. I can get to and from campus with relative ease," said Gobeyn, a senior economics major.
Others, such as Rob Dettman, like the convenience of nearby stores.
"It's nice that everything I needed was in walking distance," said Dettman, who lived in the Heights for a year.
The main alternative has become living on Elmwood Avenue. With a number of cultural attractions and a thriving neighborhood, Elmwood is an attractive option for older students looking for a more eclectic and upscale feel.
Mark Maglio, a senior english major, lived in the Heights for one year before moving out in frustration.
"There's too much fraternity and sorority presence," Maglio said. "The area can be very cliquish."
So far, Maglio said he's been pleased with the improved environment on Elmwood.
"People are more friendly," Maglio said. "There's a lot more things to do, and so much human traffic."
Dave Brass said the neighborhood certainly offers more diversity and friendliness.
"You know the people around you, you talk to them," said Brass, a senior english major. "There is a great cross-section of humanity."
Brass said he also appreciates an area where both the Buffalo Philharmonic and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery are within walking distance.
"The area has a much more artistic beat," Brass said.
Another part of Elmwood's appeal is the number and variety of places like Mr. Goodbar, which have started to see an upturn in business from UB, according to Bobby Rabb.
"We used to mostly have Buffalo State students, but we've started to get more of a UB crowd," said Rabb, an employee at Mr. Goodbar, an Elmwood bar known for its atmosphere.
While they may not enjoy the same kind of popularity, the attractions on South Campus --
places like The Steer, Amy's Place and The Lake Effect Diner -- never fail to enjoy a good flow of students and community customers.
Some stores on South said they feel the North Campus spurns any area that isn't Amherst.
"The administration could do more to include South Campus in the community," said Angelo Bordieri, owner of Greeks & Sneaks.
Bordieri has owned his store for 16 years and said believes UB doesn't do enough to recognize the older campus or city community.
"This is the campus with the tradition and history behind it," Bordieri said.
