Can I get a nice apartment in a good area in New York City with Section 8?

I have two children and family in NYC. They are also poor but I would like to live next to them and have my kids grow up with them. I worry about crime in some of the poor neighborhoods. I'm a medical assistant and I'd like to go to schoool out there and become a nurse. How tough would it really be only having Section 8 and food stamps? I know NYC is expensive.

Thanks to George W Bush. Section 8 will end October 1, 2007.

you'd be surprised when you can live & be on Section 8. it may not be the "best neighborhood." but it doesn't have to be really bad either. your best bet - www.craigslist.org. just type in Section 8 in the search box. there are so many good neighborhoods and a lot of apts that take Section 8. too many to mention here. good luck.

It will be VERY tough.. I have been on . I live in a city of 60,000 and I can't live on sect 8 (which gives you no cash), food stamps AND I have more money coming in. You still have to pay your utilities, things liek toilet paper, cable, car repairs, etc. IF you are going back to school, you can get financial aid including a loan (if you want to go that route).. You might be able to make it then but don't bet on it.

As far as safety.. about 10% of sect. 8 properties are sort of safe. I have been on it for 14 years.. I have lived next to drug dealers, (now a prostitute).. the cops are there more than at the station. Landlords don't care if people make trouble.. they know you have to stay there. The chance of you living RIGHT next to them is going to be about 1/4%.. Not all places are sect. 8.. Also there is a waiting list of usually 1 year or longer to get sect. 8. If you are going to a college with a dorm, I would stay in it.. You don't want to be on Sect. 8 UNLESS u have to.. they are a pain in the butt.. You will probably be a nurse before even qualify for a voucher in a city that size.. (I waited 4 years ).. NYC is a LOT more expensive. GL