<p>about colobuddhist's post, when people talk about crime in poughkeepsie or other small cities, saying to stay away from certain parts (eg main street poughkeepsie), just how dangerous are you talking about? If I have worked in downtown los angeles and vegas, should i be that scared of crime in small cities?</p>
<p>Back to Poughkeepsie for a moment... I believe that what most people think of as Poughkeepsie is actually composed of a "City of Poughkeepsie" and a "Town of Poughkeepsie." (Why, one wonders...) Am pretty sure Vassar is officially located in the "Town," on the edge of Arlington, and that the "Town" has a much lower crime rate than the "City," which includes tired downtown neighborhoods. </p>
<p>You might look for crime stats under the Town of Poughkeepsie for comparison and reassurance. </p>
<p>And if I'm mistaken, someone who knows the local area will set me straight!</p>
<p>Poughkeepsie does have a town and a city. The town is where Vassar is located. The city part is a good ten minute car drive away and there is a section of downtown that is not nice. You can walk around Vassar in the town without concern. There are many restaurants, some shops, a grocery store, a couple of hotels, etc. right off of the campus. Alumni house is across the street. The immediate neighborhoods in both directions off of campus are fine to frequent. The town houses which Vassar owns are across the street from the main campus and there is not a problem going back and forth. It is really fine. The mall is a short distance away and there is a shuttle and it is like any suburban mall with all of the usual stores. I have not heard of any Vassar students getting hurt by crime off of campus.</p>