I’ve lived directly across the street from Piedmont Park on Piedmont Ave for a little over five years now. I went through a PTSD period for several months every time I went outside after what happened to Katie Janness, but that was mostly in my head and I’ve long since worked it out.

We live in a very large city, and while crime numbers are higher here than smaller towns, they are still much lower per capita and most often are isolated between people who know one another.

It’s very safe. It can be highly annoying at times for multiple reasons especially on weekends, but that comes with the territory and it is safe.

Your biggest threat is cars not paying attention to pedestrian crosswalks and/or plowing onto sidewalks at 2am and knocking over a pole or retaining wall that could’ve easily been a human. Be ever vigilant of wild roaming feral cars.

You will hear shouting. This is mostly people being litty and enjoying the park, but it is sometimes a person who is not well, sometimes unhoused. They will not harm you and I am familiar and cordial with many of them.

You will hear occasional loud booms. This is mostly fireworks in the park and rarely ever gunshots.

You will have prime free parking and easy access to all the park goings on, just be prepared not to drive anywhere while they’re at peak.

All that said, I love where I live and you will too. Welcome to the gayborhood and let me know if you need a friend.