I've read such mixed reviews on this area. It seems to me that many people fear it because of some violent acts that occur, which is fair. However, I've lived in similarly-reputated areas and we have a small child. I find often the crime is sensationalized, which makes people fear the area even more so.

I have also read that more and more students and artists are moving into this neighbourhood, which is often the initial stages of gentrification, which, if one were looking at buying a house (like we are), would be a very good thing.

Ideally I would love to speak with a home owner who actually lives near this area of town. Does anyone here live in that area, or know someone who does that would not mind speaking with me about it?

I doubt you will find many home owners that live in that area especially on this forum. The really bad part of Gottingen Street spans about 3-4 blocks and there aren't too many "houses". Most of the bad area is high rises and slum landlord housing.

Most of the crime is gang / drug related. There are occasional random acts of violence all around the city, not just limited to gottigen street. Personally, I would never walk Gottingen Street by myself at night to be on the safe side, however, I have done it many times with friends going to and from music venues and I have never seen anything dangerous (but again we were on the safer end of the street).