I'm considering a job in the newcastle area, a friend from work told me the area is kind of bad (crime, drugs etc) anyone from that area?

Also, are there some local trails or do you have to head north?

I think it used to have a pretty bad reputation. I havent heard much about it lately though. Nothing in the news about it so I assume no news is good news. I live about a half hour from there. I think you will have to trailer. You may find some local fields to ride in but thats about it. Moraine State Park/Lake Arthur is about half hour from you, this is where I ride locallly when we have snow. Otherwise I trailer up to Marienville or western NY.