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by ghaff 589 days ago
I guess I question why anyone would live somewhere, unless that really had no economic choice, where they felt so unsafe. I sure wouldn't and don't.

ADDED: Probably unfair. Some are willing to tradeoff safety for culture etc. so long as they can essentially buy their way out of some of the potentially uncomfortable urban aspects (which is presumably what's being discussed here). This is a perfectly understandable attitude--as it probably was in NYC in the 80s or so.
2 comments
unshavedyak 589 days ago
It's also highly variable. There are lots of nearby areas that feel unsafe, and the people in those areas that make me question safety ride the busses more. Do i feel unsafe in my home? No, but i don't have a lot of addicts mulling around my house or i'd move (like you said).

Then of course there's differences in opinion on actual risk. I don't generally feel comfortable around variables i don't understand. I grew up around addicts and found them to be very unpredictable, and so my reaction may be biased. Nonetheless it's true for me personally.

edit: Conversely though, i think humans have a tendency to get used to nearly anything. We then can downplay the risks of things we've become accustomed to. Even if the risk of violence is low, risk of general unpleasant interactions would be enough to make me avoid the bus/etc.

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ghaff 589 days ago
A lot is familiarity.

I was in Detroit for an event a couple years ago. A number of us didn't really feel safe after dark and there were a couple incidents that other attendees experienced. Part of it was the general reputation but we also just didn't really know.

Whereas I'll walk down 5th avenue in Manhattan at two in the morning with no real concerns though I'm being more alert than if it were noon.

As you say, it also wouldn't take many bus/subway incidents to make me go: "That's a nope from now on."

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s1artibartfast 589 days ago
You would live there if you can effectively shield yourself from the safety risks, by doing things like avoiding mass transit and bad neighborhoods.

Also, because you may have family and ties to the area.

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