[rayiner]

I don't think that dog will hunt. Some of the safest places in Chicago are also the densest (say River North with its towering residential skyscrapers). Same for New York (Manhattan is way denser than the Bronx).

The reason DC has gotten nicer lately isn't the sprawl. It's because it's become a major target for young professionals, which have driven the poor people out of many parts of the city.