I live where I live and Im actually safer for it because when crime is organized its invisible. Most people in NY dont get killed randomly, its usually because they fucked with someone else. Thats why I can walk through what you consider dangerous neighborhoods and not get bothered. I mind my own fucking business and know the guys on the corner are doing what they do but its not my problem. They actually arent making the neighborhood any worse than some dudes waiting for a bus. If kids or women are involved Ill risk it but otherwise, everyone knows why theyre there. We dont have methheads or crackheads because we have common sense.
My hood, there are no gates and the buildings arent as pretty but the people sure are a hell of a lot more decent.
I feel a lot more unsafe walking through Philadelphia's suburbs than 110th st or South Jamaica.