Safety of Denver vs. Philadelphia (2015, apartment, for rent)

[bking45]

I'm looking to move to Denver this summer but still have no idea what part I will end up in, and am asking for people who are knowledgeable of the different parts of Denver, as well as Philadelphia (which is where I live now).

I've seen on these forums conversation about "bad" areas of Denver; my question is, how do these bad areas compare to bad areas of Philadelphia? I spent 3 years living at Temple U, which is notorious for having an unsafe off-campus - what I would consider a bad area.

I am looking at many different parts of Denver and would consider living in a less-than-ideal part of Denver if that means saving significant money. I just want to know if what others would consider bad for Denver, would be more than acceptable to me because of my expectation of what bad looks like. Thanks!

[BabyBoomers2]

Well, hearing gun shots, sirens (law enforcement) and hearing a police helicopter on a possible nightly basis sure wouldn't constitute "good" to me. "Saving significant money" just isn't worth all of that to wife and I.

[skins_fan82]

The most "ghetto" parts of Denver don't hold a candle to the rough areas of Philly. When comparing it to major east coast cities, Denver's violent crime rate is very low.

As of April 5th, 2016, Philly has 67 homicides. Denver has 10.

You'll be fine anywhere around here.

[JrzDefector]

Originally Posted by skins_fan82

The most "ghetto" parts of Denver don't hold a candle to the rough areas of Philly. When comparing it to major east coast cities, Denver's violent crime rate is very low.

You'll be fine anywhere around here.

Seconding this. The streets of Denver have never worried me.

East Colfax kind of sucks, but mostly in the "don't walk home alone at 3 am" way. Common sense goes a long way here.

[BornintheSprings]

Denver is Mayberry compared to phillly.

[denverian]

Originally Posted by JrzDefector

Seconding this. The streets of Denver have never worried me.

East Colfax kind of sucks, but mostly in the "don't walk home alone at 3 am" way. Common sense goes a long way here.

I drive through there daily and see what goes on. I've seen police tape (murder scenes) probably 5 times in the past 10 years. Mostly just drugged out people and hookers. It's sad, but probably as bad as it gets in Denver.

[emm74]

Agree that in comparison, Denver is generally safer than Philly.

But I am curious about what you are thinking in terms of budget and your comment that you'd like to save "significant money." Rents in Denver are high, and even the less desirable areas aren't all that cheap esp. if you prefer to be reasonably close to downtown.

[davebarnes]

Get a map.
Add your work location.
Draw a circle around that and see if you can afford to live within the circle. If, not, make a larger circle.
Then, ask us about a particular, small neighborhood/area.

Also, for Denver, lots of crime stats at -- https://www.denvergov.org/content/de...tics-maps.html

[bking45]

Originally Posted by emm74

Agree that in comparison, Denver is generally safer than Philly.

But I am curious about what you are thinking in terms of budget and your comment that you'd like to save "significant money." Rents in Denver are high, and even the less desirable areas aren't all that cheap esp. if you prefer to be reasonably close to downtown.

I still have to nail that down but I would say that my budget is $800 per month for rent at the moment. I don't expect to get a 1 bedroom with this budget, and know that I will most likely have roommates - which is fine by me. I'm a simple person who doesn't need a new/renovated apartment, a lot of sq ft, being in the prime locations, or be in the safest locations. I will live where I can afford, and will be able to adapt to it quite well (I hope)

[skins_fan82]

$800 a month won't go very far in this market, even in less desirable areas. Would you be open to a roommate? That would open up a lot of options for you if so.