anybody from philly (crime, neighborhood, gated community)

[barbieemarley]

I've lived in "not so nice" neighboorhoods in D.C. and its surrounding suburbs of P.G.County Maryland for 15 years. But for the last 4 ive been living a cushy life in a gated community in las vegas nevada. I really miss the east coast. i plan on relocating to philly after I graduate. Ive been to the city (west philly around 40th and market..i think) and I liked the vibe I got there. i feel i mite have gotten a bit "soft" living in vegas and all the posts i read keep expounding on how dangerous philly is. so my question is "is dc safer than philly or is it about the same?" i want to know what to expect, and i figure if its about the same ill be okay. if its much worse i mite have to reconsider my move...

[trying2moveup]

Go to the Pa forum, I'm sure there is a link for Philadelphia there and post your question(s) there. Then you'll get actual Philly-ites with knowledge that can answer you.

If you are coming out of a "gated community" into a "non-gated one" seems like you'll be exposed to more crime no matter what. Isn't that part of what those walls are for??

I think alot of these questions about "whether x is safer than y" are pretty elementary.

Drive around. If things look crappy, then they probably are in a crappy area. Lots of graffiti? People hanging on every corner looking like they are up to something? Absence of any other people than the corner huggers on the street - especially during the day? Police patroling around and in the same areas on a very routine basis?

Then I think it's safe to say you're not in a "good neighborhood." If your gut says you shouldn't be there, then you probably shouldn't be.