Possibly relocating to Camden- where do we live? (Newark, Collingswood: condominiums, violent crime)

[Katisu]

I would be really curious to see one with the break-down of all violent (excluding domestic, I guess; that shouldn't be a danger to us, assuming my husband and I don't start beating each other) and property crimes. I'm pretty sure we wouldn't be murdered; we don't hang out with drug-dealers/gang members and I don't plan to go to Whitman Park anytime close to dark. That doesn't mean we wouldn't be mugged, raped, or have our car/home broken into. Although (excluding rape) those things could all be replaced. That still doesn't mean I want them taken, though.

Very interesting.

[VeradoDan]

Originally Posted by DailyJournalist

Many of those murdered are because they are involved in the drug trade. How many occur next to Rutgers. There are even luxury apartments and and a childrens garden near by.

Lets all live in FlyersFan bubble, give me a break.

No offense, but according to your profile on here, you live in Collingswood. If Camden is so safe, affordable and wonderful, why don't YOU live there?

As someone who has worked as a reporter, editor and now publisher in both newspapers and magazines, I have to say that you (if you really are a journalist) are telling one side of the story - one that is actually a complete mischaracterization.

[VeradoDan]

Originally Posted by Katisu

I would be really curious to see one with the break-down of all violent (excluding domestic, I guess; that shouldn't be a danger to us, assuming my husband and I don't start beating each other) and property crimes. I'm pretty sure we wouldn't be murdered; we don't hang out with drug-dealers/gang members and I don't plan to go to Whitman Park anytime close to dark. That doesn't mean we wouldn't be mugged, raped, or have our car/home broken into. Although (excluding rape) those things could all be replaced. That still doesn't mean I want them taken, though.

Very interesting.

Well, if you are robbed, it often comes with a serious beating. Yes, you can replace your credit cards, but scars can be tough to heal. These thugs do want your money, but they also want you to be intimidated by brute force- and they will make it happen. Conscience isn't too big of an issue when you don't have much to lose.

Also, I really hate to stir an otherwise calm pot by saying this, but you should also consider racial issues that may arise by moving into a neighborhood dominated by either a racially-segregated gang or other group. I don't know if you are white, black or something else - but if you don't "blend in" with the neighborhood, you'll be an instant target. That goes beyond skin color to clothing, bags, cell phones, etc. as well. The slightest thing that makes you stand out will certainly pique the interest of those who are looking to prey on you.

[Katisu]

I considered this as well. I am white; my husband is Korean. I would probably be wearing suits or business casual-type clothing, depending on my job. My husband will probably not be very dressed up, but would probably have a lap-top with him.

I don't think what you have said is out of line. If a mostly poor and violent neighborhood has new people moving in that carry expensive equipment around, they may assume we would be a good target. I'm not so much stereotyping the residents of Camden, but I'm saying the ones that are violent may stereotype us as people with "nice" things. I'm not saying we do, just that they may get that idea.

I don't think race would be the issue (unless there is something we don't know about), but maybe how we present ourselves- clothing, lap-top, purses, etc.

[FlyersFan]

Originally Posted by Katisu

I considered this as well. I am white; my husband is Korean. I would probably be wearing suits or business casual-type clothing, depending on my job. My husband will probably not be very dressed up, but would probably have a lap-top with him.

I don't think what you have said is out of line. If a mostly poor and violent neighborhood has new people moving in that carry expensive equipment around, they may assume we would be a good target. I'm not so much stereotyping the residents of Camden, but I'm saying the ones that are violent may stereotype us as people with "nice" things. I'm not saying we do, just that they may get that idea.

I don't think race would be the issue (unless there is something we don't know about), but maybe how we present ourselves- clothing, lap-top, purses, etc.

You would stand out in that type of dress but just in case the Camden locals miss you as potential robbery targets have you considered painting a bullseye on your backs ?

[Katisu]

Awww...are there really no normal people in the entire town? No nice neighborhoods?

[FlyersFan]

Originally Posted by Katisu

Awww...are there really no normal people in the entire town? No nice neighborhoods?

I'm 62.....I've seen Camden as a nice town that you could walk through.....it used to have a downtown shopping area that also extended all the way down to 27th street where the old Arlo movie theater used to stand........many a time I was dropped off on a Saturday afternoon for the kids afternoon sci-fi movie and cartoons........that was in the 50s and there were many nice areas back then. There are none today. I don't live in a protective bubble but all of Camden is a dangerous place to be for any reason. Even just driving through you run the risk of having a gun pointed at your head at any traffic light with someone asking for your wallet. I've had friends that worked at Cambells Soups beaten and mugged because they ventured a little too far from the main building. You would be wise to avoid it.

[DailyJournalist]

Originally Posted by VeradoDan

No offense, but according to your profile on here, you live in Collingswood. If Camden is so safe, affordable and wonderful, why don't YOU live there?

As someone who has worked as a reporter, editor and now publisher in both newspapers and magazines, I have to say that you (if you really are a journalist) are telling one side of the story - one that is actually a complete mischaracterization.

I am sorry if I as a minority do not buy into the notion that "everyone" in Camden is a criminal. I was born and raised in Newark, NJ and heard these kind of generalizations all the time and they were simply not true.

[FlyersFan]

Originally Posted by DailyJournalist

I am sorry if I as a minority do not buy into the notion that "everyone" in Camden is a criminal. I was born and raised in Newark, NJ and heard these kind of generalizations all the time and they were simply not true.

Certainly not everyone in Camden is a criminal but there are enough that it was recently the most dangerous city in the US for murders......how many murders and what percentage of criminals do you need before your common sense tells you its not a "generalization" and definitely not a safe place to be ? Generally its not pubished that your the murder capital of the United States unless its true. Perhaps a few bullets in your direction from a drive by shooting might persuade your views on this issue ?

[DailyJournalist]

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