No area is safe in Philadelphia County (Washington: appointed, apartment)

[ad08am]

Yes, it does happen everywhere, but I feel Phila. is a little too dangerous. It's always on some list as a dangerous city. Nearby cities dont have that stigma like NYC or Boston. I'll probably stay near Philly (the mainline area I guess) cause of family but I'll try to avoid the city as much as possible and go to other cities as an escape.

[danwxman]

I think Center City is about as safe as it gets for a large U.S. city. You are always going to have some random muggings and burglaries...that happens everywhere. It will happen more in a large city, that's for sure -- but I've been out and about many nights in Center City and have never once felt unsafe. I've actually been more creeped out in my former city, Harrisburg.

[danwxman]

Originally Posted by bicoastal10

I've lived in the Philly area for 20+ years and nothing like this has ever happened to me. You probably just look like an easy target.

We shouldn't get into a "blame the victim" mentality but you do have a point. When in any large city one should take a few extra steps and be cautious and aware of their surroundings. Don't make yourself a target. Handle and present yourself like you belong there, don't make unnecessary eye contact and of course -- if you see suspicious people cross the street. Also, stay in well-lit areas.

[Young Herman]

Center City can be an annoying place, it has some aggressive beggars and homosexuals, and the occasional drug dealers. I've had black guys follow me for a few blocks trying to sell me drugs (wasn't looking for them either), I think they were looking for people to rip off. Then you got the bums who hound you for a cigg or money. Last but not least is the roving hordes of black homosexuals who are always saying provocative stuff to straight guys. Those are my gripes with Center City, don't think this kind of stuff don't happen either. it does.

[southking500]

Yup .. that's the problem with Philly, too many "targets" walking around. Like the girl a bicycle who was raped and murdered recently. It must be her fault since it never happened to me.

[nespera]

The problem with Phila is that is controlled by thugs. Their job is to stand around and observe passersby. The cops don't do anything, so the thugs know they have free reign. Many times I've been on the bus and could have changed to the Broad subway line in North Philly, but chose to change in center city, because the groups of thugs standing around the subway entrances are just too intimidating. Where are the cops? Who knows. This does not happen in cities such as NY. As long as this trend continues people need to be alert day or night.

[Young Herman]

Originally Posted by southking500

Yup .. that's the problem with Philly, too many "targets" walking around. Like the girl a bicycle who was raped and murdered recently. It must be her fault since it never happened to me.

Yes, with all the gullible hipster/yuppie new blood coming into the city, the city is becoming a target rich environment for the thugs. A lot of these new people moving in have been brainwashed to believe all people are "equal" since they were kiddies, and many even when they know it will still not admit the differences because they don't want to be considered a racist, bigot, uppity, or whatever other thing they will be called. It is not the victims fault at all though, because they been brainwashed by the schools, parents, media, etc. I grew up in the thick of it, so I'm better prepared to deal with the problems that come from living in the city.

[Young Herman]

Originally Posted by nespera

The problem with Phila is that is controlled by thugs. Their job is to stand around and observe passersby. The cops don't do anything, so the thugs know they have free reign. Many times I've been on the bus and could have changed to the Broad subway line in North Philly, but chose to change in center city, because the groups of thugs standing around the subway entrances are just too intimidating. Where are the cops? Who knows. This does not happen in cities such as NY. As long as this trend continues people need to be alert day or night.

I'm not a big fan of the cops for starters, but the cops aren't allowed to do their jobs because the people at the top, the ones who run the city, don't want to "offend" certain communities in the city. That is the way things have been done in this city for close to thirty years now, my entire life.... Look how they covered up and buried the "flash mob" stuff, trying to make it out like they were just bored youths, when they nearly beat a few people to death.

[danwxman]

Originally Posted by southking500

Yup .. that's the problem with Philly, too many "targets" walking around. Like the girl a bicycle who was raped and murdered recently. It must be her fault since it never happened to me.

One shouldn't ever have to feel unsafe when they are walking around, that I agree with. However the fact is that just isn't the world we live in. There are certain steps you can take to make yourself less susceptible to criminals.

[danwxman]

Originally Posted by Young Herman

Center City can be an annoying place, it has some aggressive beggars and homosexuals, and the occasional drug dealers. I've had black guys follow me for a few blocks trying to sell me drugs (wasn't looking for them either), I think they were looking for people to rip off. Then you got the bums who hound you for a cigg or money. Last but not least is the roving hordes of black homosexuals who are always saying provocative stuff to straight guys. Those are my gripes with Center City, don't think this kind of stuff don't happen either. it does.

Roving hordes of black homosexuals? lol. I can't take you seriously.