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It’s because in real life, political boundaries don’t set perceptions. If DC included Arlington, VA and Alexandria, VA still, the city would have 102 sq. miles with around 1,200,000 people. If it included Bethesda, MD and Silver Spring, MD to match Philadelphia, it would have around 1,500,000 people and the murder rate would be low. Philadelphia is way more dangerous which is why that perception exists.
Statistically speaking, the DC metro area is one of the safest and richest metro areas in America. That’s where the perception comes from I believe.
That's true Imo. On sites like this one, we compare political boundary limits as a basis for fair comparisons. In reality though with the majority of people that just isn't how it's percieved. Aside from political commentary, that's why so many Californians complain about crime and thuggery. It doesn't show in the numbers but the perception is that the thuggery and duabachery is evenly wide spread, no matter where you go here. Even in nicer more expensive suburban communities you will have instances of selfish, thuggish behavior every once in a while. This does not pertain to any one race, just people in general.
DC does have one of the best perceptions in the media. The bad neighborhoods are mostly out of sight out of mind. Ytd there's been 30 murders in NW (350k) for a rate of 8.5 slightly less than st paul MN. Even PG county has a higher rate than NW DC. Ne/Se (300k) has 154 with a rate of 51 similar to Baltimore or Memphis. Just a tale of two cities.
If Baltimore were able to just clean up 1 side of the city the murder rate would be similar to DC like when the rate was 32 in 2012.
DC does have one of the best perceptions in the media. The bad neighborhoods are mostly out of sight out of mind. Ytd there's been 30 murders in NW (350k) for a rate of 8.5 slightly less than st paul MN. Even PG county has a higher rate than NW DC. Ne/Se (300k) has 154 with a rate of 51 similar to Baltimore or Memphis. Just a tale of two cities.
If Baltimore were able to just clean up 1 side of the city the murder rate would be similar to DC like when the rate was 32 in 2012.
Yeah it’s mainly because DC’s bad areas for the most part are very segregated so you don’t feel unsafe or see the crime that often in many areas of the city. In Baltimore and to a lesser extent in Philly, neighborhoods change quickly so you can be wandering around what is a safe neighborhood and it can become bad very fast.
It’s because in real life, political boundaries don’t set perceptions. If DC included Arlington, VA and Alexandria, VA still, the city would have 102 sq. miles with around 1,200,000 people. If it included Bethesda, MD and Silver Spring, MD to match Philadelphia, it would have around 1,500,000 people and the murder rate would be low. Philadelphia is way more dangerous which is why that perception exists.
Statistically speaking, the DC metro area is one of the safest and richest metro areas in America. That’s where the perception comes from I believe.
Sure, but how is this different from including Philly's suburbs? Most of which are wealthy and safe, with low crime. If you included them, it would have the same effect statistically.
Anecdotally, I feel way safer in Center City Philly than I did living in Columbia Heights. I heard gunfire all the time there and dealt with plenty of harassment from kids. I'll never forget kids running around shooting fireworks at people on the 4th, or the time someone opened fire with an Ak47 on people outside of the closest 7/11.
St. Louis and DC are roughly the same size, both hampered by political boundaries, yet only one gets the 'dangerous city' label.
DC is the nations Capital. It would be a stain on the countries image if people found out it has one of the highest homicide rates in the country. Truth
DC was widely known as dangerous/murder capital up until the late 2000s.
Sure, but how is this different from including Philly's suburbs? Most of which are wealthy and safe, with low crime. If you included them, it would have the same effect statistically.
Anecdotally, I feel way safer in Center City Philly than I did living in Columbia Heights. I heard gunfire all the time there and dealt with plenty of harassment from kids. I'll never forget kids running around shooting fireworks at people on the 4th, or the time someone opened fire with an Ak47 on people outside of the closest 7/11.
Crime rates in DC, Philly, and Chicago metros were discussed at length a while back. The result...By and large both regions have similar stats and are very safe.
Comparing cities, neither city has a stellar track record, hopefully this thread can avoid another circular argument... Not calling you out, but some on CD have a habit of downplaying violent crime in DC and up-playing violent crime in Philadelphia.
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Boredatwork
