Albany, what is the issue? (Atlanta, Camilla: crime, hotel, homes)

[Georgia]

Recently, over the past few months my job has taken me to Albany,GA.
I have read many thing about this town and vastly in a negative light.

Now, keep in mind I am in and out if a hotel but have seen most of the area.
Oglethorpe can be dicey and the park area by the river is not a place to run after the evening hours, however I find a vast amount of the town to be historical with nice developments, plantation homes, and very hospitable folks.

Could be that I am so used to Atlanta that bad in Albany is a blip compared to here

Actually thought about uprooting the Atlanta area and heading to Leesburg, Albany, or Camilla. Already have a piece of heaven in Blue Ridge why not at one of these locations?

Any locals out there who can give some Albany history?

[TD*]

I live in Tallahassee, but from what I gather, Albany doesn't have a lot of economic drivers. They used to, or still do have the navy base... but I hear the crime is high because a lack of jobs.