I hate even going near a big city. I've been to Chicago. I got in, did my business and got out asap.
Its insanity.
Yes, gangs exist in smaller cities but they have less insanity.
Why anyone would want to live in such a crazy place is beyond me?
I won't even go to NOLA for Mardi Gras anymore.
Some people think its exciting but I value my life.
I hear you Tom.
I don't know but here in NYC area we certainly have crime I have seen on many occasions things happen and it seems out of nowhere there are cops all over the place..in minutes. I have no idea where they come from. uniformed, but especially undercover. They are all around and there are cameras.. everywhere.
A few months ago I was in the city when some terrorist almost blew himself up with a bomb ( which he intended to set off at Grand Central station.
In a matter of minute there was helicopters, cops, state troopers, FBI, CIA and countless black SUV's with tinted windows. ( nobody really know who they are)
My point being, NYC has invested in technology and manpower to stem the problem.. Maybe other cities have to do a better job at it. Why can't that system be used to combat the thugs in Chicago and other areas.
I think you are fortunate to live in a protective city community.
I grew up in the country setting, miles from my nearest neighbors.
I tried living in the big cities, certainly not for me.
The way I see it, the fact that such measures need to be implemented in the first place is disturbing. Its the potential for mayhem in high population areas that makes me wary of the world's population explosion.
More people in less area means more mayhem and more 'protection' needed while living.
Those extreme protection measures are not needed in sparsely populated areas.
People tend to be more laid back in life.
When I have to go to NOLA, the insanity of the place is overwhelming to me. I can't get out of there fast enough.
People in the cities exist in a higher stress constant than those who do not live in big cities.
High stress is not good for you at all.
Residents in these high stress areas might tell you they are not stressed but anyone that lives in a low stress area can see it as plain as day.
With those high levels of stress so common, people snap easily.
Gangs are more extreme in their activities because with higher stress levels it takes higher extremes to satisfy their excitement.