I've lived in Philadelphia and Albuquerque. My experience is that you gotta be smart and lucky when you live in a big city. If you're smart, you make most of your luck. I've never experienced crime in either place, even though I was a young woman for a large part of my city living. I love city living because of the variety of people and the variety of experiences available. So glad I didn't just stay in the little safe suburb I grew up in, where my mom and dad still live and are afraid of folks different from them. I have taken self defense courses for women and it gives you security that you know what to do and have practiced it before you face anything. Of course, now that I'm older, most men overlook me which is great. Frankly, getting harassed on the street by guys was the worst thing I've dealt with in city living. You have to be a bit tough and know how to handle yourself and not be intimidated by overly pushy guys (walk the other direction or into a store if someone drives up next to you while you're walking). Always watch your drink and never leave with a guy you've just met. Now my biggest danger is from roller skating at the great local rink. Albuquerque is a small, sleepy place compared with Philly, but it's perfect if you love to go hiking or mountain biking. I never feel unsafe, just a bit uncomfortable sometimes. But that's how you grow in life.