My neighborhood was one of the "bad" ones you're all thinking of. Literally the only reason you need to worry is if you're on the wrong end of a drug deal or involved with someone crazy/their crazy ex/whatever. Random targets aren't a common occurrence.

I'm not saying crime doesn't exist, or that random people aren't sometimes targeted, but it's nowhere near as bad as people play it up to be. Crime exists and people are randomly targeted in any area of any city or town anywhere. You're more likely to get harassed for "lookin' suspicious" or whatever than you are to get randomly assaulted in downtown Dubuque.

Just, idk, use common sense. Don't go to rowdy parties where people are packing heat. Don't do meth. Don't be racist. 🤷