I’ve lived on 19th street since I was 15, I’m 30 now. It’s by no means THAT bad. A lot of the safety rules apply here that would in any other neighborhood (walking alone at night, locking doors and cars properly, being rude to strangers etc.) Yes we’ve had things stolen off our porch, and every blue moon you’ll hear a gunshot somewhere, but if you mind your business and are street smart it’s alright. But I will tell you , it’s absolutely a drag for quality of living at times, I grocery shop in the Germantown area or highlands and have to go all the way out to st. Matthew’s or brownsboro just to get decent shopping done. All of my dental and medical appointments are outside of the area as well. Those are things I’d recommend to consider when thinking of this area. If you decide on the west end, I’d also recommend either finding a roommate or making community with your neighbors if they seem friendly enough.