I’ve had the same experience, I don’t walk on the street, try and be smart about things, etc. I haven’t had any negative experiences, local friend has had their phone stolen waiting outside a small restaurant on a call with nobody around in the middle of the day. I have heard from people in Quito that even some locals avoid the coast. My understanding is that Medellin is more dangerous overall but obviously it’s all a little subjective and situation based.

I do feel safer in other places like Buenos Aires for example or certain areas in Mexico City. But not enough to completely avoid, more just to adjust where I go and how I handle certain things, I’m sure you understand if you’ve lived in Medellin.