Chicago, Illinois
The Windy City has a lot going for it, but it is hard to ignore its epidemic of violence. In 2016, Chicago had 762 homicides—the largest number of cases in 19 years. Some of the contributing factors are drug activity and many years of gang factions which operate like well-oiled machines. It is definitely sad when violence becomes a part of everyday life in a city such as this, but Chicago Police have some good news. Chicago has undertaken historic reforms since 2016, which seems to be helping. There were 100 fewer murders in 2018 compared to the year 2017 and the shootings decreased by 14%.
Chicago, Illinois
Modesto, California
Agro-centric Modesto is the birthplace of George Lucas, the Star Wars director, and the home of the Gallo Family Winery. There is a lot to do around the Central Valley city, but its reputation—fraught with street gangs, sky-high unemployment rates, and foreclosures—can give visitors pause. It seems like a once-great town which has simply given up. According to the FBI, there are 576 violent crimes per 100,000 inhabitants, 56% above the national average.
Modesto, California