Violent crime was higher than today and there are theories as to the reason I am sure you are aware. However, I still say this was largely a matter of perceptio

Violent crime was higher than today and there are theories as to the reason I am sure you are aware. However, I still say this was largely a matter of perception. The perceived issues can also be made closer to reality in a self a fulfilling sort of way when it is reenforced by the affluent avoiding the place, taking their tax base with them and leaving behind a higher concentration of less wealthy people in an area. But as you also no doubt are aware, the trend reversed itself in the current century with cities being desirable again. Part of this is reduced crime. But part is that perception, which kept newly educated people away as you say, simply being lifted.