The 1960s riots ended Newark, NJ as a place for normal people to live. It inspired the middle class to move to the suburbs and take their jobs with them. The towns one hour out from Newark generally have a strong police presence. Criminals don't fare well and end up back in Newark. The demographics and periodic riots in America pretty much mean European city life isn't going to work here.
Walking is not healthy in any city that has a large, hostile underclass. Those thugs are predators, just like hyenas.