When I arrived in Chicago in February 1962, to commence my job in a large manufacturing company, Chicago was a very nice place. Great restaurants, good golf courses, many museums, and a steak dinner at Ted’s grill in downtown was $1.19 (with baked potato & salad & garlic toast). I would be standing at a bus stop on Clark street at 1 AM for bus to my Fullerton ave cheap apartment. I was probably half drunk after my Saturday evening date, but never felt unsafe.
Now I do not want to go even for a visit to Chicago.
I know how you feel.
I grew up in a small town outside of Raleigh during the fifties.
Now that small town is PART OF RALEIGH and has been ruined!
It is no longer home. I have no desire to visit there again.