Is that your main criterion for avoiding an area? Hispanophobia? How do Hispanic FReepers feel upon reading that?
I have never once personally encountered gang activity in my 50+ years in the Tri-Cities. Yes, there is some, but it has never affected me. Maybe someday it will. At least we don't have cross-ethnic gang rivalries as Portland & Seattle do. lol
“Hispanophobia”? Give me a break. I’ve lived in southern California, Las Vegas, Tucson and Hailey, Idaho. To put it bluntly: yes, there is a correlation. I believe that it’s not ethnic, but cultural. Combine “machismo”, an emphasis on immediate economic success over education, and a comparatively large demographic of young men, and you’ve got a gang problem.