Seattle is one of many cities faltering and infused with more crime. Even those who can afford to live in 'desirable' areas cannot escape crimes plaguing less affluent areas.  Some residents can't weather the consequences of more people living on the streets-- including increases in homicide, assault, robbery, car prowls, and prostitution, with exposure to erratic behaviors and garbage.

For years, I experienced these conditions and just moved out of a neighborhood in North Seattle because it permeates with criminal activity. Unsheltered people are not solely responsible for crimes. But I think the presence of multiple tents, RVs, and buses contribute to crime spikes because even if the occupants meant no harm, others with bad intentions gravitated toward them- perhaps to rob them or hit them up for drugs -- thinking, right or wrong, they have them.

Right below my window, I was woken up many nights by men (I'm not stereotyping, I only heard what I believe were male voices) cursing in the street. One morning when I had to leave, two men were plopped in the middle of the driveway,  blocking my exit. I had to get out, so I played 'the damsel in distress.' In my sweetest possible voice, I quietly stepped out of my car and pleaded, "Would you please mind just moving over a little bit? I'm so scared I'll hit the wall on this side." It worked! To their credit, they moved over. I was grateful to get on my way. 

That was a minor inconvenience. It gets worse. Gunshots I heard multiple times are more of a real problem. The homicide rate in Seattle has exploded and I was bearing firsthand witness to changes that have forced residents, including me, to leave Emerald City. Owning a business in the area is something I would never consider. A KING 5 TV video from three years ago could have aired this morning. I lived there. Aurora Avenue is a magnet for drugs, crime, and prostitution and has spun out of control. On any given day, you see illegal activity going down. I never thought the once-civilized Seattle would become so scuzzy. 

The final straw for me came on August 1 when I stepped out of an Uber in front of my house.  I booked it for a dental cleaning, to give myself a break from driving downtown.  I noticed a man who appeared confused sitting on the step to the building entrance. I almost said to the driver, 'take me to the mall instead, but I thought, 'don't be a baby.' As soon as I put one foot on the ground, the guy charged me. The wonderful driver put my safety before his and quickly ran to the back of the car yelling, "No, no, no, no!" Thank goodness for his selflessness. The perpetrator was scared off. I am incredibly grateful.

That sealed the deal. I have moved. Where I live feels a little boring, but I'll take it. Safety upstages my other dramatic life.