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Fearless-Factor-8811 t1_jdsafhz wrote

Dude. If you think youve seen some shit I got something to tell you.

The homeless scene in Portland is pretty out of control but in terms of crime this place is a cakewalk.

Yeah, you can compare two different places. I have lived very close to there at times recently and never felt it was a "bad" neighborhood. My girlfriend lives 4 blocks from there and it's about as chill as it gets.

Yes, living in places not in Maine definitely gives you perspective. I lived here 12 years ago and it was a lot ahittier then but way less shitty than many other places I've lived. I've had people murdered on my street in Baltimore somewhat regularly and I didn't like it much.

Regardless of anything, yes if I see a random glock lying on a median strip it gets my attention.

Nearby the corner in question, among other things is a massive outdoor concert venue, a lot of fairly expensive houses, several restaurants including some newly opening and not much "badness".

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DidDunMegasploded t1_jdsdy5p wrote

In terms of crime in Maine? You could say that. I haven't bore enough witness to the homeless scene in Portland so I can't say anything about that with confidence and I actively choose not to lest I want to look like a fool.

Different strokes for different folks. Can't help someone who doesn't want to help themselves. Can't snap someone out of the "Maine is totally and 100% safe, so safe I would let my infant play in the road of a through street" haze if they don't want to come to reality. Pretty much every city I've lived in in Maine has been safer than the downtown area of Portland to some extent or another.

The more harsh stuff comes forth the further you go down Congress Street, near where the library is and such. Double that if you go out at night.

A gun on the street would get my attention too. It just would have the same effect as someone telling me I'm a woman.

Work in the law profession and then get back to me on what constitutes the subjective term of "bad neighborhood" to you.

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Fearless-Factor-8811 t1_jdsfiiv wrote

I've lived in cities for the last 30 years. I don't consider any of them "safe". I leave my shop on congress Street at 1030 most every night and walk to my car. Like in any other city I walk quickly and don't talk to people when I'm walking.

That said, there were 29 homicides in all of Maine in 2022. 15 were domestic. That would be 14 homicides by strangers in the entire state of Maine. There were 333 murders in Baltimore city alone during that period. Not the entire state of Maryland. Just the city. I used to walk around Baltimore at night too. It's an absolutely wonderful place to live but yeah, I watched my back something fierce.

Anyway. If you're convinced Portland is unsafe that's on you but in the relative space of a US state, yes Maine is absurdly safe. Do I take precautions going out, of course.

People commenting here seem like they are shitting their pants leaving their houses which is sad.

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