To be honest and other people's sarcasm aside ,there is violent crime and drugs in Pittsfield,I live in North Adams and see it all the time in the papers.

THat being said ,like most cities crime is confined to certain areas and unless your friends or family your visting live in very tough areas ,most of Pittsfield is very nice actually so you should be fine.

I suspect if your friends or familiy live in low income ares then your also low income and would not be bothered by that ,so you have nothing to worry about.