[quote=@Naril]
I go to Detroit fairly regularly for one of my many time-devouring hobbies, and the city doesn't feel nearly as desperate and dangerous as the common narrative likes to portray it. I still prefer Chicago, but I don't dread my visits or anything. 
[/quote]

I've been there twice over the years. Honestly Birmingham (where I live) had the 6th highest murder rate in the country a few years back, but I've never had problems with it. It usually depends on where you look and where you go, no matter the city you're in. But Detroit does have a higher crime percentage than most, though I've only heard of the abandoned portions of the city. I've never seen them myself.  

Oop! Didn't see your edit.  

If we don't do Detroit, then Chicago is my vote. One of the two.