But isn’t it also bad PR and media coverage that’s allowed it to get to a point where more people leave the city than come in? If more people focus on what is good (which is a lot), we’ll have more quality individuals and thus, more taxpayer money. Not to mention the fact that people feel safer when they’re surrounded by more people (the old “safety in numbers). Hence why I always cringe when people let one shooting keep them away from Fells or Canton. Chicago and New Orleans are two cities with similar crime issues to us, yet they never get the reputation as the crime and murder cities, and have great tourism industries. I think that’s something that could definitely stand to change for the better.

Agreed. Visited a wildlife refuge in my home state of Maryland this past winter and loved it so much I plan on going back every winter. It’s more exciting and rewarding trying to actually spot all the birds yourself. Employees and volunteers are there as guides if you need, but it’s a small fee to drive through and there’s plenty of great trails!