Oddly enough, you've picked another part of another city that I'm not aware of: I've never been to the US. :) I see what you mean. I recall stories of what Russia used to be back in the 90s, after the Union collapsed (people being threatened with a gun right in the street after dark) - sounds rather similar to what your hometown had. It would be great to visit France now! Yet, there are things I'd rather accomplish beforehand, like publish my damn stories already or finally step into the university - all the things that will lead to me being able to support myself while on the journey, in one way or another.
D'oh! I assumed that, because you were on the internet, you were obviously American (and male, and in your early 20s. I make this assumption despite being none of these things myself...)! Where in the world are you?