I came from a poor/working class suburban background. Wasn't really that dangerous. No gangs. No real crime, that I was aware of. In the summers, my one neighbor, his cousins visited because their parents wanted them out of the city where they could get into less trouble. Read NO trouble.
That world is, or at least was, just as real as yours.
I am somewhat proud of it. I did not make it. But I am part of the culture that did, and lord knows I have taken enough flak for that, that being proud of the accomplishments of it, seems fair.
Today, I am partially responsible for my neighborhood being as nice as it is. My child can walk "the street; here, without being tough. I can walk to the store or the local pizza shop, without being tough.