I didnt read everything here but Im sure its a typical slam on Memphis and those of us who can't afford to live far enough east.
I live in Raleigh right by Craigmont High School. The worst thing that has ever happened to my place is a student from the school stole some mail once but was caught 30 seconds later by the cop behind her.
I have great neighbors that all look out for one another. If I moved a few blocks back towards frayser, things would be very different. Its all about meeting people. We talked to the people in the surrounding houses before we bought our house. I recommend you do the same. Get a feel for the neighborhood. If you don't like the way your potential neighbors act, find somewhere else because if you don't stick together, you will have a harder time crime wise.