Highest Crime Cities...is there a Correlation to Real Estate?

The Congressional Quarterly Press just put out its "most dangerous cities" list for the past year. New Orleans is in the number one spot. In 2007, Detroit had the lead, but now we've noticed some competition from New Orleans Misfortune begets crime. We've seen a marked increase in crime in our foreclosure hotspots. I mention this list after learning that there is a statistical increase in crime of over 2% that comes with each 1% increase in foreclosures in a neighborhood. Is anyone paying attention to this correlation? With such a wave of distressed housing across the US, what will happen to our crime rates, and do you expect to see any new names on this list next year?

Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in America 2008

1. New Orleans
2. Camden
3. Detroit
4. St. Louis
5. Oakland
6. Flint, Mich.
7. Gary, Ind.
8. Birmingham, Ala.
9. Richmond, Calif.
10. North Charleston