[glsammy]

We live in Arnold, one of the supposedly "bad" areas of Nottingham, itself widely regarded as one of the countries least desirable cities. I've lived in the same house for over 35 years, yet so far as trouble is concerned I've never experienced any, in all that 35 years, two houses on our street have been burgled, and one of them was a disgruntled family member.
We live on the very edge of the urban area and have Sherwood Forest within a 15 minutes drive, open farm and country pathways within 5 minutes walk. Many local parks, Rufford Abbey, Thorsby Hall, all with excellent walks, restaurants and a wide variety of wildlife to see and hear.
We can "escape" to the spectacular Hills and Dales of Derbyshire, which we do often again in easy reach. I have my favourite Nature Reserve within a 30 minute drive.
I feel privileged and lucky to live where we do, with either easy access to city life or on the other hand open countryside within very easy reach.
I for one wouldn't swap where we live for any inner city life.