Dont believe everthing you hear
If Richmond was listed as a dangerous city by the French, It is no longer.
This is the updated page on
http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/ (Unfortunately the page is Only available in French and my Ability to translate French is a Little rusty)
East Zone:
Boston : foot traffic and at night should be avoided in the neighborhoods of Dorchester, Mattapan and Roxbury. French attention must also be drawn to an increase in petty crime, observed especially during major cultural and sporting events and in some tourist areas such as Chinatown, the North End and Fenway.
New York : be vigilant in tourist places such as Times Square and the Statue of Liberty as well as at airports, train stations, subways, restaurants, museums and some hotels in the West End. Do not go alone in Harlem, the Bronx and Central Park at night.
Washington : Washington and the main cities of the consular district have, like all major cities of the world, the risks of ordinary crime (theft, assault, etc ...), especially at night. The following areas of Washington (Northeast, Southeast) and Philadelphia (north of the city) are particularly sensitive.
Central Zone
Pittsburgh : Avoid areas of Mount Oliver, Hill District, Homewood-Brushton and Hazel Wood.
Cleveland : The city does not endanger the day but at night is not recommended. Some suburban neighborhoods Northeast are also to be avoided.
Detroit : The center is not recommended after the close of business.
Chicago : avoid the West Side and the south of the city after 59th Street.
South Zone:
Houston : As in all major cities in the United States, it should not leave personal belongings in his car the day and to be vigilant when traveling at night in certain neighborhoods (Downtown, southern and eastern parts of Houston).
St. Louis : avoid northern area between the airport and the city center, but the shuttle from the airport is safe.
Atlanta: be vigilant in isolated city center (downtown) after the close of business and focus on taxi rides at night areas.
New Orleans : Crime in New Orleans dropped in 2013 (53 murders per 100,000 inhabitants). Most crimes are located in clearly identifiable neighborhoods. The tourist areas are well supervised and are therefore generally not affected by violent crime. When visiting the Vieux Carré, he should not go alone (e) the night beyond the northwest of Dauphine Street and northeast of the rue des Ursulines and when visiting the Garden District not to go north of St. Charles Avenue and south of Magazine Street.
Florida : attacks against tourists and car, frequent there a few years ago are now rare. For safety's sake, do not stop outside lit areas, especially if someone at the roadside or car, you are prompted to do so. Report their presence at the first station and the police.
West Zone:
Los Angeles: large areas should be avoided including areas east, south and southeast as Watts, Inglewood and Florence. Care must be taken in the downtown and tourist areas (Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Long Beach) as well as in most residential neighborhoods Westside where attacks are regularly reported (flights that car thefts in the threat burglaries in hotels and private properties).
http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays/etats-unis-12311/