Bad Neighborhoods

I think we all know, or at least have our own idea of what a “bad neighborhood” is. A lot of it is subjective, based entirely upon one’s own circumstances. For example, part of my definition of a bad neighborhood is one where I have to walk more than half a block to the nearest bus stop, and/or wait more than 10 minutes for a bus. (After living Downtown for 15 years, I’m quite spoiled!) Of course there are objective factors such as crime rate, property value, and median income. What I’ve been wondering is: Does anyone make a conscious decision to move into what they already know or perceive is a bad neighborhood? Why? Under what circumstances would moving to a bad neighborhood be considered a step UP?