America's 25 most dangerous neighborhoods

Planning A Vacation? 25 Spots To Try And Avoid (Wallet Pop)

As the holiday season fast approaches, some around the country who have not been crushed by the festering recession and flailing economy may still have the luxury of trying to decide where they might go for a vacation. If you are lucky enough to be in that position, these neighborhoods represent areas that should probably be left off of the list of must see spots.

While crime and violence around the world is the focus of national news reports, it is what goes on around us every day that creates the basis of one's real life reality. While we can empathize and sympathize with these international scenes, if you live in the West Lake Street area of Chicago, you have a 1 in 4 chance of becoming the victim of a crime. These numbers are truly staggering.

That is true reality!

The Top 5 Most Dangerous Neighborhoods In The United States In 2010

1. Chicago, Ill.

Neighborhood: W. Lake St.

Found within ZIP code: 60612

Predicted annual violent crimes: 297

Violent crime rate (per 1,000): 257.72

My chances of becoming a victim here (in one year): 1 in 4

2. Cleveland, Ohio

Neighborhood: Scovill Ave.

Found within ZIP code: 44104

Predicted annual violent crimes: 307

Violent crime rate (per 1,000): 165.56

My chances of becoming a victim here (in one year): 1 in 6

3. Las Vegas, Nev.

Neighborhood: Balzar Ave.

Found within ZIP code: 89106

Predicted annual violent crimes: 351

Violent crime rate (per 1,000): 145.98

My chances of becoming a victim here (in one year): 1 in 7

4. Las Vegas, Nev.

Neighborhood: N. 28th St.

Found within ZIP code: 89101

Predicted annual violent crimes: 875

Violent crime rate (per 1,000): 135.09

My chances of becoming a victim here (in one year): 1 in 7

5. Atlanta, Ga.

Neighborhood: Carter St.

Found within ZIP code: 30314, 30313

Predicted annual violent crimes:118

Violent crime rate (per 1,000): 126.77

My chances of becoming a victim here (in one year): 1 in 8

For the next 20 neighborhoods, visit Wallet Pop.