When I say free, I obviously meant "at no extra cost". So doesn't matter if you are working, if you are a foreigner or any other situation - you need help, you receive it. No questions asked, no worries about the cost - people come together and everybody chip in.

Regarding the gun violence, USA is a big country. I know that thefts and rape are an issue in the area I stay - I never experienced it first handedly though. It doesn't mean it's not an existing problem.

But, not to drag this forever, it seems we both happy in the places we live in. Both have their good and bad sides, so let's just agree to disagree :D