When is the last time you were in China Town?
I used to live on Lincoln St. and it is 1 block away from China town. I lived in a penthouse loft that is close to 1 million dollars. There are tons of units all over that neighborhood that make my place look like a shit hole too. Not to mention that the ritz has residental towers and another huge residental tower is moving in as we speak. I agree combat zone/China town used to be a scary place but that was years ago. It really is shocking to see how much it has turned around.
No flame intended just pointing out all the new infastructure and changes. By the sound of your post it sounds like you haven't been in a while.
That neighborhood is now
