Could you ever live in a shady neighborhood?

My boyfriend and I are looking into moving into our own place together since we’ve been dating for nearly three years. We’re both college students, so clearly we’re broke. We found one place we’d be able to afford, but it’s...rough to say the least. Windows are busted and only patched with duct tape, the vending machines outside are smashed, broken down cars are in the driveways, paint is chipping, etc. it’s the type of place you would feel the need to lock the doors of your car just driving through.

I really don’t want to live there, but it’s all we could afford.

So, could you feel safe living here? What precautions would you take if you were to move in? Have you ever lived in a place like this?