Someone asked where these druggies moved after these photos were taken.

I just said there are still areas in New York City that can have these characters. I was responding to that specific question. It's not like you can't find druggies on the streets anywhere in NYC. Just because a lot of the city has cleaned itself up doesn't mean there isn't anywhere that's still in ruins.

An example: Some areas of The Bronx are still run-down, no?

I lived in NYC during the entire period these pictures cover. Obviously not every block was like this, but the presence of 'urban decay' was undeniable. The incidence of street crime was much higher, and the general sense of potential danger was palpable.

"Taxi Driver" is an excellent depiction of the mood of the city during this era.

Agreed. I live in New York too. I go all over the city. I have not sought out the "Worst Neighborhood", but I have been to sketchy neighborhoods in all the boroughs and nothing looks like those pictures.