These are small cities of less than 200,000 people.
I'm in New Haven 4-5 days a week, and there are a few "shady areas"...but never have felt "unsafe" while there. In comparison, there were areas of Boston I wouldn't go to unless absolutely necessary. The same could be said about Philly, Detroit and Denver while I lived there.
There are definitely places in New Haven that I am unnerved even while armed. (When it's dark)
But as a CT resident I do find it amazing that we have entire 'cities' known as heroin houses etc.