Why does England (esp London) seem like such a place for most Americans to live in (plz read details)?

Crime in London has increased substantially; especially if you look at the boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Hackney (stabbings), and other parts too. The problem that I see in England generally (esp London) is that it is such a small place as compared to the US. In the US, even if you have some bad areas; people dont necessarily feel the effects of them because it's such a huge country. England is too densely populated, with people from all over. The British culture seems very "competitive", in America its laid-back. In England, communities are in competition with others communities (postcode gangs), people judge others: by their accents, ethnic backgrounds etc. Look at the differences in humor between the 2 countries. I love British culture though (the clic rock music, football clubs and fans), but it just seems geared to cause divide between different sections of community.