People are blind idiots. Most of them also live in places someone has said "why would you live there?" about, and has likely defended the place they live as well, and yet they still, STILL, will not accept anyone else standing their homeground and defending their community as valid or commendable. It's sheer solipsism, and it's ugliest when it's directed at people who are hurting.

Home is home is home, no matter whose it is or what problems it might be prone to. Good on you for standing up for your place in the world. *hug* :-)