The current study used cross-sectional data, representative surveys, and longitudinal data on structural changes in German cities in order to test the "broken windows" theory regarding the link between crime and the fear of crime in an urban community and the area's environmental conditions. The "broken windows" theory posits that worsening urban structural conditions lead to high crime rates, higher fear of crime, and a declining perception of quality of life. This, in turn, leads to a migration of residents, worsening structural conditions, and causing even higher crime rates. The study findings partially refute the "broken windows" theory. First, a reduction in population through migration in a community leads to a reduction in the population density and thus to decreasing crime rates. Second, decreasing numbers of inhabitants intensify ethnic segregation; however, this did not have an influence on the crime rate. On the other hand, the "broken windows" theory was partially confirmed. The study confirmed a link between the structural environment in a neighborhood, criminality, fear of crime, residents' perception of the quality of life, and migration. Still, this interaction is more complex than is implied by "broken windows" theory. The lifestyles of the residents must also be added as a factor in how quality of life is perceived by residents of a particular neighborhood. 3 tables, 3 figures, 11 notes, and 24 references