u/Express-Ad8619

I am at the very beginning of the game, just spend my first night in V's apartment, and very much would like to know the setting a bit better
From what I gather on the way into the apt, I'm implied to be low on funds and the neighbourhood is supposed to be not quite thriving? I mean, my neighbours depicted as kinda marginal, they're poorly dressed and all, substance usage, cockroaches, rent overdue, poor sanitary conditions, etc. Yet, inside my apartment is nigh luxorious! I mean, it's like 40+ sqare meters, I do not yet know how Watson stands in a district structure of NC, but not entirely slum, I guess? Huge parking lot with tons of free space, my car is literally the only one on the floor. In 2025 it's well above average for sure. Is it that the future is actually BRIGHT in this game? Or should I suppose the demographic is in a long decline?
As I woke up, I went for a walk and first thing I saw was two police officers knocking on some poor soul's door. I didn't see any options that game was pushing me towards to, so naturally I just took both cops out, and then killed another couple civilians with a machete. People closest to me showed some indication of concern, but I probably expected a little more agitation. Whatever, I was short on time, so I just reloaded and went on to see a ripper doc. When I was on my way, I noticed some guy having a conversation who had a tiny skull icon upon his head. As I walked by, I took an effort to casually break his neck from behind and then continue my walk unbothered, I'm not sure anyone gave a damn including the person he was having a conversation with. Is that kind of thing common in NC? I mean, I saw a kill count 30 in the intro, and a quick googling told me that in today's, NY it's more like 1 murder a day, so I'd assume the answer is 'yes'. But then, was it someone important? If he was important, why would he just stand at the middle of an alley waiting to be killed? If not, why would he have a skull mark above him?

New player, being somewhat confused about the NC overall situation