I feel that it is the opposite.....there is a good pub near to us - busy with people eating from 6-9pm, but drops off considerably after that, even at the weekend. Most places we go to eat seem to empty out pretty early - no one seems to stay out past 9/10pm. And lost more people out having lunch too. But ours is a small city with 2 universities, and young people are heading out in their droves from 10/11pm onwards, when we are coming home.
I have never really been afraid of travelling alone, or in the evening. I am in London now for a couple of days and regularly cat sit for my daughter in Mile End. I take the normal precautions. But you are risk from thieves at anytime of the day - the trick is not to make it easy for them.
Like some others here, I love theatre, film, socialising etc and wouldn't want to give it up yet. But the new 'energy saving' streetlights in our town are definitely making it harder to see. Especially as they are higher up and often in the branches of the trees in places. The footpath is much less well lit; and its harder to see other people too. But I figure that if I can't see them - they can't see me! I was in an abusive relationship for many years - my own home was certainly the most dangerous place for me to be and I was never afraid when I was out on my own.