I spent about 24 hours in Bulgaria. I arrived by train in a sleeper carriage, where we (my GF and I) were pick-pocketed while sleeping. As we wandered around Sofia, I caught another pickpocket, a woman, trying to undo the zip on my shoulder bag.
I couldn't wait to get out of Bulgaria. It will be a long time before I voluntarily revisit.
I'll agree however that unless you live in several parts of Sofia (the capital) the rest of the city -- and the country -- can be easily defined as a poverty-stricken sh*thole. =)
Let's just say I live in the bubble of the middle class and for that Bulgaria is pretty much perfect.
EDIT: You should absolutely avoid the trains in Bulgaria. Buses, planes, or walking. Not joking.
I couldn't wait to get out of Bulgaria. It will be a long time before I voluntarily revisit.