Quote:
Originally Posted by chicubs111
Would it be safe to assume that the north side of chicago is very safe..Parts of the west side are safe and some are bad (more like 50/50 good to bad)...the south side overall is dangerous (I know there are pockets of good neighborhoods but im just saying overall). I really hope the day comes when you can walk pretty much any street in chicago without any fear or hesitaion of you getting mugged or something like that.
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As a South Sider, I have to take this to task. Many parts of the South Side are rough, but this statement about the majority of it being unsafe is patently untrue. If you take the time, you will find tons of interesting and perfectly great areas on the South Side. Also, may are improving at an incredible pace. None of them are like Lincoln Park, but that's not to say they should be written off entirely.
Now, to Ryan's main question, I would just like to mention that no one has included the Near North Side / Old Town in the list. I am sure this is because of the costs of those neighborhoods. However, if you are willing to look hard, you can find great deals. Two friends of mine (both women) rent an apartment at North and LaSalle for $825. It's a huge two-bedroom in what was a very opulent 1920s building. The price is low because it's on the first floor, and there is a negative perception of the building because it is on two busy streets. But actually, their apartment is very quiet and a great place to live.
So, my suggestions to any newcomer to Chicago are:
1. Look hard and you will find what you are looking for. It's a huge place. Don't settle for something because you get nervous or are in a hurry. I had a close friend who did this, and it was a disaster.
2. Don't judge a neighborhood by its commercial streets. These streets can be a big indication of how you'd personally like living in an area, since they tell you what your shopping culture will be like. But many of our neighborhoods are very beautiful in the large residential districts, while the commercial strips that run through them can be a bit rough around the edges. This might be more of good advice for exploring Chicago rather than house hunting, but I think it's worth keeping in mind. Don't limit yourself or your appreciation of the place!
3. Look into the style of housing you want. This can be a big determination in terms of what neighborhood you choose because obviously things change from 'hood to 'hood. Ravenswood has a decidedly more SFR, people-watering-their-lawns kind of feeling to it. It's cute and quaint. It's not necessarily the feeling of living in a big city though. Meanwhile, if you are looking for a smaller building with a detached garage, the Near North is obviously not the place.
If I were moving to Chicago all over again, I would check out Pilsen (but not if safety is your #1), Hyde Park (but not if being close and connected is your #1), and Logan Square - which is where I happily spent the first 4 years of my time here, and pre-gentrification too. It's a much nicer place now than it was then. But ideally, I would like to find that steal of an apartment on North and LaSalle that my two friends have found. Have fun!
PS Congratulations on your wise decision. Chicago is a truly amazing city, and if you work with its flaws a little, you will not be disappointed!