The worst thing about Chicago is... (nice areas, areas, buildings)

[deechee]

Originally Posted by rockinrolla

I don't know what's the wost thing about Chicago, but I'd venture that traffic, terrible schools, and the fact that half of the city is a ghetto are all somewhere up there on the list.

[contachster]

Originally Posted by rockinrolla

I don't know what's the wost thing about Chicago, but I'd venture that traffic, terrible schools, and the fact that half of the city is a ghetto are all somewhere up there on the list.

I have been to Chicago every other weekend since December for my job. I have enjoyed exploring the city and have seen a lot of it. I have always heard that the southside is such a horrible place. I really dont think so, but I'm from Newark so maybe its relative....

[trailerguy]

I agree with you about the obstruction of O'Hare expansion, but that does not justify a blanket condemnation of the suburbs. The whole thing over the EE&J railroad was just as absurd. There are a lot of good things happening and nice places, like the Ravinia festival and Northwestern University. People live in the suburbs for many good reasons. The dysfunctional Chicago and Cook Co. governments and awful schools in particular.

[Drover]

Originally Posted by contachster

I have been to Chicago every other weekend since December for my job. I have enjoyed exploring the city and have seen a lot of it. I have always heard that the southside is such a horrible place. I really dont think so, but I'm from Newark so maybe its relative....

There are decent parts of the south side. But significant swaths of it are, in fact, pretty horrible.

[contachster]

Originally Posted by Drover

There are decent parts of the south side. But significant swaths of it are, in fact, pretty horrible.

I think the most run-down section I have been to is Lawndale (Pretty sure thats where I was). Chicago in general is cleaner than the NYC metro area. Anyway maybe comparing neighborhoods in Chicago with my hometown doesn't do justice. I have to say Chicago is a pretty interesting city. I was in the suburbs (Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates area) also and was quite impressed. In general extremly clean compared to NYC area & the public transportation system was great. I get to travel a lot around the country for work and some cities just rub me the wrong way right off the bat, like Boston, But I cant wait to go back to Chicago.

[Drover]

Well, we'll still be here.

[contachster]

No I think it was Garfield Park section

[Drover]

Originally Posted by contachster

No I think it was Garfield Park section

Garfield Park is 1) on the west side, and 2) has the highest violent crime rate in a city known for its violent neighborhoods.*

*Technically Fuller Park has a higher crime rate but the population of the neighborhood is so small that it only takes a few incidents to have a big impact on the per-capita rate.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by contachster

I was in the suburbs (Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates area) also and was quite impressed.

Well, youre probably the first (and last) person who was impressed with Hanover Park.

[Chicagoland60426]

Originally Posted by contachster

I have been to Chicago every other weekend since December for my job. I have enjoyed exploring the city and have seen a lot of it. I have always heard that the southside is such a horrible place. I really dont think so, but I'm from Newark so maybe its relative....

You have some nice neighborhoods on the southside, its too big to be all the way dangerous. Avoid Englewood, Roseland, Most of Woodlawn, Back of the Yards, and a few others. My favorite on the southside are Hyde Park, Kenwood, Chinatown, and Beverly. Bronzeville needs some more work, but its coming together.