How safe is Rogers Park? (Chicago, Wilmette: apartment, home, school)

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by Drover

Do you have any clue what this thread is actually about?

The funny thing is that there's not even a park called "Rogers Park" in the Rogers Park neighborhood.

[Banx]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

Rogers Park is far from the worst neighborhood in the city.

I never specifically said it was, I was just saying in general. And I know statistically it is not, but out of all the so-called terrible neighborhoods on the south and west sides me and my friends have been to countless times, Rogers Park was the only one that has ever been a problem (and my friend was only just passing through it). So IMO, I have a huge bias against it compared to, let's say L/K Town on the Westside, or Fuller Park on the south side for instance.

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

The funny thing is that there's not even a park called "Rogers Park" in the Rogers Park neighborhood.

Rogers Park (the park) is in the West Rogers Park neighborhood, but in the West Ridge community. One can argue that Rogers Park and West Rogers Park make up Rogers Park. Again a case of a neighborhood being split into two different communities much like Humboldt Park.

Growing up we called both Rogers Park and West Rogers Park together Rogers Park. In casual conversation I call both of them Rogers Park. Also we did (and I still do depending on whom I am talking to) call Ukrainian Village and East Ukrainian Village just Ukrainian Village. We really did not make a distinction between the two.

Again, Rogers Park is a case of a neighborhood being split into two different communities much like Humboldt Park. Only in this case they decided to call half of it West Rogers Park and the other Rogers Park making two different neighborhoods although they really are one. I believe this was done to separate themselves (the people of the western portion of Rogers Park) from all the crime that was going on in the eastern portion of Rogers Park at the time. The Edgewater area of Uptown did the same thing and even got their neighborhood made into a separate community.



Chicago Park District-Rogers Park (http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/parks.detail/object_id/1C01B756-2CC5-4F41-AF72-11A7F9C29A3B.cfm - broken link)

http://www.cityofchicago.org/webportal/COCWebPortal/COC_EDITORIAL/City_Neighborhoods_8_5x11.pdf (broken link)

[Lookout Kid]

My wife's best friend grew up in West Ridge, and scoffs any time someone calls it "West Rogers Park". I personally couldn't care less what anyone calls it, but certainly think of it as separate from "Rogers Park". I admit that I didn't know there was an actual park called "Rogers Park" in West Ridge, however!

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

My wife's best friend grew up in West Ridge, and scoffs any time someone calls it "West Rogers Park". I personally couldn't care less what anyone calls it, but certainly think of it as separate from "Rogers Park". I admit that I didn't know there was an actual park called "Rogers Park" in West Ridge, however!

Do some research on Rogers Park history.

[anr_black]

I lived in Evanston for a couple years about 10 years ago and worked in Northbrook (couldn't afford to live anywhere near there). I had considered a place in Rogers Park because the rents were much cheaper, and I had a couple college friends that lived there, but honestly it scared the bejeebees outta me. I ended up in a 500 sq. foot studio instead of a 2 bedroom, but at least I could go out at night. I haven't been back since, but it sounds like it hasn't changed much.

[skipcromer]

I've lived in East Rogers Park (Lunt and Sheridan) for about 8 months now and have not experienced any problems.I actually really enjoy the neighborhood, it is an incredible mix of people. I love being within extremely close walking distance to Morseland and the Heartland Cafe.

Now, lets say in the next couple months I get robbed or my jeep gets broken into I may change my opinion.

[jessiegirl_98]

Originally Posted by skipcromer

I've lived in East Rogers Park (Lunt and Sheridan) for about 8 months now and have not experienced any problems.I actually really enjoy the neighborhood, it is an incredible mix of people. I love being within extremely close walking distance to Morseland and the Heartland Cafe.

Now, lets say in the next couple months I get robbed or my jeep gets broken into I may change my opinion.

I live close to Devon and Clark (a bit east) in Rogers Park and I can tell you that I was VERY hesitant to move here (even went to LUC for 6 years and didn't move here), but when I wanted to buy, it was more affordable. I can tell you that I am more than pleasantly surprised. I feel safe, we haven't experienced crime, have great neighbors on all sides, and there is a lot more to do here than I thought, and it's a lot more family-oriented than expected. I also love the diversity and that there are still a lot of mom and pop businesses around here (like my drug store on the corner that delivers!). Before this, I have lived downtown, in Lakeview, West Lakeview, Buena Park.... and I actually like where I live now the best.
All of this being said, where exactly you are in Rogers Park makes a big difference!

[skipcromer]

Very true, I notice that the Morse stop can seem a little shady at night. I've never had any problems, but I usually make it a point to instruct friends to exit the train on the Lunt side of the platform. I dont know if its safer or not, but thats the perception I have.

[Anthera]

Rogers Park has the potential to be a great neighborhood. There's interesting architecture, the lakefront, a good university, bookstores, coffeeshops, theatres. Pesky crime problem though.