Bronzeville ok? (Lincoln, Columbia, Bridgeport: apartment complexes, condos, home)

[eevee]

I'm looking at a couple of studios/room shares in the Bronzeville area. is this an ok area? is it safe (wasn't sure if this was the area where the really sketchy projects like Cabrini was)? I'm a black female in my mid 20's, going to Columbia and working nights. is riding the green line at night (11pm or so) or buses #3 or #4 safe to do at night? I'm kind of leaning towards this area b/c of the quick commute to the Loop, but I don't want to be scared about walking home at night (I've lived in some of the tougher neighborhoods in Boston, so I can handle a bit of roughness)

as a side note, I'm also looking at Bridgeport (though I heard this area can be racist towards blacks), Pilsen (one of the guide book I have says this area is dangerous at night, but I know these books focus more o touristy areas), and McKinley Park (every time I try to do a search on Mckinley Park, I end up w/ more results for Lincoln Park, Rogers Park, and Wicker Park), though it seems the commute from Bronzeville would be easier

[southsida]

Bronzeville is okay there are some projects there, ida B wells which get pretty rough. Bronzeville isn't perect, there are still some real bad pockets but alot of it is improving. If you're not from chicago I don't know what u consider bad. I wouldn't reccomend Bridgeport for a young black women it is extremely racist there. Look into Hyde Park it's very diverse and pretty affordable right by the lake. I personally love Bronzeville it just depends on what u consider to be bad.

I wouldn't do pilsen it rough lots of gang activity the area is all Mexican. U should do Okay in Bronzeville but if you use common sense u will stay safe know your surroundings don't walk through desert places or get on empty train cars.

[SC40]

What is your price range for apartments? There is security in Lake Meadows and Prarie shores and the bus passes right through lake meadows.

[untuchableface]

Cabrini is not located in the areas you're considering. It is located more in the old town area, off division street. And it is not nearly as bad as it used to be. There are brand new condos right across the street as Cabrini is in the process of being torn down. Of course they are having trouble selling all of them, but nonetheless

[pauliegirl0612]

I was born and raised in the Bridgeport neighborhood and I remember when its was not safe for Black to walk down the street. I'm multiracial and I even received "looks" from people. However, currently, Bridgeport is very diverse although many people will shy a way from living there. Its still a pretty safe place to live regardless of skin color.

[paytonc]

The commute from Bronzeville is great -- train or bus will get you downtown or to the South Loop (with more retail options daily) in a few minutes. The two high-rise apartment complexes by the lake that SC40 mentioned are probably the best bet for someone just arriving: there's a supermarket on-site, buses right at the door (no long walks in the dark), a big on-site management company to handle things, and you'll have plenty of buppies as neighbors.

The neighborhood gets sketchier further south, but begins to rebound around 43rd as you get closer to Hyde Park/Kenwood. You'll find smaller buildings, smaller shops, a more neighborhood feel, and an upmarket college-town mix of people. However, it's also pricier than Bronzeville, further from downtown, and sometimes maddeningly insular.

Something else to consider: the express buses from Hyde Park skirt Columbia College on their way into downtown, whereas the local buses from Bronzeville go through the campus.

[futrMrsJ]

Um, I wouldn't recommend riding the green line alone that late at night - not anywhere. But that's just me. I used to have evening classes at Roosevelt and while it's not too late when evening classes get out the "characters" you see on the train will make you want to sit in the first cart. So if you have to take the train at night then please do take the first cart.
Also, if you take the bus try to find a place where you don't have to walk far to get home. Bronzeville is an up and coming area, while it's nice - you still shouldn't leave your car running while you run into the store.....