Gold Coast Proximity to Cabrini Green (Chicago, Lincoln: apartments, renting, crime)

[hawkb]

Hi everyone! I'm looking to relocate from Minneapolis to Chicago, and in my search for apartments I've come up with a few questions. I'm looking at renting a studio in the Gold Coast neighborhood as it is relatively close to where I would work, as well close enough to friends and nightlife in River North and Old Town, but am a bit worried about the proximity to Cabrini Green. From what I've read recently, it seems as though Cabrini Green is becoming more gentrified, especially with the influx of people wishing to live close to downtown/River North/Lincoln Park, etc. I'm a single female in her mid-20's, and although Chicago is larger than Minneapolis, would consider myself to be street smart. Would you agree that Cabrini Green is not necessarily as rough as perhaps it once was, or can anyone elaborate about whether the proximity of these two neighborhoods is even cause to worry?

Lastly, the apartment is located almost directly between the Chicago-Brown and Clark/Division El stations. I know there is not clear cut off as far as how late a young woman should ride the train alone, but could someone provide me with a general guideline as I will most likely be moving without a car.

Thanks!

[Alacran]

Cabrini iis pretty much gone. No problems

[webbermishoe]

Well a guy was robbed and beaten pretty bad about a month ago at 3PM in the afternoon of his IPhone in Old Town. He was beatened so bad, he needed reconstructive surgery. You just need to keep your guard up and aware of your surroundings. The economy is bad and it is close to Christmas time.

[dcoolbro]

To my knowledge there is only one Cabrini building left. And that'll be gone soon enough. I wouldn't be too worried, though you always have to be alert.

[Jandur]

Gold Coast is statistically one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago I believe. Cabrini is within walking distance but it's all but gone now. Old Town is closer and you're more likely to see a few crack-heads running around, but it's not the gang infested area it was 10 years ago. One of my friends lives right across the street from what was Cabrini and it's perfectly safe. Could you get mugged? Sure. But that can happen anywhere in a big city but as a guy I don't feel unsafe in that area at all.

Oh and as far as the L goes, the brown line is pretty much the safest line along with the red line. Riding it late really isn't an issue. It's not like zombies come out at night. You'll see plenty of normal people riding the the brown line at all hours. If its 2-3am you might get some drunks/weirdos but it's not like it turns into a deathtrap come dusk.

[chitown85]

The last Cabrini building will cease operation on January 15. The Police district where Gold Coast and Old Town are located is one of the three safest in the city.

[latikeriii]

Cops are everywhere over there, you'll be OK. Even in the late 80s, early 90s there was a buffer zone from Cabrini to the Gold Coast and the cops had the area on lockdown. Its safe for the most part.

[Drover]

The Gold Coast and Cabrini Green pose a clear illustration of how contained crime can be in this city. There will be some crimes of opportunity but by and large the Gold Coast does not suffer from being right next to Cabrini Green.

Originally Posted by dcoolbro

To my knowledge there is only one Cabrini building left. And that'll be gone soon enough. I wouldn't be too worried, though you always have to be alert.

Originally Posted by chitown85

The last Cabrini building will cease operation on January 15.

Not true, the rowhouses are there to stay, not to mention all the "mixed-income" housing that went up.

[tomcho]

Originally Posted by chitown85

The last Cabrini building will cease operation on January 15. The Police district where Gold Coast and Old Town are located is one of the three safest in the city.

The last original high-rise I believe.

[chitown85]

The mixed income housing crime problem is overblown. It won't be a problem. Think about how easy it is for a cirminal to get on the L to downtown. Same difference.