Old Irving/Avondale/Logan Square "safe borders" (Chicago: apartment, rental) - Illinois (IL) - City-Data Forum

Funkanella · 05-31-2011, 12:33 PM

I will be moving back to the city within the next month and need some advice regarding the "safe areas" for the neighborhoods of Old Irving, Avondale, and Logan Square. I lived near Diversey and California for a year and felt fine there. I am a petite female who will have to take the L and walk home late, around midnight (Mace in hand, of course). I am interested in proximity to the Blue Line/Metra/expressway (boyfriend will be commuting to Park Ridge, I will be commuting to Streeterville). So could anyone tell me the relatively "safe" borders for these three neighborhoods? I know they are a bit lacking in nightlife but I'd actually prefer a bedroom community for now (and obviously the prices don't hurt). Thanks guys!

deadplant · 05-31-2011, 12:52 PM

Old Irving Park is safe. The actual neighborhood is montrose to addison, pulaski and the railroad tracks. The area between addison and irving park is nicer, but it's all safe.

SJaye · 05-31-2011, 01:10 PM

In Logan Square, you are generally safer the further east you are, but parts of it can go block to block. I would say that if you stay within the immediate vicinity of the blue line, or near the square it self, you will be fine.

chikid · 05-31-2011, 01:56 PM

Irving Park: It's all safe. The western portion of Irving Park is nicer, while the eastern part is okay, however as a whole Irving Park is a very safe neighborhood. Irving Park has a Metra stop (for your bf) that heads towards Park Ridge. However, I am not sure if that is the Metra line that will take you there.

Avondale:The eastern part is safer than (more specifically the northeastern part that borders Roscoe Village) the western part. If I were you I would look into the area east of the expressway, south of addison, north of belmont and west of the Chicago River. IMO that is the best part of Avondale or any area close to it. The area immediately west of the expressway is fine too. The far western part of Avondale can be shady, and while not super dangerous it's not super safe either.

Logan Square: Same as Avondale the eastern portion is the best. Stay east of Kimball. The western part of Logan Square can be dangerous, while not the most dangerous in the city, you do have to be much more careful than you would have to be in the western portion of Avondale.

On a side note, the nightlife is improving tremendously in all three neighborhoods. While nothing exciting, it is a drastic improvement in what was there a decade ago. Irving Park is starting to get some good nightlife by the Irving Park and Sacramento. In Avondale the nightlife is popping up mostly around California and Belmont. In Logan Square there are quite a few spots, but California and Milwaukee seem to be have the most going on. Hope this helps.

Chi-town Native · 05-31-2011, 02:25 PM

I don't disagree with the general assessment of Avondale, but if you want to be near the Blue Line you'd be better off being closer to Belmont/Kimball than further east. We're in the "quadrant" which is Diversey-Belmont, Kedzie-Kimball, and it seems as safe as any other part of the hood. Definitely gets a little more tricky as you get west of Kimball and Central Park, as there's a lot less foot traffic.

chikid · 05-31-2011, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chi-town Native

I don't disagree with the general assessment of Avondale, but if you want to be near the Blue Line you'd be better off being closer to Belmont/Kimball than further east. We're in the "quadrant" which is Diversey-Belmont, Kedzie-Kimball, and it seems as safe as any other part of the hood. Definitely gets a little more tricky as you get west of Kimball and Central Park, as there's a lot less foot traffic.

I only mentioned the northeast part of Avondale as it is really convenient for pedestrians as you have Target, all the stores in Addison Mall, good bars/restaurants (ie. Kumas, Pork Shoppe, Orbit Room, Sqaure, Chief O'Neils), Jewel, Home Depot, Kmart, Chase Bank, Subway, Dunkin Donuts, CVS, a chipotle coming soon, Best Buy, Aldi, a new X-sport Fitness coming to Belmont and the expressway, reasonable walking distance to both the Addison and Belmont Blue line stops (from Roscoe and Elston it's about 10 minute walk to the Belmont and 13-15 minute walk to Addison), all of these are very convenient by foot if you live in the northeast part of Avondale. You also have a lot more park access in the northeast part of Avondale. However, Belmont and Kimball is also pretty good. I think once you get past Central Park it starts to get so-so and worse as continue west.

Funkanella · 05-31-2011, 03:27 PM

Thanks! Now I'm just curious, is $900 or less for a 1BR asking too much in Irving/Old Irving? I didn't think so but then again I'm hunting during "prime season." I was hoping for a better deal, being so far away from the hip areas of the city.

chikid · 05-31-2011, 03:32 PM

I don't think asking too much, you will definitely find some. Don't know how nice they would be.

deadplant · 05-31-2011, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funkanella

Thanks! Now I'm just curious, is $900 or less for a 1BR asking too much in Irving/Old Irving? I didn't think so but then again I'm hunting during "prime season." I was hoping for a better deal, being so far away from the hip areas of the city.

I pay $750 for a 943 sq. ft. 1 BR. I found my apartment in September.

jdiddy · 05-31-2011, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funkanella

Thanks! Now I'm just curious, is $900 or less for a 1BR asking too much in Irving/Old Irving? I didn't think so but then again I'm hunting during "prime season." I was hoping for a better deal, being so far away from the hip areas of the city.

You should definitely be able to find that. Walk/drive/bike through the neighborhood to look for For Rent signs. That will always be the best way to find the best rental deal.