What Are The Bad Sections of Chicago? (Cicero, Schaumburg: rent, crime rate)

[joe schmoe]

Does anyone know if there is crime in the northwest suburbs. Such as: Des planes, Mt. prospect, Rolling Meadows, ect. (Is it a good place to raise your kids?). Or should I go to different suburbs?

[cityperson]

Originally Posted by j33

The area east of the United Center is quite nice, lofts and resturants, the area west of there is still a bit rough. Take the #20 Madison bus west from the LOOP to get there, it is about a 10-15 minute ride.

Is it safe to go in that area for a lenght of time and have a car parked there in daylight?

[j33]

Yes it is, there is plenty of parking on the street east of United Center that is very safe. I've been in that area of town during the day and at night and have parked a car over there before with no problems whatsoever. Like I said though, east of Damen is okay (south of Madison), east of Ashland is ideal. They are building condos, etc west of Damen, so that is on the up and up, but there are still dicey areas over there.

[cityperson]

Originally Posted by j33

Yes it is, there is plenty of parking on the street east of United Center that is very safe. I've been in that area of town during the day and at night and have parked a car over there before with no problems whatsoever. Like I said though, east of Damen is okay (south of Madison), east of Ashland is ideal. They are building condos, etc west of Damen, so that is on the up and up, but there are still dicey areas over there.

Ok, thanks. I just wanted to make sure, because someone that I work with said that they lived in Chicago and they would never go to that part of town because it was/is really bad day or night.

[hawkfandan]

MarquettePark is right on about many of his statements. Also, I believe he's just stating popular opinion - not his own feelings. Sadly, many view the city that way. Those who grew up there know better.

If it helps any - I went to Bogan.

[Octogirl23]

@MarquettePark,

Thanks for reminding me why I would never raise my children on the SouthSide, and why I only venture there to visit relatives. My husband and I own property, have children, and are both over the age of 25. We live in the Oak Park area. We don't care for the southside mainly because of the segregation. By the way, we've lived in the city on the south side and in Tinley Park. Coming out West was a breath of fresh air. You may want to travel to other parts of the US and other countries for that matter - you seem to have tunnel vision!

[Jean Danek]

How about living between Chicago Grand Damen Ashland? That's where I grew up and thinking of moving back....... Tks Jean Danek

[Roz]

If you want low crime with a short commute (including a nice train line that takes you into the heart of downtown) consider moving where your neighbors are firemen, policemen and teachers that have no choice but to stay within the city limits...Mt. Greenwood, West Beverly and Beverly. Oak Lawn is a nice area, while not in Chicago..it is just blocks from the Chicago border and their schools are excellent (if you have children). Bridgeport is near downtown but it's noisy and parking is difficult to find. There are some really nice sections on the near north side but at night, it's not the best for a woman to be alone because you'll end up parking and walking. Parking is hell up north.

I'd stick with Mt. Greenwood, Beverly and West Beverly.
The apartments are affordable, parking is great and the commute won't be long. Hope that helps. Also, Oak Lawn has great bus service/trains with an excellent police/fire department and schools. I wouldn't rule them out.

[Roz]

Originally Posted by Octogirl23

@MarquettePark,

Thanks for reminding me why I would never raise my children on the SouthSide, and why I only venture there to visit relatives. My husband and I own property, have children, and are both over the age of 25. We live in the Oak Park area. We don't care for the southside mainly because of the segregation. By the way, we've lived in the city on the south side and in Tinley Park. Coming out West was a breath of fresh air. You may want to travel to other parts of the US and other countries for that matter - you seem to have tunnel vision!

Oak Park = An overpriced suburb sandwiched between gang-infested dumps like Berwyn and crime nests neatly tucked along Lake Street. Lake/Austin...Pretty little crack houses all in a row.

Marquette Park is infested with crime. A formerly thriving area that welcomed people from all walks of life--the backbone of the Lithuanian community. Now, the shops are all closed, the park is filled with garbage and the gangs have left people living in abject fear. Scattered are the spay-paint tags found on many a home encased in black iron fencing to keep the criminal element out. That's not tunnel vision, that's reality.

[CHITOWNREP9]

this is from 2003 but this should give you some idea of crime, demographics, and neighborhoods. Check the interactive graphics.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/s...wsspecials-hed