In search of a safe neighborhood in chicago. (Lincoln, Roscoe: apartment, to rent)

[jormay522]

I live in Philly and I am considering moving with my son to chicago in a few months. I want to rent an apartment in a safe, family-oriented neighborhood. What are the safest neighborhoods in chicago? Does anyone know much about West Rogers Park? Any help is very much appreciated.

[Lookout Kid]

There are probably a hundred threads about this if you run a search. West Rogers Park is pretty safe in general, but does have some questionable characters and a smattering of gang activity. The "safest" neighborhoods are probably the expensive neighborhoods like the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Old Town, Ravenswood, and North Center. Some of these neighborhoods have higher crime stats because of the nightlife and bars, but they are all generally very safe in terms of urban life. For kids, I think that Ravenswood and North Center are great neighborhoods (Ravenswood includes the kids paradise "Lincoln Square". And if you can get into the Bell School District by renting, all the better.

[wicheese]

I wouldn't live in West Rogers Park. It's way north from everything. I would recommend Roscoe Village and/or Ravenswood. I live in Bucktown and love it. Roscoe Village also has a good school district. Are you working with an agency or realtor to help you find a place?

[Lookout Kid]

Also, "West Rogers Park" (more properly called "West Ridge") is quite poorly served by public transportation. There are no "El"s or express busses. Many would consider it the boondocks. It has many wonderful bungalows at good prices, though. And the "Indian Town" on Devon Avenue is an extremely vibrant commercial strip.

[Chicago60614]

I'd go with Roscoe Village or Lincoln Square

[Windy City John]

Roscoe village, Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville in addition to Rogers Park

[jormay522]

Originally Posted by wicheese

I wouldn't live in West Rogers Park. It's way north from everything. I would recommend Roscoe Village and/or Ravenswood. I live in Bucktown and love it. Roscoe Village also has a good school district. Are you working with an agency or realtor to help you find a place?

I'm pretty much working and researching on my own. I haven't really made a decision if I will go through an agency or continue on my own. I appreciate your advice. I think I will research the neighborhoods you suggested, hopefully the rent is reasonable.

[Jekiwaki]

I currently live in East Rogers Park (near the lake), and would not recommend the West Rogers Park neighborhood. It may be cheaper to live in this area, but you pay for what you get. I do not like to drive through this area. I have read (in the newspaper) about frequent violent crimes, including murder, in W. Rogers Park. I'm not sure what your ethnicity is, but W. Rogers Park is home to many Indian/Pakistani businesses and residents, just fyi. If you can afford it, I would suggest looking in areas just north of downtown. I'm not a big fan of East Rogers Park either, but I think it's probably safer than West. There's a lot of Loyola students who live in E Rogers Park, and restaurants, grocery stores, etc. are not very convenient to the area in which I live. Good luck!

[aragx6]

What's your price range?

[jessiegirl_98]

Originally Posted by jormay522

I'm pretty much working and researching on my own. I haven't really made a decision if I will go through an agency or continue on my own. I appreciate your advice. I think I will research the neighborhoods you suggested, hopefully the rent is reasonable.

If you are renting, you can look on craigslist, the chicago reader, etc, but there are also a lot of free search services that are worth checking out. As someone else mentioned, if you let us know what your rent range is, we can probably be of more help!