Are the weather and crime as bad as everyone says? (Chicago: violent crime, house)

[simon22]

So Chicago seems to remain at the top of the list of cities I want to move to, but these two things are holding me back, the crime more so than the weather. I've lived in NYC and the weather didn't bother me at all, but I know Chicago's weather is worse. The crime in NYC definitely bothered me. I was mugged twice and I think at least five random strangers picked fights with me while I was there. It'd definitely bother me if Chicago was worse in that area.

So what do you guys think?

[rvernsey]

Weather yes, crime no - unless you are hanging out in bad areas or looking for trouble.

[LeotheOrangeCat]

Originally Posted by rvernsey

Weather yes, crime no - unless you are hanging out in bad areas or looking for trouble.

exactly

[Attrill]

Weather compared to what? Chicago's average low temps are about 3 or 4 degrees colder than NYC for Nov-March, but otherwise isn't any different.

As others noted, crime isn't bad if you aren't in a gang or dealing drugs on a corner. I've been in Chicago for over 20 years with almost no problems (car and garage were broken into once, that's it).

[knitgirl]

no and no

[prairiestate]

Originally Posted by rvernsey

Weather yes, crime no - unless you are hanging out in bad areas or looking for trouble.

So, all the kids shot on playgrounds or in their living rooms by stray bullets were looking for trouble?

[CeejHome]

Originally Posted by prairiestate

So, all the kids shot on playgrounds or in their living rooms by stray bullets were looking for trouble?

NO, but they were not living in the best area... (Parks are a different story.)

[Attrill]

Originally Posted by prairiestate

So, all the kids shot on playgrounds or in their living rooms by stray bullets were looking for trouble?

As noted, this happens in areas that aren't that great, and frequently the innocent kids who get shot are living in a house with the intended target of the shooting (frequently their brother or father). And while shootings like that are truly tragic, they also account for a very small percentage of shootings or homicides in the city.

[prairiestate]

If you believe the University of Chicago, 1 in 5 youths killed in shootings are innocent bystanders. I wouldn't call that a very small number. That doesn't include injuries, or adults killed or injured.

No more 'courtesy' in gang shootings

[Chicago60614]

Been here 13 years living in the city, no car, on public transit every day and walking all over. Never been the victim of a crime and I don't even think I know anyone who's been the victim of a violent crime other than maybe someone getting in a drunk fight.

If you're a rational person moving to the city and living in a decent neighborhood, you're fine. Most people shot and killed are those living in pretty terrible areas on the west and south sides, and most of them, innocent or gangbangers, were all born into those areas and it's where they grew up.

For a person who grew up, got their life in order and then moved to Chicago as a transplant, your chances of being a victim are very very small, as that's just not the demographic that sees the rage of the violence in this city. 95% of the people in the city have never been shot, but of those who have been, it's absolutely incredible how many of them have been shot multiple times. I remember in a story on a shooting death a few weeks ago, it was reported that it was the third time the victim had been shot in recent years, the 2nd time was just a few weeks prior. Also the number of families who have lost multiple members to gun violence. Certainly two sides to the city, that of routine violence in the same areas and the same families, and the vast majority who would know nothing of any of it if it werent' for the news.

Winters are tough, but unless you're very naive and love walking through gang territory flashing money and drugs - don't lose sleep over being the victim of a violent crime. Anything can happen, but the odds are on your side if you at least take everyday precaution.