Safety of University of Chicago Area

[Larry Siegel]

Originally Posted by chet everett

Years and years ago when there was a very different mix of employment and economic factors in play there were vibrant parts of Chicago that were far removed from the current focus on northside and downtown shopping and entertainment but the sad fact is that no politicians have really made any progress in getting back that kind of environment...

To get to a time when there were vibrant parts of the South Side close to Hyde Park you have to go back three-quarters of a century. Woodlawn and Washington Park were godawful in 1970. So was Kenwood north of 47th Street.

Bridgeport is still fine as is the area around McCormick Place/Chinatown.

[TBideon]

Originally Posted by OKParker

I agree with you on Bronzeville/Douglas. I'm unsure about Washington Park area and Woodlawn. What are your thoughts on those ever coming up? I'm looking at buying a place at 61st/Langley.

Greenline coffee is by there, which I visit periodically and highly recommend. Washington Park is nearby, and during the day it's a lovely area. Hell, I was just at the parade today and while that isn't a typical crowd, there was a lot of energy everywhere, with the lagoon being particularly lovely.

And that's all I can really say positive about the area; I personally wouldn't be comfortable living there and think it isn't worth the investment. At the least you should visit the property multiple times, including nights and weekends, and get a feel for it during the day, night, maybe talk to some of the residents.

Also, and this is completely observational, if you're spending dramatically more or less than $25,000 per room for whatever property you find, then I'd have additional reservations. Just based on what I'm seeing on nearby redfin sales the past few years.

[SonySegaTendo617]

Originally Posted by TBideon

Bronzeville is on the cusp of being something special - just fill in that damn Michael Reese sight.

Also, holy s-hit does the neighborhood have some incredible properties: https://www.redfin.com/IL/Chicago/Un.../home/13952515

As for Washington Park, meh, best to avoid - except for Currency Exchange Café and the park itself (during day hours). What a lovely coffee shop.

Woodlawn has a few hints of improvement, but it's nowhere at the level of Kenwood and Hyde Park. Should the city extend the green line east, well, I wouldn't complain. Robust Coffee and Greenline Coffee are quite delicious too.

I haven't had problems walking through Washington Park as a white guy, but I'd only do so during the day. At night, I think I'd avoid walking through there.

Generally, most blocks I've seen east of Washington Park felt pretty safe to me. Kenwood actually isn't too bad either, and has some nice houses such as the one that Barack Obama and Louis Farrakan(sp?) live in. Bronzeville is pretty nice in some areas, as well.

And funny another person mentioned the lack of Green Line service east of Cottage Grove. It's too bad the CTA bowed to the stupid demands of one pastor back in the 1990s, and tore down the Jackson Park(now East 63rd) Green Line branch east of Cottage Grove. That branch used to run all the way to Stony Island, but in past decades was torn down to some point inbetween Cottage Grove and Stony Island(Dorchester?), and then that remaining part was finally torn down in the 90s due to that one outspoken church pastor. Sadly I don't hold my breath the Green Line will be rebuilt east of Cottage Grove, though it'd be nice if that ever occurred!

[OKParker]

Originally Posted by SonySegaTendo617

I haven't had problems walking through Washington Park as a white guy, but I'd only do so during the day. At night, I think I'd avoid walking through there.

Generally, most blocks I've seen east of Washington Park felt pretty safe to me. Kenwood actually isn't too bad either, and has some nice houses such as the one that Barack Obama and Louis Farrakan(sp?) live in. Bronzeville is pretty nice in some areas, as well.

And funny another person mentioned the lack of Green Line service east of Cottage Grove. It's too bad the CTA bowed to the stupid demands of one pastor back in the 1990s, and tore down the Jackson Park(now East 63rd) Green Line branch east of Cottage Grove. That branch used to run all the way to Stony Island, but in past decades was torn down to some point inbetween Cottage Grove and Stony Island(Dorchester?), and then that remaining part was finally torn down in the 90s due to that one outspoken church pastor. Sadly I don't hold my breath the Green Line will be rebuilt east of Cottage Grove, though it'd be nice if that ever occurred!

I am really mad about the lack of CTA to Jackson Park. That was ridiculous that they they tore it down. unforgivable. And I don't see it being rebuilt for decades, if ever.

[Manigault]

Originally Posted by OKParker

I am really mad about the lack of CTA to Jackson Park. That was ridiculous that they they tore it down. unforgivable. And I don't see it being rebuilt for decades, if ever.

They ended the ugly, raggedy el a mile from Jackson Park, that's all. It was a holdover from the Century of Progress of 1893 and made 63rd street into a tawdry, twilight sidestreet. There are always express buses 6, 14 and 28 from the loop to Jackson Park which run late into the evening. Others may want to take Metra to Jackson Park. From the west, there is also transportation, even to La Rabida.

To say there is no CTA to Jackson Park is just inaccurate.