Top 5 Worst Neighborhoods in Chicago (Lansing, Humboldt: buying, school, landlords)

[Humboldt1]

The Englewood threat got me thinking what are the top 5 worst neighborhoods in Chicago?

Here are mine:

1.) Englewood
2.) West Garfield Park
3.) North Lawndale
4.) Back of the Yards
5.) Austin

I am curious to see what neighborhoods others list.

[drummercycle]

that sounds about right, but i think auburn-gresham and roseland are up there too

[Manigault]

I consider this cyber-slumming. Why list them? To look down on the people? You are probably not going there so why condemn them? To feel superior?

[drummercycle]

change the name of this thread to 'top 5 neighborhoods that could use improvement.' now everyone can be happy.

[mel2000]

Somehow, Roseland and South Shore need to be added to make the list legit. Back of the Yards can easily be removed.

[Libertine]

How about Top 5 Favorite neighborhoods to visit/live in/spend time in? It's positive and interesting.

[spedteacher1]

are you serious? i have live in southshore for 3 years (on southshore dr) and nothing or nobody has ever bothered me. this is one of the main reasons that i choose to stay here. to me, everyone here apprears to be friendly and they mind their own business. you people act as if an area has a certain "racial" make-up you all assume that it is a bad place to live. unless you live/are from southshore you shouldn't have anything smart to say about it.

[Manigault]

Originally Posted by spedteacher1

unless you live/are from southshore you shouldn't have anything smart to say about it.

I wouldn't go that far -- the truth is the truth no matter who speaks it. But you are right about one thing: Many posters base their views on 'drive-by' impressions. They look at train stops and call the place a 'crappy' neighborhood? That is truly nuts. What are their views based on? Not any poll of area residents, for sure.

[Humboldt1]

All these areas are bad. Back of the Yards may not be in the top 5.

I think few will dispute Englewood, North Lawndale, and West Garfield Park being some of the worst.

Tough Question;

What do all these areas have in common and what can be done to fix these neighborhoods?

Shipping the riff raff from the projects to the south suburbs has just brought what used to be decent areas such as Cal City and now far south areas such as Lansing are now being infected.

Any suggestions?

[Humboldt1]

Manigault,

Try living in my neighborhood for a few years. By cleaning up my building it has done a great service for the entire block. I and some of the other neighbors are now putting pressure on some of the absentee landlords to get rid of a few more problem families. I have actually thought about buying one specific building on the block so I can get rid of the inhabitants.

I live in conditions most on this forum would not, living in the basement of a building I own in Humboldt. I feel I have earned the right to express my opinions regarding gentrification and poverty after living here.

I do feel sorry for the neighbors. Every summer I partner with the local church and spend 1000 dollars for a community barbeque where we also give out school supplies to kids in need. I also tutor a couple of the kids on the block in history and math as their parents have limited educations and speak little English.

I easily spend more on charity than I do on my living expenses.

I may come across as a snob that looks down on those who are without. I respect people who work hard and want to apply themselves regardless of socio economic status. For those who want a handout and have a culture of entitlement I believe the world would be better off without you. My basic goal for people is to leave the Eartj slightly better than you found it. Some people will clearly never buy into this and I want nothing to do with these kind of folks.