Single Girl Out at Night in Pilsen? Ok? (Blue Island: lease, neighborhoods)

[goblinmason]

So my girlfriend and I are thinking about moving to Pilsen.

I know it's in general pretty safe, but I am worried about her being outside alone at night. Is there a need for me to be?

Her not going outside is not an option either. She's both a smoker and a night owl, and will be doing her smoking outside.

She is small and white and the apt is at 18th and Blue Island.

Thanks a lot!

-Craig

[memo92]

Nah I'd go somewhere else

[Avengerfire]

If you are so worried about her being outside-let her smoke in her room with the window open. Better yet, find another area to live in.

[memo92]

Not the best place. Been a known gang area for years well all of pilsen has really since the early 70's all through the 90's

[long101]

personally I live around that area in Pilsen (18th and Damen) and Ive never had any problems really. But I also am a guy... My girlfriend comes over at nights and walks to the train and stuff and she's also been fine. I did by her a can of pepper spray just in case.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by goblinmason

I know it's in general pretty safe, but I am worried about her being outside alone at night. Is there a need for me to be?

Yes, there is a need for you to be worried. Pilsen is not that safe. It's safer than a lot of other neighborhoods in the city, but you definitely need to exercise caution there--especially if you obviously stick out as someone who didn't grow up there.

[memo92]

I grew up there and I really didnt have problems because Im Mexican the only problems I did have was getting confused by a rival gangmember and getting shot. The gangs there are crazy

[long101]

wait you dont consider getting shot a problem??? I dont know what everyone is talking about all of these gangs in the area. I might be white but i really dont see anything like that, just younger guys in groups and what not but Ive never had any problems. Where did you grow up?

[NearWestSider]

The gang problem in Pilsen is real, but WAY overstated by some of the people on this board. Nonetheless, any female wandering alone around 18th and Blue Island at 1:00 A.M. can expect to be propositioned by drunks who think she's a streetwalker plying her trade.

So my best advice to the OP would be to take a pass on 18th and Blue Island for now and come back in a few years when your girlfriend is a little more streetwise. Pilsen is a great neighborhood, but its not Sesame Street.

The only place in Pilsen I would recommend to a night owl would be along the Halsted corridor, probably no further west than Carpenter or Miller and no further east than the Ryan. That stretch is relatively quiet and has a lot of students living in it, who also keep odd hours. You'll stick out less, and its better to learn a little about Mexican culture before diving in.

[long101]

well I live at 18th and Damen, only been there for about 5 months. In my building there are two female students above me that I dont think have ever had any problems. I agree I think the problems in Pilsen are overrated to some extent. Obviously the area is nothing special and I plan to move when my lease is up haha