Crime in Chicago

[DNaomi]

Originally Posted by sukwoo

Statistically speaking, you're more likely to be killed by an automobile accident in DuPage county (the safest county metrowide) than you are to be killed by a random stranger in the city of Chicago. Needless to say, in Chicago you should be more worried about cars than bullets too.

Sure, but that statistic doesn't take into account different neighborhoods in the city. There are many areas where guns and violence are more common than car accidents. Not everyone can afford to live in the gentrified areas where violent crime is rare. To answer the question, it just depends on where you can afford to live and what the crime is like there. Generalizing on a city-wide basis is pretty useless.

[Avengerfire]

Not all "safe" areas where violent crime is rare are (or have been) gentrified. It so goes beyond economics also.

[beadster]

Ya know that's what I keep thinking about as I read and research about Chicago. I live in Grand Rapids, MI with my wife, and were just trying to get on our feet, and there is just no room for such people in Chicago. The rental rates and housing rates as a whole don't allow it. If you are just starting out you will be stuck in a bad part of Chicago. There is no avoiding it.... The Burbs are too expensive, and so is decent housing in Chicago. But were trying to move there anyway

[Chicago60614]

^ that's certainly not true at ALL. I moved here fresh out of school from Iowa and had no problem living in a decent safe neighborhood with my limited budget. It wasn't Lincoln Park, but it's not like it was the west side!! I know plenty of people living in Lakeview who make VERY little money.

Also, even with the crime rising this year, murders are still down 25% from 2003 and earlier.

[Lookout Kid]

I moved here with $6 in my checking account and no job. But I still made it, and have never lived in a bad neighborhood.