How far west of Wrigley Field is good? (Chicago, Lincoln: crime rate, home)

[jman07]

I was thinking of living close to the Kimball train route west of Wrigley. My question is is this a good area. Can I park there if I get home around 4:30? Is it safe and close to the night life? Past what street on the west should I say away from? I will need to go north and downtown and use PT when possible.

[Drover]

You're good to go pretty much anywhere along the Kimball line (aka Brown Line). Parking can get a little dense in some areas but you should be OK if you're returning home at 4:30pm. Other parts you shouldn't have much issue with parking no matter the time of day. Many areas near the stops have permit-restricted parking so that only the people who live in the neighborhood can park on the street.

Some parts of the Brown Line aren't particularly close to nightlife, but hey, if you're on the Brown Line you can always hop on it and ride to one of the nightlife spots. It will take you straight to Wrigleyville, the Southport corridor, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, and River North.

[MannheimMadman]

Originally Posted by JagBag

Stay away from Albany Park.

[dumpstermcnuggets]

Originally Posted by ManheimMadman

Actually, if anything, I'd say JagBag had a good point. There are some parts of Albany Park I'd be OK with living in, but I'd absolutely research the crime rate beforehand for whatever block(s) you're interested in. I've never been a fan of the section of Albany Park inbetween Kimball and Pulaski, or most blocks north of Irving Park that are west of Kedzie.

I do love the Ravenswood Manor section of Albany Park, though(and heck if I'd had money for a house, that'd be one of the absolute first Chicago neighborhoods I'd investigate), and which also puts you in very close distance to the main part of the Lincoln Square business district. Francisco is the main 'L stop serving this area. There also are some great underrated businesses in that area or near there(i.e. Merle's Coffee Shoppe, Cinners), you're near a great independent grocery store(Harvestime), and the Kedzie Ave. business strip is nice for ethnic dining and shopping. Charcoal Delights is also awesome for fast food, and just north of there in nearby North Park. Good luck with your housing search.

[Venom]

Originally Posted by dumpstermcnuggets

Actually, if anything, I'd say JagBag had a good point. There are some parts of Albany Park I'd be OK with living in, but I'd absolutely research the crime rate beforehand for whatever block(s) you're interested in. I've never been a fan of the section of Albany Park inbetween Kimball and Pulaski, or most blocks north of Irving Park that are west of Kedzie.

I do love the Ravenswood Manor section of Albany Park, though(and heck if I'd had money for a house, that'd be one of the absolute first Chicago neighborhoods I'd investigate), and which also puts you in very close distance to the main part of the Lincoln Square business district. Francisco is the main 'L stop serving this area. There also are some great underrated businesses in that area or near there(i.e. Merle's Coffee Shoppe, Cinners), you're near a great independent grocery store(Harvestime), and the Kedzie Ave. business strip is nice for ethnic dining and shopping. Charcoal Delights is also awesome for fast food, and just north of there in nearby North Park. Good luck with your housing search.

That's the best side, ma side, nirrgaa

[Drover]

Originally Posted by JagBag

Stay away from Albany Park.

This is the most apt username yet.