Is Hyde Park Safe? (Cornell, Mark: restaurants, grocer, store)

[Winter Baby]

Hyde Park is just like every other neighborhood in Chicago or any other large metropolitan city in this country. CRIME HAPPENS EVERYWHERE! After 15 years living in Hyde Park and 6 working at the UofC, I think the biggest preconceived notion brought to the area and especially the University is this notion that anywhere outside of HP is dangerous. And of course, this reference is quite often pointed at Black communities. And quite frankly for as "gorgeous" as HP may be, people are really quite unfriendly if they don't know you. If you've never experienced the "I see you with my peripheral vision, but I'm not going to make eye contact on the off chance you want to start a conversation" look, come to HP and you will. I'm a walker - all over HP. I live on the East side, so all the businesses are West. I speak to all kinds of people. As the daughter of a police officer, I know it's better to let the other person know that you are aware of them and what better way then a simple "hello" as you walk by. Just like anywhere, you have to remain aware of your surroundings. Don't walk with your head down; don't turn your face the other direction as you pass a stranger; don't have long-drawn out conversations on your cell phone while walking; don't allow yourself to be overloaded with packages; don't walk the streets late at night/early morning by yourself - common sense stuff. HP is about as safe as a neighborhood can be in a city with over 3 million people. You've got your good and your bad everywhere.

[Wb10005]

Being a Chicago Police Officer, I can tell you that Hyde Park has some moments. Thre are a few rapes and murders in the area each year, but low, compared to the rest of the south side (Beverly and Mt. Greenwood excluded, of course.)

I grew up very close to Hyde Park. I went to school at Mt. Carmel High School. I would say that if you rent in Hyde Park proper, you will be fine. Try to look between 53rd to the Midway (59th St.)

I would say look to Bridgeport. Culturally, not as diverse, but safer, closer to the loop, and a ten minute ride to the UofC.

[hodgesse]

Hi!
I'm coming up from Houston to work an internship at the University of Chicago and was interested in renting in Hyde Park.

I was reviewing the input from a few years ago, and wondered if Hyde Park is still nice, please.

Thanks for any help!

[Manigault]

Now, lemme see. In the last two years the secret service has camped out in Hyde Park. Would you think the place is still nice?

[hodgesse]

Too funny!

Actually, I was thinking about items like riding or walking to work.

[ajolotl]

Hyde Park hasn't really changed in the least two years other than a couple of upgraded grocery stores, two new coffee shops, and a sushi bar on 53rd.

Are you really asking if you can ride your bike or walk to work? This isn't Afghanistan. Thousands of little kids are streaming down the streets on the way to school at 8am. It's not like their professor parents are putting their life in danger by going outside. I personally don't like walking around at 2am but in the day people do pretty much anything. If you get mugged you were statistically very, very unlucky given the number of people on the streets. I personally don't like walking around at 2am, but even that I do when I have to.

Originally Posted by hodgesse

Too funny!

Actually, I was thinking about items like riding or walking to work.

[Manigault]

Originally Posted by hodgesse

Too funny!

Actually, I was thinking about items like riding or walking to work.

Well, I rode my bike to work today, if that's what you mean. Actually, I rode to the el stop and put my bike on.

It was over 15 degrees today so I got my bike out. I'm not one of those fools who rides in bad weather! Students get to ride the local university bus until 1 am so its only later you see solo folks in foot traffic on the street.

[hodgesse]

Great! Thanks to all for the good info!

[Avengerfire]

Read these threads for more info on Hyde Park sexual attacks the last few months:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/chica...de-park-7.html

http://www.city-data.com/forum/chica...careful-3.html

http://www.city-data.com/forum/chica...g-chicago.html

Also do a forum search. Type in "Hyde Park" there are like 20 threads that deal with Hyde Park in specific.

[her09]

How is this part of Hyde Park for walking to and from UofC during the summer months? I know there is a bus stop right on the corner that goes there but are there safety concerns if one wanted to walk occasionally? How about walking to grocery stores, restaurants, etc?