Is Chicago nicer but less safe than LA and NYC? (Evanston: violent crime, neighborhoods)

[wheregirl]

Hello, everyone,

I've noticed, in my research of where to move to, there seems to be many more nice people in Chicago than in NYC or LA. That must come from being the midwestners.

The difference seems to be so big that I am even considering moving to Chicago or Evanston instead of LA or NYC. On the other hand I don't know why I have this strange feeling that Chicago is less safe than nyc or LA (the nice parts of those cities).

Is this true? Is it because of less police enforcement?

Thanks.

[soulful]

Having lived in both Chicago and NYC, I can you that I feel equally safe "in the good neighborhoods" of either city. The odds of any one person experiencing a violent crime in nice parts of the city is very slim.

I've visited LA a number of times and always felt safe in their good areas also (of course, the experience is different as LA is more car focused).

I think you would feel very safe in NY or Chicago.

[Lookout Kid]

Chicago is safe if you're not in a gang, participating in illegal activities, or trolling bad neighborhoods. The "nice" parts of Chicago are just as safe as the "nice" parts of any city.

[Venom]

It depends on the neighborhood.

[soulful]

OP. I notice that during the past 3.5 months you've posted threads in the following cities:

Santa Fe
Austin
Fayetteville, AR
Jackson, MS
Charleston, SC
New York
Philadelphia
Scottsdale, AZ (I believe ... or maybe I conjured that one up)
Georgia in general
and perhaps some other locales I can't remember

What's driving your interest in Chicago? Is it mainly the perceived niceness of our fair citizens Honestly, I think we are just about on par nicewise with most of the other cities. We have all sorts of people here. Good luck with your search for the right locale.

[Crazy88]

As a male, I don't really feel threatened when I am in Chicago. I don't go to neighborhoods I don't belong in, I don't partake in sketchy drug deals, and I mind my own business.

In all three cities, it all depends on what neighborhood your in. Just don't be stupid.

[Lookout Kid]

Are the people nicer in Chicago? Depends on the person... We may have a lower @sshole ratio than New York or L.A., but we still have our share of 'em! I'd say Chicago is easily the meanest city in the Midwest--which is hard to quantify in a region known for being "nice".

[coldwine]

Zombies. You have to watch out for zombies. I recommend carrying a Zippo wherever you go.

Yeah, Chicago's pretty safe Some crazy crap goes down every so often, but you'll be fine.

[long101]

Originally Posted by Crazy88

As a male, I don't really feel threatened when I am in Chicago. I don't go to neighborhoods I don't belong in, I don't partake in sketchy drug deals, and I mind my own business.

In all three cities, it all depends on what neighborhood your in. Just don't be stupid.

Yea you should only deal with reputable dealers

[Tex?Il?]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

Are the people nicer in Chicago? Depends on the person... We may have a lower @sshole ratio than New York or L.A., but we still have our share of 'em! I'd say Chicago is easily the meanest city in the Midwest--which is hard to quantify in a region known for being "nice".

If by meanest, you mean fast-paced, ruthless in business and always on the go (downtown/north side hip/vibrant, etc.) then yes.

However the south side, south suburbs and in general the middle and outer ring suburbs is pretty much like metro Detroit, etc., etc.,

Even you Lookout said in a past post that if you strip away the cultural institutions, awesome downtown, transplanted professionals, etc., etc., you pretty much have a big Milwaukee.