Humboldt Park and Hermosa

[Mz Shirlz]

My son moved to Chicago in 2003. He loves living there. HIs first apartment was a walk up on Grand. Now he lives on N. Washtenaw, 1 block off Armitage. Is that considered part of Humbodt Park or Buck Town or Logan Square? His neighborhood looks pretty mild, and I have walked to the L at night before, accompanied by my son of course. I guess I'm wondering - is he safe? The only problems he has had is that his car was hit one night while parked on the street, and now he has a paid parking spot off the alley and his car got keyed while parked there........... What's up - is this normal ?

[Drover]

Armitage and Washtenaw would be considered Logan Square, or even more specifically, Palmer Square. Or it might be considered Bucktown -- that's pretty much right where the two run into each other. Five years ago, that area sucked. Nowadays, there are more yuppies than thuglets in Palmer Square, but there is still a handful of the latter. I still hear complaining about open drug dealing on Milwaukee Avenue. Thankfully they're getting pushed out more and more. And yes, stupid pointless little acts of vandalism against cars and other property are not uncommon, even in the nice neighborhoods. Unfortunately, that's just part of life in this city. Both of my cars are well over 10 years old, and I won't buy a decent car until I have a garage or at least a locked/enclosed space to store it in. I almost bought a Porsche but decided against it because I knew it would get vandalized to hell even though it was worth less than five grand. But idiots don't know that, they just think "Porsche -- I'll show that rich prick!"

[Mz Shirlz]

Thanks, Drover. Your response gives me some peace of mind. I really like my son's neighborhood - I especially like all the wrought iron fences and gates- gives the neighborhood a really special look - very "Chicago". They are remodling quite a lot of homes on his street - getting to look very trendy.

[Avengerfire]

Sorry to bring up this thread from the grave, but there are no other threads that have Hermosa in its title.Hopefully if anyone has questions about Hermosa (if ever) they will post them in this thread.

News from Hermosa:

1 dead, 2 hurt in NW Side shooting

abc7chicago.com: Chicago News 7/19/08

[Lookout Kid]

There was a Tribune article about Hermosa earlier this year that was calling the neighborhood some kind of hidden gem. I don't think I quite agree considering the crime stats.