Hyde Park vs. South Loop (Chicago, Fulton: apartments, crime, neighborhoods)

[im4edu]

I plan on looking at some apartments soon and would like to know which neighborhood is best for me. I'm a 27-year-old single woman who plans to move to Chicago soon. I am currently looking for a job up there and hope to work either downtown or up North. I've been doing some research on some possible areas and narrowed down my search to Hyde Park or South Loop. I visited Hyde Park many times and really like the area despite the safety issues coming from the surrounding neighborhoods. I also like the diversity of HP which is really important to me since I'm bi-racial. I like South Loop too since it is really close to all of the cool ammenities of the city especially downtown. The only thing I didn't like about South Loop when I stayed there is the fact that it is really busy and noisy (I'm from a small town and prefer some peace and quiet at times). I plan to take my car wherever I move to and would like assigned/garage parking included with my apartment but will take the Metra or "L" depending where my job is. Thanks for the feedback!

[Intergalactic]

It really depends on the location of the job. Commuting through the Loop from Hyde Park means you have get off the Metra and find another way north, or take the Red Line which isn't the safest.

Also, the downtown amenities can be visited just fine from Hyde Park, especially after work hours.

[Regz7]

The buses from Hyde Park to downtown are some of the fastest in the city, if you do not like to take the Metra. A friend of mine used to live in the southern portion of Hyde Park (south of the University Chicago Campus and Midway Plaisance), and he would walk 2 blocks to the last stop of the Green Line - Cottage Grove. But he was young and adventurous, and of course there is always the risks of crime when living in the city. Otherwise, University of Chicago is VERY well connected to the rest of the city by bus. Personally, I love Hyde Park - it has a very classic European feel to it that is unique in a place like Chicago.

[Intergalactic]

Originally Posted by Regz7

....A friend of mine used to live in the southern portion of Hyde Park (south of the University Chicago Campus and Midway Plaisance)...

In other words, Woodlawn.

[ajolotl]

It would be more typical for a young single person (vs. someone with kids) to prefer the South Loop. There are people though for whom Hyde Park really hits the spot. It is lacking quite a bit in amenities for an urban neighborhood but it is beautiful interesting and unique, and the commerce is getting much better.

I agree about the South Loop being a bit concrety and noisy. But it is more alive and getting more alive every day.

Commute between the two is completely trivial at any time of the day. 15 minutes or so depending on which part of HP and South Loop.

The bi-racial thing is a non issue either place.

If you have kids one day Hyde Park has many huge advantages over South Loop.

Hyde Park crime has never really impacted me or anyone I know. everyone has their own level of tolerance, though. You have to keep in mind though that there are thousands of people out and about all day. You have to compare this to a suburb where there is less crime but also many fewer people to choose from. I think your chances of being a victim of anything serious are extremely small.

[ajolotl]

Originally Posted by Intergalactic

In other words, Woodlawn.

Does Woodlawn start at 60th or 61st street? I had always thought it was 61st (given that so many important university buildings line the south end of 60th and no one ever refers to them being in Woodlawn). Wikipedia says 60th though.

[Chicagoland60426]

Technically it start at 60th. Hyde Park boundaries are clear enough from 51st to 59th.

[ajolotl]

Definitely the area from 59th to 60th (ie the Midway) is Hyde Park.

[snoylekim]

Originally Posted by ajolotl

It would be more typical for a young single person (vs. someone with kids) to prefer the South Loop. There are people though for whom Hyde Park really hits the spot. It is lacking quite a bit in amenities for an urban neighborhood but it is beautiful interesting and unique, and the commerce is getting much better.

I agree about the South Loop being a bit concrety and noisy. But it is more alive and getting more alive every day.

Commute between the two is completely trivial at any time of the day. 15 minutes or so depending on which part of HP and South Loop.

The bi-racial thing is a non issue either place.

If you have kids one day Hyde Park has many huge advantages over South Loop.

Hyde Park crime has never really impacted me or anyone I know. everyone has their own level of tolerance, though. You have to keep in mind though that there are thousands of people out and about all day. You have to compare this to a suburb where there is less crime but also many fewer people to choose from. I think your chances of being a victim of anything serious are extremely small.

Why not West Loop - Fulton Gate ??.. There are some nice pockets of mid-rise / low-rise developments, with the hustle and bustle nearby if one wants some urban noises and sights .. I agree Hyde Park is an 'acquired taste' for someone single and not affiliated with the University ..

[southsidehitman]

definetly hyde park the south loop just doesnt feel like a neighborhood