Need help with inputs on Austin Blvd (Chicago, Oak Park: middle-class, apartment)

[nitu000]

We will be moving from Atlanta to Chicago in a couple of weeks. we saw an apartment 1 block west of Austin Blvd on VanBuren, which was good in all other aspects.
One thing we want your input on is on the matter of safety in that area. I did read through a lot of threads on the forum & many seem to suggest that columbus park provides a buffer zone from Austin area. Is that true?
I will be taking the Blue Line from Austin which is a about 3 blocks from Van Buren.
wanted to get inputs on what everybody thinks about the area & the so called 'Art district'.

[tonythetuna]

Caveat emptor.

[BRU67]

Originally Posted by nitu000

We will be moving from Atlanta to Chicago in a couple of weeks. we saw an apartment 1 block west of Austin Blvd on VanBuren, which was good in all other aspects.
One thing we want your input on is on the matter of safety in that area. I did read through a lot of threads on the forum & many seem to suggest that columbus park provides a buffer zone from Austin area. Is that true?
I will be taking the Blue Line from Austin which is a about 3 blocks from Van Buren.
wanted to get inputs on what everybody thinks about the area & the so called 'Art district'.

Check the OP crime maps...

Oak Park, Illinois Village Departments -- Police Department

[oakparkdude]

I don't live in that part of Oak Park, but I know many middle-class professionals who do with few real problems. Of course, your definition of "real problems" versus minor nuisances may be different from my friends.

A lot of it depends on your expectations and your previous experiences with urban living. A bit more info about yourself, what kind of housing you are looking for, your work destination, housing cost expectations, etc would be helpful for us to give more specific advice.

I personally love the Arts District and frequent some of the restaurants there.

[Hatchetman]

We do not know what your tolerance for crime is. I would not buy there, but would probably be OK renting. I would not want my wife to be walking around there alone late at night, but I'm relatively crime averse.

[nitu000]

Thanks everybody for the responses. We decided to drop the apartment based on all the responses. I would be coming back from work late at night on Blue line (from Austin)& we decided it might be a little rough walking at night (we walked in the area at different times yesterday)

Thanks for the responses