Single black girl Moving from San Diego to Chicago (Evanston: rent, crime)

[newinamerica]

Hi everyone. Am 24yrs old and I work for minimum wage in sd. I am looking to move to Chicago because the cost of living is to high, am tired of living with relatives, am bored alot here ( Ive been here 1yr and no friends at all). Also i would like to live in an area where there more black people around. Not a whole bunch just enuogh to make you comfartable.
I am considering Chicago because my dream career is in the music industry and Chicago is a great music hub. Thats why ive stuck with SD so far because of its closeness to LA without the fakeness. Ive been reading some and I noticed there is a kind of segragation in Chicago in regards to race. If anybody can tell me honestly, which neighbourhoods are safe and allow black people to live there. Also if black people live there it shoudnt be a ghetto. just somewhere where I can live peacefully, cheaply ( minimum wage remember) without having to remember my skin color all the time.
Ps, I am not racist at all. I will note however that I grew up in Africa so I am used to being around one color all the time lol.

[mjtinmemphis]

There is a lot to check out. I don't know anything about your industry so I couldn't advise on jobs.

Chicago is one of the most segregated cities in the country but you don't have to live in a segregated neighborhood. Its all in how you build your life.

Edgewater is a decent area. Mostly White but not racist at all with a sizable black and Asian community. Safe, affordable by Chicago Northside standard. Hyde Park is great as well. Very well established black professional class living with other races. Very unique experience due to the university of Chicago. Both communities are near the lake however Hyde Park has the nicer lake front and will give you more social opportunities with other black professionals.

Other notable mention would be Rogers Park, suburban Oak Park, neighborhoods downtown are great but can be pricey.

I'm sure others will chime in with their opinions. Tell us more about your price range and what your looking for in your neighborhood.

[urza216]

Well, if were talking about suburbs (as Oak Park was mentioned), there are MANY south suburbs to consider..

[newinamerica]

I dont really have a big checklist on what the neighbourhood should be as i dont have children or such. I have a car so commuting ist much of a problem. My only real issue other than segragation and crime is rent. Im trying to find a nice place for really cheap no more than $1100 for a 1 bedroom and if I can find one for $800 (which I think should be the right price) thats awesome. Im going be there alone as ive never been to chicago, not even the midwest, and i dont know a single person from there so safety is also a huge concern

[urza216]

I don't think you should move to the suburbs if you are new to America. I'd say look into the South Loop or perhaps Hyde Park.

A suburban option you can look into is Homewood though. It's pretty far away from the skyscrapers though (understatement). Not that Hyde Park is is all THAT much better but at least it's a well within the Chicago city limits..

[newinamerica]

checking out Hyde Park right now....

[chet everett]

The mix of people from Caribbean / South American / African nations tends to be higher in places with college kids (like you would find in Evanston) or the liberal crowd in Oak Park.

Safety in those towns is not as uniform as in might be in the best areas, but even at their worst it is nothing like the chaos in the some parts of Chicago. A budget of $800 should get you a safe place that will allow for easy connections to transit for work.

I would caution that the unemployment in our region, especially for minorities is far worse than other parts of the country and moving here without a job is ver very risky.

[chitownperson]

In addition to Oak Park and Evanston, you may also consider Forest Park (suburb that meets the south west border of Oak Park) around Madison St. There is a decent selection of bars and eateries, and rent will be reasonable too.

[noid_1985]

Hyde Park, Oak Park, Forest Park, Evanston, Uptown, Rogers Park, Edgewater, Bronzeville....are all good places to start looking

[urza216]

Homewood, Hazel Crest, Flossmoor, Richton Park and other south suburbs should be looked at too if you're looking at Oak Park and Forest Park..