Safety/comments about the Irving Park Brown Line station after dark? (Chicago: neighborhoods, to live)

[sayeo87]

My roommate and I found a great place just east of the Wellington station, and we loved the place and the neighborhood, but alas its not available anymore.

Our second choice is a place on Greenview and Irving Park Rd. I visited the property but didn't have time to get a feel for the sorrounding neighborhood. In daytime I know its not as nice as the area around the Wellington stop, but I'll just have to live with that. But how is the area after dark? I'm not in Chicago right now so I can't just tour neighborhoods at my leisure.

[Chicago60614]

Hmm. I lived at the Wellington stop for 2 years, and spent countless hours visiting a good friend who lived at Greenview and Belle Plaine.

Maybe I didn't see something in that area that others are aware of - but I would probably say the Irving Park location is safer overall. Not that Wellington is bad by any means, but you have less drunk crazies and people wandering through up on Irving.

[sayeo87]

Hmmm that's surprising - because to me the Wellington area, especially on Clark, seemed alot more gentrified with nice shops and everything, whereas the Irving Park rd area has more empty lots and random businesses - in general a more run-down feel.

[Avengerfire]

What gender are you and your roommate?

[sayeo87]

We're recently graduated 23 y/o guys. Is the neighborhood more for the 30+ y/os?

[Avengerfire]

^ It is more of a mixed area. The station is close to a couple of different neighborhoods. ^

[sayeo87]

Ok. so you think the area is walkable at night for us?

[Avengerfire]

Originally Posted by sayeo87

Ok. so you think the area is walkable at night for us?

Yeah.

[lenniel]

Just like anyplace in the city, especially the northside, don't put yourself in a situation where you look like an easy target because whether you're in Lincoln Park or Rogers Park, you need to be aware of your surroundings.

Here's a helpful hint for anyone out there..., if you're walking alone on a sidewalk late at night and coming at you in the opposite direction is someone whom you think could be trouble, either A)cross the street or B) Look them directly in the eyes as they approach and pass.
This subtle yet powerful psychological gesture says "I see you, I recognize you, I'm not afraid of making eye contact, you will not intimidate me".

(If the person says "what the F**k are you looking at?", just say, "Oh, you look like a guy I was friends with at the police academy")