East of Humboldt Park (Augusta: apartment, crime, home)

[00000000005]

Two of my friends just moved into a new apartment east of Humboldt Park this weekend (between the blocks of California and Western). I know the neighborhood isn't the safest, but I was wondering if I should be aware of any safety concerns. They are pretty smart people when it comes to street smarts and being aware of their surroundings. I was just curious because they are both white (and I heard there was racial tension in this area) but this was the only place they could really afford. I mostly just want something to help ease my nerves, or other information
Thanks.

[Attrill]

How far North/South?

It's a little sketchy around North Ave., but is still safe. My sister in law lived by herself at North and Talman for 4 years without incident (and that was 4 or 5 years ago). It gets better as you go North towards Milwaukee Ave.

[00000000005]

Originally Posted by Attrill

How far North/South?

It's a little sketchy around North Ave., but is still safe. My sister in law lived by herself at North and Talman for 4 years without incident (and that was 4 or 5 years ago). It gets better as you go North towards Milwaukee Ave.

More south, by Division.

[Attrill]

It's stays pretty much the same south of North for awhile. My SIL actually lived at Rockwell and Augusta for two years before moving to the palce I mentioned above at North Ave. and we'd walk over to her place from Damen/Augusta all the time without any problems (and we're talking about 10+ years ago, the area has gotten better).

There's still some sketch, but I've walked through that area a lot over the last few years to get to Rootstock or the Clipper and haven't had a single problem. If someone has even a speck of street smarts they'll be fine around there.

[nikitakolata]

Originally Posted by 00000000005

Two of my friends just moved into a new apartment east of Humboldt Park this weekend (between the blocks of California and Western). I know the neighborhood isn't the safest, but I was wondering if I should be aware of any safety concerns. They are pretty smart people when it comes to street smarts and being aware of their surroundings. I was just curious because they are both white (and I heard there was racial tension in this area) but this was the only place they could really afford. I mostly just want something to help ease my nerves, or other information
Thanks.

Well, you can welcome your friends to my neighborhood. I live in the area you've described; south of North Ave, north of Division, east of California and west of Western. I have lived here for 3 1/2 years. I'm white, female, and I'm 29 now.

The only types of crime I have experienced here are property crimes. Someone broke into my garage (was caught and we got the property back) and we've had a window broken (nothing taken then either). Those incidents freaked me out when they happened, but when put into perspective and given some time, my whole feeling is "eh, oh well." In the past year we haven't had any problems at all.

I think there is a greater perception of crime here because we're in the Humboldt Park neighborhood, but in my experience, it doesn't seem to be any different than if we were 2 blocks east of Western in Wicker Park. Property crimes happen in both neighborhoods. Now, maybe if I had some gang affiliation things would be different, I don't know, but I don't. I just go about my life and let people around me do their thing for the most part. I've definitely walked home from the Division area bars late at night, possibly drunk, and I haven't had any issues with that.

I wouldn't let the area stress you out. But, that's just me and my experience living here, of course.