Winthrop-Kenmore "corridor" (Chicago, Berwyn: low income, apartment, rent)

[yeahwrite]

I know this area has an unsavory rep/history, but what are your thoughts on the current state of that strip?

We're looking at a place at Balmoral & Winthrop, and the area (did some street-level crawling on Google Maps) looks pretty damn nice. Proximity to lake/beach & transit - looks great. The word "Winthrop" triggered immediate warnings from a couple friends, though - am I missing something?

We're moving this summer - new to Chicago, but familiar w/ the neighborhoods.

[marothisu]

I think that area is fine... I think the only problems Winthrop has had recently is further north near the Granville red line stop, but even then..I don't think any of those areas are really dangerous or whatever. I, however, do not speak for everyone.

[Aleking]

That area is totally fine and underrated

Kenmore/Winthrop between Bryn Mawr and Foster is a really nice little hood these days.


EDIT: one of the old, ugly, and trouble 4+1 buildings near that corner is in the process of getting a gut rehab as well.

[Bird4Prez]

The area is fine.....like the other posters have said. I live near the Granville stop (which is about a mile north) and could not be happier. It is sooooooooooooo inexpensive compared to other areas on the North Side and it seems to be consistently improving because there are a lot of folks who are choosing it instead of Lakeview/Lincoln Park (because of how expensive those places have become). You may not have everything right at your intersection, but I promise you'll be able to find it within just a few stops on the train north or south. The only questionable stuff is some low income housing in the form of a few subsidized apartment areas and former hotels that rent the rooms monthly. Also, there are some empty store fronts, but a lot less than a few years ago. Not to worry if you are law abiding and responsible. Enjoy the area!

[chet everett]

Some folks optimism is a little too much.

OP is new to Chicago. If they are not accustomed to the hassle factor of having creepy types that frequent the "hotels" (which make no mistakes are flop houses for bums with substance abuse problems and mental health issues...) I would strong recommend spending a little extra for a nicer neighborhood.

Sounds OP might be part of a couple and the creepy types have a tendency to sleeve out couples much more so than some guy living alone...

[ChicagoMeO]

Originally Posted by chet everett

OP is new to Chicago. If they are not accustomed to the hassle factor of having creepy types that frequent the "hotels" (which make no mistakes are flop houses for bums with substance abuse problems and mental health issues...) I would strong recommend spending a little extra for a nicer neighborhood.

Sounds OP might be part of a couple and the creepy types have a tendency to sleeve out couples much more so than some guy living alone...

And some of us who have been here awhile also appreciate not living in an area that is frequented by creepy types and want to live in a nicer area too.

[Aleking]

Originally Posted by chet everett

Some folks optimism is a little too much.

OP is new to Chicago. If they are not accustomed to the hassle factor of having creepy types that frequent the "hotels" (which make no mistakes are flop houses for bums with substance abuse problems and mental health issues...) I would strong recommend spending a little extra for a nicer neighborhood.

Sounds OP might be part of a couple and the creepy types have a tendency to sleeve out couples much more so than some guy living alone...

they don't exist on the this block

[Chicago60614]

Originally Posted by chet everett

Some folks optimism is a little too much.

OP is new to Chicago. If they are not accustomed to the hassle factor of having creepy types that frequent the "hotels" (which make no mistakes are flop houses for bums with substance abuse problems and mental health issues...) I would strong recommend spending a little extra for a nicer neighborhood.

Sounds OP might be part of a couple and the creepy types have a tendency to sleeve out couples much more so than some guy living alone...

Are you writing this from the 1970's and 1980's? I wasn't aware of a lot of those places near this area, and actually most of them that were around are now closed down anyway.

[yeahwrite]

"We" means we are indeed a couple...

I don't know...we've lived in cities. Bums and panhandlers don't phase us much, though we'd prefer them a block or two away. Chet, are you suggesting any real danger beyond the "creepy" factor? We're mostly looking between Foster and Berwyn Mawr, just E of Andersonville. The threads I'm reading seem to locate the sketchiness (however sketchy it is) a bit further N...? My wife will be using the CTA, so she'll be walking down that way even if we live closer to Clark. Ravenswood and Lincoln Square are also on the table, but we like being near the lake.

That place on Balmoral & Winthrop has been rented.

Thanks for the replies all the same - very helpful.

[chet everett]

Lincoln Square is far less likely to have any issues with creepy types hanging out near the El -- vacancy rates are also far lower. Spaces for resturants are in demand.In short it is a nicer place to live and if you can afford it would make for a much better choice.