The last time you felt unsafe in Chicago (Oak Park, Addison: sales, transfer)

[dent_arthur_dent]

I lived in Chicago for 4 years in the early 2000s, and I always have a hard time explaining to people that the day-to-day experience of living there isn't necessarily one of drive-bys and gunshots and police sirens. Obviously it depends on the neighbourhood you live in (and I imagine things are different for women than they are for men) but I don't recall ever feeling especially unsafe in the city.

What is your day-to-day experience like? When was the last time (if ever) when you felt unsafe in Chicago. Are things changing -- either for the better, or the worse?

[Alacran]

When cpd is behind me.

[Aleking]

never

[Maintainschaos]

Only lived here a few years to this point, but never.

[TBideon]

The most unsafe I've ever felt in Chicago is waiting for the 55/Garfield bus in Washington Park at 10-something at night. It was very disconcerting - several drug dealers were making sales to people in cars (with me a couple yards away), it was dark, poorly lit, and the street is HUGE, and I didn't know the area well at the time. Not a good situation, but no one bothered me.

I did get attacked on the red line last year, but that wasn't nearly as scary. It was just some sicko who didn't like me sitting next to him (he grabbed my hand and tried to bite me, I punched him in the chest, he then screamed everything you can think and I transferred cars). It was really more annoying than anything.

Navy Pier and Ohio Beach last July 4th were pretty unnerving when scores of ghetto types were running, screaming, pushing, and I was worried my girlfriend might get trampled or shoved. I threw a shoulder at one of the hoodlums running when he got too close. Those kids were out of control.

Finally, honestly, weirdly, the night Zimmerman was exonerated was a little tense too. There was a gigantic guy crying on the 151 (around 9pm) because of the verdict, and he seemed pretty nitro. There was a huge police presence that night on Michigan too; I remember being wary overall due to the palpable tension.

[mjtinmemphis]

The closest I've been to being scared was a few months ago riding the Halsted bus at Addison when this guy got on who was definitely mentally challenged or high. The bus was half empty he still chose to stand at the door directly in front of me. He decided to finger a gesture in front of my face. Then he nodded his head and kept doing it. My friend that I was sitting across from gave me a look like don't you respond to the foolish behavior. Eventually he got off. I had to keep my cool. I generally try to avoid certain areas and Boystown is one of them.

Another situation was near the Chicago and State red line on a Friday night. All I could see where teens and police. Nothing was happening but it was an awkward feel. I generally try to avoid the area at certain times.

TBideon, the night of the Zimmerman verdict was very weird. The media had put in to people's head that there was going to be a riot. I personally thought that it was over done. I remember being on the train in Oak Park and seeing White teens rush off the train after they heard due to the anticipated violence.

I have no desire to visit North Avenue or Oak street beach. When I hear about mob attacks and robbery it's another reason for me not going. Too dirty and crowded.

I've never felt fear like I was going to be shot or anything. Never been robbed. Chicago is just like most cities, we have to be aware of our surroundings.

[NARFALICIOUS]

The only times I ever felt somewhat scared were when I was growing up as a kid and exploring parts of the city for the first time. But it wasn't a feeling of "unsafe". Just a new environment type scared while being young

[emathias]

I don't feel unsafe.

I feel leery when I see large groups of white college-aged boys because their sense of entitlement can make them idiots. (I'm white male myself)

[Chicago60614]

I don't think I've ever actually been scared.

The only times I can think of are on the train or a bus where the totally crazy person gets on and then starts acting or saying really weird things. You never know what's going to happen. They normally don't pay any attention to me personally, but just having someone a foot away from you who could very well pop at any moment or cause an awkward scene is unnerving.

Of course this happens maybe once every few months or only a few times a year. I don't sit around thinking about it.

[UrbanCheetah]

Originally Posted by mjtinmemphis

The closest I've been to being scared was a few months ago riding the Halsted bus at Addison when this guy got on who was definitely mentally challenged or high. The bus was half empty he still chose to stand at the door directly in front of me. He decided to finger a gesture in front of my face. Then he nodded his head and kept doing it. My friend that I was sitting across from gave me a look like don't you respond to the foolish behavior. Eventually he got off. I had to keep my cool. I generally try to avoid certain areas and Boystown is one of them.

Another situation was near the Chicago and State red line on a Friday night. All I could see where teens and police. Nothing was happening but it was an awkward feel. I generally try to avoid the area at certain times.

TBideon, the night of the Zimmerman verdict was very weird. The media had put in to people's head that there was going to be a riot. I personally thought that it was over done. I remember being on the train in Oak Park and seeing White teens rush off the train after they heard due to the anticipated violence.

I have no desire to visit North Avenue or Oak street beach. When I hear about mob attacks and robbery it's another reason for me not going. Too dirty and crowded.

I've never felt fear like I was going to be shot or anything. Never been robbed. Chicago is just like most cities, we have to be aware of our surroundings.

Do you think that guy on the bus was doing that to you because he is a racist?