Neighborhood to check out for a few days (Chicago, Lincoln: crime, hotels)

[hendersj31]

Wife and I are heading up next month and were thinking of AirBnB in a neighborhood as opposed to the same old Michigan Avenue hotels.
I am from Brighton Park originally (when it was nicer) and am familiar with many parts of the city but obviously neighborhoods have changed quite a bit over the years. We would like to sort of immerse ourselves in a neighborhood and spend most of our time there minus a day to visit a couple friends. Not sure on total stay but maybe 4 days.

Really just looking for someplace to chill and party as a home base while in town. We will likely hit a Hawks game, Lincoln Park Zoo and Staropolska for sure but no other real plans. We are mid 40s but don't mind a mix of ages.

Where should we stay? What street intersection in that neighborhood? And of course why? Just throw stuff out there. No wrong answers, just gathering information.

Thanks for all your suggestions.

[chet everett]

Really depends what else is going on and what sorts of trade-offs you will accept from non-traditional accommodations. A fairly frequently poster does have a place in River North, that seems like a good option...

[Gv1992]

I am a 25 yr old Hispanic male i moved to Atlanta from chicago when I was 8. I lived in Pilsen. I’ve never been back. Would I be safe if I flew to Chicago and walked around by Blue island and Cullerton up to 18th and blue island? I remember back in the grimy 90s there used to be a lot of jokers around there. Would I be ok or should I not do this?

[chicagobear]

Originally Posted by Gv1992

I am a 25 yr old Hispanic male i moved to Atlanta from chicago when I was 8. I lived in Pilsen. I’ve never been back. Would I be safe if I flew to Chicago and walked around by Blue island and Cullerton up to 18th and blue island? I remember back in the grimy 90s there used to be a lot of jokers around there. Would I be ok or should I not do this?

I think you would be fine. This area has significantly improved since then.

[fusillirob1983]

Originally Posted by hendersj31

Wife and I are heading up next month and were thinking of AirBnB in a neighborhood as opposed to the same old Michigan Avenue hotels.
I am from Brighton Park originally (when it was nicer) and am familiar with many parts of the city but obviously neighborhoods have changed quite a bit over the years. We would like to sort of immerse ourselves in a neighborhood and spend most of our time there minus a day to visit a couple friends. Not sure on total stay but maybe 4 days.

Really just looking for someplace to chill and party as a home base while in town. We will likely hit a Hawks game, Lincoln Park Zoo and Staropolska for sure but no other real plans. We are mid 40s but don't mind a mix of ages.

Where should we stay? What street intersection in that neighborhood? And of course why? Just throw stuff out there. No wrong answers, just gathering information.

Thanks for all your suggestions.

What are your general interests outside of the 3 things listed in your post? What kind of things would you like to spend your time doing on vacation? Are there certain types of restaurants you want to try? Are you into beer, whiskey, live music, outdoor activities, etc?

[ToriaT]

You mention Lincoln Park Zoo. You could get an airbnb near there. Its a lovely neighborhood. Pick something near the zoo around Lincoln Park Zoo and up through Clark St. You can go to the zoo and you can also go to Chicago History Museum, which I did last week. I got a groupon for half price admission. The buses will take you to downtown or up and down the lakeshore area. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1217077...s=1&s=lNZoebC8

[Kmanshouse]

Old Town seems like a good choice for this. You can walk the Wells corridor and Old Town Triangle area. Near the lake. Walkable to the LPZ, reasonably central to many things, not too far from the loop (I've walked it).

[Gv1992]

Originally Posted by chicagobear

I think you would be fine. This area has significantly improved since then.

Hasn’t it been bad there lately again?

[ToriaT]

No. There is always spotty violence and crime in Chicago. I was in Pilsen a few months ago on a Sunday morning and had lunch at Duseks and it was perfectly fine.

[hendersj31]

Thank you all for suggestions. We dont mind taking uber to LPZ or anywhere else really. I like the Old Town idea. Always liked it there.