Wеstеrn / Mаdison intersection safety (Chicago, Washington: apartment, renters)

[rialtoma]

Long story short have to move there (with roommates).
Looks like both Madison and Western have 24-hour buses, which is good and not too far from my work downtown.
But have some big concerns include safety. I've been in this area a couple of times and while Pete's market over there seems ok Mcdonalds next to it - not so much.
Survival tips?

[TBideon]

Taking the blue line to the loop is more reliable than the 20. Renters insurance and a security system are also good ideas. It's kind of a dead area sandwiched between East Garfield Park and whatever the f realtors call the Near West Side, sort of hovering around the city's DMZ. More boring than dangerous but you'll still see and hear some ugliness from the locals; part of being in Chicago but you'll get used to it.

[rialtoma]

Originally Posted by TBideon

Taking the blue line to the loop is more reliable than the 20. Renters insurance and a security system are also good ideas. It's kind of a dead area sandwiched between East Garfield Park and whatever the f realtors call the Near West Side, sort of hovering around the city's DMZ. More boring than dangerous but you'll still see and hear some ugliness from the locals; part of being in Chicago but you'll get used to it.

Thank you for the info. It's 10-ish mins walk to the Western (south) blue line stop, which is ok, but not sure about that stop's safety and the walking safety in the morning/evening. Even considering taking the Western 49 bus to the North Western Stop for the work commute (I know that one is ok). I work around Washington Blue line stop.
We will have safe doors + it's the third floor.
More concerned with being right outside of the apartment after dark, good thing bus drops right by apt and I am normally commuting from safer neighborhoods.

[rialtoma]

Originally Posted by TBideon

More boring than dangerous

I am perfectly fine with borning,), as long as I can safely hop on the bus/train and can get around the city and safely come back to sleep.

[TBideon]

I think Oakley is pretty much the end of all the relatively new construction along Madison, and you're only a stone's throw from that intersection. My gut is that it's fine by Chicago standards, though I wouldn't recommend leisurely walks outside at night.

[rialtoma]

And I've learned this area is called Westhaven...