Safety old town area near Evergreen on Sedgwick (Chicago, Lincoln: section 8, apartments)

[izzy13]

Hi, my friends and I (women in 20s) are moving into a new apartment and I am kind of unfamiliar with the neighborhood. A few blocks away is Wells but we are right around Evergreen right by the jewel there. 1300 block of n sedgwick. I worry about safety in any place we live but wanted to get some input on if this is a safe place. I saw some cops sitting outside the building - not doing anything but they were just kind of there. I love running and walking and i'd like to feel comfortable, also, walking back at night if I have to due to work etc. Please advise, I'm just nervous.

[personone]

Originally Posted by izzy13

Hi, my friends and I (women in 20s) are moving into a new apartment and I am kind of unfamiliar with the neighborhood. A few blocks away is Wells but we are right around Evergreen right by the jewel there. 1300 block of n sedgwick. I worry about safety in any place we live but wanted to get some input on if this is a safe place. I saw some cops sitting outside the building - not doing anything but they were just kind of there. I love running and walking and i'd like to feel comfortable, also, walking back at night if I have to due to work etc. Please advise, I'm just nervous.

Yes, I know exactly where you are. The Evergreen apartments on the other side of the street are probably not the safest, and there was a drive by shooting in that area that made headlines a few years ago. That said, when I first moved to Chicago I was ignorant of the history of that area and used to walk around that area all the time (I lived in that general area of Near North). I thought that area was part of Old Town so it couldn't be dangerous at all. I never had a problem. Of course, I used basic street smarts, but it is such a small stretch, and there are plenty of nice houses and apartments on the other side of the street.

The only area you need to avoid is the stretch of the Evergreen apartments near the Sedgwick stop. So at night if you go out, I'd recommend using the red line, and getting off and Clark/Division and walking from the east to get to your apartment. Or you could get off at Sedgwick, but take the long route back to your apartment, instead of going straight down Sedgewick street to get to your apartment. Basically, you just have to avoid that stretch of the Evergreen apartments near the Sedgwick stop.

Again, plenty of people live in nice condos and apartments in that general area, and don't have a problem. I go to church close by there, and after church, I sometimes go to Jewel and then take the brown line back to Lincoln Park. Passing by Evergreen apartments during the day is not bad at all. Only a few times have there been people loitering, playing loud music, and being loud. Slightly uncomfortable at times, but nothing to be fearful of. Again I use basic street smarts, and always walk on the other side of the street and stay alert.

[izzy13]

Hi, thank you. This was very helpful. I don't plan to be out late just with everything going on in the world but will definitely take your advice re: Clark/Division etc. We are in 1310 N Sedgwick, and the new evergreen terrace apartments are right there...as you mentioned. I looked up crime etc and got nervous, although we are on third floor of building with many doors. The walking around right in there worries me still, but thank you so so much.

[wase4711]

at this point, if you can avoid moving there, I would strongly encourage you waiting..
the crime in many areas of the city is rampant now, and, I wouldnt feel safe walking around there, for sure..
And, I am a former football player, with a concealed carry permit..even I would avoid that area right now

good luck and be safe

[izzy13]

Hi wase4711 we're officially moving in this weekend so I don't think there is much to do re: NOT moving...! We've lived in Rogers Park and then Albany Park and most recently Lincoln Square, we don't walk around late at night and usually go with each other if we are out for some reason. Your comment definitely worries me but like I said can't turn back now...!

[Master Jay]

izzy13, you have experience as an urbanite.
Use those street smarts!
Try to always walk with a partner.
DO NOT use earbuds!!! They distract your ability to hear things around you. And keep that head up and eyes up! LOOK confident, as well!
Follow your instincts! If you feel uncomfortable to go near someone or someplace, don't be afraid to follow those feelings!
Try to enroll in SOME type of self-defense class(es) if possible.
Don't worry about anyone thinking of you as a fraidy cat, or being cautious due to "ignorant" perceptions.
Your safety comes # 1!

[TBideon]

As stated multiple times, directly south of the Sedgwick stop has some bad characters and vibes due to the projects. But beyond the occasional aberration, Old Town is a pretty safe neighborhood by Chicago standards.

[wase4711]

Originally Posted by Frugal Audiophile

I've never felt unsafe in area of Old town. If you live in this much fear than a gated suburban community is better suited for you. FYI, I also conceal and carry but never felt afraid in that area, not once. You make it sound like Back of the Yards or West Humboldt park. Jesus.

would you let your teenage daughter walk around there at night?
to me, thats the litmus test..

I dont live in fear ANYWHERE; but you suggesting to a 20 year old single woman that the area is safe to walk home at night alone is silly..

[wase4711]

fear is not the same as "not feeling safe"..if you dont understand the difference, then thats on you..

like I said, send your teenage daughter walking around there a few times at night, and then let us know how that worked out..

[Vosges]

This would not be my preferred location for my child (section 8 housing) but it appears that there is not much you can do about it now. Follow Master Jay’s advice. Be alert and be street smart. ALWAYS lock your doors.