I’m planning to move to chicago after college and would like a safe but affordable neighborhood. Someone recommended Logan Square but not knowing much about Chicago, I’m not sure if this is a good choice.
I’d say Jefferson Park a bit west of Chicago or Ravenswood on the north. Lakeview, Lincoln square, overrated Lincoln Park these are very expensive places to get an apt. Try also Roger’s Park.
January 9th, 2010 at 8:21 am
Des Plaines, Melrose Park, River grove.
These are nice middle class neighborhoods that are 25-30 minutes away from downtown chicago
there are plenty of more, but just to let you know, Logan square is more of a mixed neighborhood. There is definitily more diversity ethnically, and it is closer to the city.
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January 9th, 2010 at 8:53 am
I lived in Oak Lawn and it was a nice place just besides Chicago
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January 9th, 2010 at 9:28 am
Logan Square is iffy. Go with Wicker Park, Ukranian Village, Bucktown, Lincoln Square, or Lincoln Park (if you have more money to spend). All of the neighborhoods are pretty safe and offer a lot things to do and places to eat. They are all within the city.
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January 9th, 2010 at 9:40 am
Logan Square is iffy. My best suggestion is look at the El lines and pick a neighborhood that’s close to a station.
I currently live in Jefferson Park. My colleagues have said I practically live in the burbs, but it’s a quick shot to downtown on the Blue Line.
Logan Square is hit or miss. Yes there is developing improvements there, but it still has a lot of bad elements there as well. Wicker Park is the same. You stay around the Damen/Milwaukee/North Ave area and you’ll be safer, but venture further out and it’s not a very safe place.
Lincoln Square is pretty good, but rents are higher there.
My suggestions are Jefferson Park, Old Irving Park, Ravenswood, Lincoln Square, North Center, Roscoe Village, Avondale, Edgewater, Andersonville, Logan Square, and Bucktown. Venture further into the city (or closer to the Lake) and it gets expensive. South Side I am not very versed on, so I don’t know where safe and affordable is down there.
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January 9th, 2010 at 10:23 am
Sandra T (the 1st answerer) did mention some safe places, but they all are SUBURBS outside of Chicago.
Anyways, I also live in the suburbs and plan on moving into the city after I graduate.
Lincoln Park is probably the SAFEST, but also pretty expensive.
Wrigleyville and Lakeview are also pretty safe, and if you really look hard and get lucky, you can find an affordable place there (at least affordable compared to other places in Chicago…).
Wicker Park is also good.
Pilsen is fairly inexpensive, and it’s getting safer and safer each year as more and more college students move in.
The 2 places I would choose though are Lakeview or Wicker Park.
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January 9th, 2010 at 10:59 am
I’d say Jefferson Park a bit west of Chicago or Ravenswood on the north. Lakeview, Lincoln square, overrated Lincoln Park these are very expensive places to get an apt. Try also Roger’s Park.
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January 20th, 2010 at 5:22 am
I’m a mom with two kids that lives in Logan Square and has for the past five years. I would not live west of Kedzie, and east of Kedzie the neighborhood is block by block. Our block is fantastic. A few blocks away on Stave and there are still drive-bys.
Wicker Park is not that affordable: you get nothing for your money because of how hip the neighborhood is, and it’s hit or miss in terms of safety as well. I heartily agree with D-Jam’s recommendations to you.
http://chicago.everyblock.com/ is a good source of information on neighborhoods.