Afraid to move to Chicago! Is it as unsafe as I think?

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mel

that area around wrigleyville is populated by a large gay community. I wouldn't be too worried.

Marc W

You're watching too much TV. Look, no question, Chicago's a big city. You shouldn't "leave a stack of cash in your car with the doors unlocked," unless you want to lose a stack of cash.

But that said, the muggings and robberies and attacks you read about in the Tribune and Sun-Times tend to be in areas that you're unlikely to be in. Wrigleyville and Lincoln Park in particular are *filled* with young, good looking white females, who happily wander the streets day and night. Yes, you have to be a little aware of your surroundings, but overall, it's a remarkably safe city.

Micah

I'm just going to reiterate a few things, because you sounded really unsure. Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville are some of the "safest" areas of the city, and Ravenswood has cleaned up a lot int eh past ten years, now being full of families with young kids walking down the streets and stuff, almost suburban feeling. Just be smart-- don't go wobbling down the street screaming about being drunk waving your iPod around. Be aware of your surroundings and walk confidently, and if you're walking at night you should probably not be wearing headphones just so you can stay more aware. Also at night you should try to walk with someone else/a couple other people, if for nothing else than for your own peace of mind. If you don't like walking at night, there are cabs galore in this city that will be more than happy to take you wherever it is you want to go.

Really, just keep your head on your shoulders. And, as someone else said, a self defense class couldn't hurt even if you never have reason to use it.

Edited to Add: I just saw your question about parking in Chicago, and since it's resolved I can't answer it there. I live on the border of Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Lincoln Park... and I have free parking by my building. I also have a friend who lives at LaSalle and Division, which iss ort of the outskirts of the Gold Coast, and he has 2 free parking spots behind his building, too. The people who told you it doesn't happen no way no how are fools who assumed. It's not LIKELY to happen, but it is POSSIBLE. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

dlil

You're looking at good neighborhoods. Just use common sense and lock your doors/don't leave expensive things in your car. Courtyard bldgs are fairly safe and neighbors watch out for each other here. When leaving your car have your front door key in your hand (with the key sticking btwn your fingers) good weapon if needed, won't have to stop near your door to find your keys.

I've lived in Chicago (Lincoln Park) most of my life and the only thing that ever happened was my car was broken into - no damage done and just the change in my cup holder was stolen. You'll also find your car isn't that necessary here - public transportation (buses/trains) are super safe and inexpensive and take you all over. Why drive downtown and pay $25 for parking for a few hours when you can jump a bus for $2 or a cab for $8? If you're coming home late at night cab drivers wait for you to get inside before taking off.

Be conscious of people around you without being offensive, be prepared for all walks of life and you'll really enjoy it. Chicago has so much to offer - street fests every weekend during the summer, museums and it's parks. You'll love it if you give it a chance.

You may want to take the hop on/off tour and the architectural river tour when you get here to acclimate yourself.

PS - to the idiot who suggested a concealed weapons permit - handguns are illegal in Chicago.

PPS - if your husband has guns check out our laws on weapons.

J.Slope

You're doing a good job of scaring yourself a lot more than its' worth. Chicago is loaded with "young, fairly good-looking white females" that live their whole life here and don't get robbed or raped. The thing is, there's three million people living here, so of course it's going to seem like there's more crime here, but actually Chicago is one of the more safe major cities in the US.

The first thing you need to do is stop dropping the subtle racial hints, like you're a good-looking white girl who is worried about "thugs" because it's fairly obvious what that means, and you're going to get attacked for that long before somebody just attacks you for being a good-looking white girl. Get used to seeing black people and hispanic people when you're shopping at Target.

Second, I would bet 85% of people living in the city park in the street and walk around a block to their home so unless you want to pay $200 for a personal parking space, get used to street parking.

Third, if you walk around looking like a scared to death, open target, that's what you're going to be. It's like walking around downtown and looking at a map, you're going to attract bums and they're going to ask you for/trick you out of some money. The thing about Chicago is that in most cases there's no natural or man-made borders that seperate the good neighborhoods from the bad. In the burbs the bad neighborhoods are seperated from the good by something like the expressway, or a whole train yard. In the city, it's just a street. Really though, the neighborhoods you're looking at are some of the best in the city where the things you're suggesting happen only a few times a year. But yeah, even in the best neighborhood in the city you should always lock your doors.

It sounds like you should move to the suburbs to be honest, you should have your husband look into taking the Metra suburban commuter train to work so you're not so worried all the time: http://metrarail.com/ I mean, Chicago is one of the best cities in the world, and I'm sure after living here for a year you would know how to handle yourself, but to be honest you don't sound anywhere near ready to make this type of change. You're acting like your husband is making you move to Afghanistan or something.

The Way I Am

Wow its not as bad as you think.... and Wrigleyville and Lincoln Park are some of the best neighborhoods in chicago. Why are white people so scared to live here.....

EVANS HERE YAY!!! WHAT A BIG GUY

you are being to paranoid but seeing how you are froma small town your being normal. You just have to know how not to be a target. when walking keep your head up dont be looking down or reading or going through your purse. Look around. and be aware of what and who is around you will be less attacked if your defender thinks you saw them, also take a defensive class, even if you never get mugged its better to know then to be in a dangerous situation. Also dont leave anything worth value in your car at anytime (not even your face plate to your stereo) GL

nevershoutbecky!

Chicago really isnt that bad depending on where you live. Downtown is pretty nice...wrigleyville is awesome! IF you really are afraid, buy a alarm system for your house. But you really shouldnt worry. Just stay away from the homeless people. They don't harm you, but they bug you alot.

bihs11daa

Depending on what kind of neighborhood you deciding to move into. My advice is don't move into a high crime neighborhood or ghetto area.

Blah

I know a lot of people who have moved to the city from a small town. Just cover your bases and you will be fine. Keep your car empty of anything of value, know how to navigate your neighborhood without looking confused, be confident and keep your head up. The more you get to know this city the more you will love it. Check out Lakeview also, its a fun neighborhood.

CULLENz <33

No I live here my whole life. It's not too dangerous.
Well actually depends on your neighborhood.
My neighborhood is pretty average =]

City Slicker

I won't repeat everything that's been said in the other posts, but you might want to check out this website where you can see local crime stats by neighborhood.

http://chicago.everyblock.com/crime/

midknight_6

Paranoia will destroy you. Bad things happen to good people everyday. Even in small towns where you live now. So suck it up & stop whining about what might happen. Whine if and when it happens. Your giving yourself bad karma!!

Bailey

Where do you live I'm on my way there! Unfortunately Chicago is no worst then most other city's. We have extremely good Police here. Good Luck to you!

Andrew T

watching too much tv!

why to be scared in such a little town. Criminals wont wanna come there. RElax

bondservant70x7

Chicago, like most big cities, does have its criminal element. But, you shouldn't spend all your time worrying abut it.
The news is always pointing out the bad we humans do to each other. Rarely is there any good news to report. Can you imagine a day in which nothing bad happened at all anywhere? What would the TV news stations do about that? They wouldn't know what to do.
Hey! You are going to a new place. There are a lot of things to do and see in the windy city. Look on the bright side. Think positive thoughts. When you get there, your new neighbors will tell you which parts of the city to avoid.
I used to drive tractor/trailer and have delivered in Chicago a number of times and nothing bad ever happened to me or my cargo.

Jake

Anywhere near the Magnificent Mile (Mile long shopping street) is soo safe! I see cops on bikes, patroling in cars, and just walking aorund. They have a mediocre crime rate, though. You are deff. being to paranoid!! Calm down!! Those are something like 1% of the population gets mugged or raped.

mightymite1957

It's not as scary as you think. It will be different from living in a small town, take your time to acclimate to it. You will have to get used to locking your car, not leave cash lying around, etc. Try getting involved in the community, you'll meet some people from the neighborhood, and find out that there are many lovely people there.
ps. Chicago has many great places to visit, museums, Navy Pier, the lakefront is gorgeous......get to know how to get around on the El, you'll fall in love with it all. I used to live in a south suburb of Chicago, but before that I lived in a very small town.....

The Brain

Doesn't matter where you live in the world there will always be a criminal element even in your small community if as you say this isn't the case then why do you have law enforcement?

dave

these things do happen everyday,but why do you think its going to be you.people die in car accidents everyday,do you stop driving,don't walk down the street you may fall down,stop worrying start living your moving to an area with some much history and things to see.the music and food that you'll be able to experience.these are things that some can only wish to do.enjoy your time there.don't go into with such pessimism

gcfansara26

It's not as bad as you might think. Most of that stuff happens in certain locations. Just make sure you are moving to a place that doesn't have sucha high criminal past or anything and you should be fine.

gunhappy heretic

It's alright just as long as you're packing a gun !

Kandi

Stop being so stereotypical by saying "white" to begin with. Saying "white" was completely irrelevant. Anyhow, it depends on your neighborhood. Those are decent neighborhoods. However, Lincoln Park had some random guys trying to kidnap women last year, but I believe they're now behind bars. Another thing, if you move to any big city, it's common sense that you must lock your doors. Don't walk around in fear is mainly what I have to say. It's not worth it because Chicago is a great city with lots to offer. Quite frankly, I think you should just consider living in a suburb like Hoffman Estates, Naperville, Schaumburg, etc. They're right by the highway; making it easy to get to downtown. If you must live live in the city, I would choose Wrigleyville or the Goldcoast, but perhaps the Goldcoast is too expensive for you.

do it to it

yep life in the big city...but you are not safe anyway..not even in your little town...Just the way it goes....oh yeah, rape does not have to do with your looks, people rape for a sense of control not because you are good looking. get off it!!!!!be a big girl and you will do just fine...

jkjkhardcore

This is why I put a poll asking who was more brainwashed usa or china. This kind of paranoia is ridiculous at times. Check the crime statistics in your area first off. Become familiar with your neighbors, keep yourself safe of course if there are more people there is a higher chance of someone who is a "thug" to rob and rape you then living in the middle of no where lol. This stuff has never happened to me and I've been in pretty bad neighborhoods in philly ny sf even seattle/tacoma area and texas. They do happen just don't worry yourself stupid over it be friendly be yourself and be cautious as always. Of course you don't want to walk down a dark alley, and if you have your cellphone you can always use it. If your really that paranoid get a can of mace. Simply said do you have any pictures so I can see how attractive you are? Lol

Ravenswood has high property crime and about 37% VIOLENT CRIME

check this website out
http://neighborhoods.realtor.com/IL/Chicago/Ravenswood/479441/Schools/

by the way if you act like they might rape you all paranoid and jittery odds are they will rapists like to see you trembling as rape is a form of control. Being weak minded and scared makes them feel bigger than they really are. Also if you talk to them they are more likely to see you as a human, and less likely to rape you, I'm not saying you have to go out of your way to talk to them, but if passing and you make eye contact you can say hi.

TEC

You might want to move to another state other then Chicago or at least to the suburbs like Romeoville,Naperville,Plainfield,Downers Grove,Oak Brook,but not Chicago to much corruption there.

kim

get a concealed weapons permit and carry a gun with you at all times (and be prepared to use it) and you will feel much better

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