Is Chicago safe?

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Beautiful Soul

Um, crime is everywhere unless you stay on another planet. There are some pretty bad neighborhoods in Chicago, but again, the same goes for every big city in the U.S.

StellaBtheWriter

It sounds to me you have perhaps visited Chicago once or twice (strictly the downtown area at that) and are basing your conclusions off those limited experiences. Am I right? Close?

There's far more to any city than its skyline, though Chicago does arguably have the best.

Guess what? Some of those "pesty people" are begging for your spare change so they can get a cup of coffee or a sandwich. Some of them have fallen on hard times, and begging is the best they can do to get by for the time being. Some of them are mentally ill and are not capable of holding jobs, and few if any government- or charity-funded programs are in place to aid them. In any case (yes, even if they're druggies or drunks), they're people, like you and me. It doesn't hurt to say hello, and if you have the money to visit this fair city, it surely wouldn't hurt to drop a dollar or two in the paper cup of a homeless man or woman you happen upon.

There is racism in this city. That's true. There's racism in suburbia and rural areas, too. My own limited experience in a small portion of rural America has taught me that I prefer Chicago and find it friendlier and more racially integrated. (That's a sad state of affairs for race relations in this country.)

If Chicago is "ruined" by crime, there are countless complex factors to blame. Among them the capitalist system, in which the rich stay rich as long as there are homeless "pesty people" on our city streets. Poverty may lead a person toward crime and negative habits.

(Don't get me wrong; there are a good many things I like about our capitalist system. But it isn't ideal. There is no ideal answer, in my opinion.)

Chicago, you should know, is a city of neighborhoods. Some are safer than others. Some are "trendier" than others, some are more family-oriented and "safe," and yeah, some are laden with gang activity. Few of us live in high-rises or those fancy new condo buildings you might spot downtown. Many of us live in flats and brick bungalows. Our residential neighborhoods are chock-full of homes, tree-lined streets, little front lawns, wide boulevards, alleys, public parks, public libraries and businesses ranging from hair salons to doctors' offices to restaurants--and within that, they range from the uber-affordable to the outrageously expensive and upscale. There is such a thing in Chicago as a fashionable doctor's office.

Are you below age 18? Perhaps you will consider applying to attend college in Chicago. Then you could live here, enjoy the city beyond the tourist-trap downtown areas and grow to understand the complexities--some beautiful, some ugly--of Chicago life.

sippers

"why does there have to be so much crime and pesty people asking for money for their drugs!! "

Actually the politicians live in Springfield.

Sorry, couldn't help myself.

Veronica's Mommy

lived in the south burbs of chicago all my life and it is a great city.. it does have a bad wrap.. but all cities do! come and we for your self!

Marc W

Chicago has a bad reputation from the 1980's, when the murder rate had skyrocketed and the downtown was falling apart. The city has changed markedly since then - the downtown is gentrified and, for the most part, safe.

The dangerous areas of Chicago are largely in certain areas that the tourists never go into. And yes, there are tremendous problems in Chicago - as in any big city - with racism, class divisions, crime, and other issues. The city continues to work on that, but don't forget, 8,000,000 people live here and most go about their lives every day without any problem.

I should add that some of those "pesky people asking for money for drugs" are people who have fallen on hard times in a difficult economy and are asking for money for, example, food. And that some of the crime is driven by poverty and desperation that can be worked on and fixed. Rather than complain that the rest of the city looks so beautiful, why not also work on the portion that needs help?

nany

chicago is just as safe as any other city in the United States.
no city is completely safe anymore, no matter how small.

deedee

Chicago is great!!! I grew up here, love it!!!
Stay away from the South side.
Go to the city itself, water tower, Sears tower. It is a beautiful city. It has a bad rap cause it is a BIG city, hell all cities have a bad section.

timmmahhhh@sbcglobal.net

When I first went to visit New York City someone told me it is the best of everything and the worst. When you have that many people in one place you're going to get a higher concentration of everything, good and bad. As for the beggars, if you have nothing where can you go to find the most people to get something from?

I think things are a lot better now than they were in the 70's. People finally realize that suburbs are not the great white hope they were made out to be. Frankly I would rather be in Chicago than Harvey.

There was an interesting report that is claiming a link to lower ing crime rates to the elimination of leaded fuel. The article was also saying this was a major reason for crime dropping in NYC, more so than Giuliani's being tough. With an improved environment he didn't have to be.

Places that look dangerous to me are the south side and near west side from west of the United Center through Austin.

I am white so I don't see racism toward myself unless I see Farrakhan or Jackson on the news, then I have enough sense to tune it out. My coworker is hispanic and he sees blacks treating him rudely.

Like one responder I used to have sympathy for the beggars -- I still do but there are so many you can't give to them all. I make it a point to buy a Streetwise every time I see a vendor -- a way to help the homeless help themselves and get a new start on life. Not all of the homeless choose their life but many do through their past actions. One person I used to buy Streetwise from I found was in jail for auto theft, and thanks to his felony it was hard for him to get work anymore. Many are mentally ill and pre-Reagan would be in a mental home, but thanks to the stricter requirements to require help more of them are on the streets than 20 years ago.

I'm an architect so yes I certainly like that skyline. I would live closer to it but I have kids and I can't take the chance on them going to a city school. I do hope that improves, really I do. But I can't afford to have my kids in that enviromnent. True with most cities unfortunately. Though with all the condo towers going up maybe school quality will follow.

Yet that's another problem -- the low income housing is being replaced by housing for the wealthy. The poor have to move to the few affordable neighborhoods left. Then you have the unions that don't want Wal-Marts to move in because they don't pay what they feel is a fair wage. Is NO wage a better option?

Still, it's an amazing city and history, not all of it pretty but still fascinating.

Joe C.

Chicago is not bad at all...You will have no problem whatsoever as long as you dont go into bad neighborhoods, and I am assuming you wont be. Dont worry. Chicago is not even on the top 10 list of the worst crime cities.

TomyBoy

thats part of living in a big city just ignore them and move on. there are alot of bums/beggers all over the world not just Chicago so you'll have to deal with that no matter where you live. And unless you plan on joining a gang you don't have to worry about them to much(unless you injoy hanging out on the south side and you get caught in some cross fire but from the sounds of it you won't be on the south side to much).

I dont know what your situation is or what type of person you are but just think if the posatives out weigh the negatives then move if not maybe Chicago just isn't for you.

but me personally I would have to say Chicago is the greatest city in the world and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

Jon Erik Hexum

I am from Singapore and my favorite place in the world is the windy City. It doesnt matter where you are in the world. Just be street smart and takle situations gracefully. Do not offend even drug addict and get into unnecessary arguments. I walk through streets of Chicago - daytime and night time. I have been approached numerous time - people asking for quarters, just acknowledge them and hold my palm face out like waving "no". It always work for me. Another thing to take note is sometime when you do that , they can get alittle "mouthy" at times just walk away from the situation.

sofisintown

Chicago is not worse than any other city in the US.
It's actually beautiful, and it has everything you might ever want! I love it.
Now, it's a lot of us people here, and for the most part we get along just fine. When we don't, we might shoot each other a little bit, because we are temperamental, but other than that we are really good folks. If you hear shooting, just duck and get out of the way.
If you want to come here, you are welcome like everybody else, but pleeeease, don't step on any toes, don't hang out in the wrong neighborhoods, behave, and you'll be fine!

---UNknOWn---

Its like that in New York, Detroit, or any big cities. You go north just 15 minutes and viola its a safe place. There have been various gang activities in the outlying neighborhoods, part of Chicago. Stay in the downtown area, The Mag Mile is safe. I also agree its very beautiful.

Kong of Kong

Every city in the world has its parts where crime is evident. Chicago is no different.

The gangs take advantage of youths and get them to do their dirty work. The only way to stop the gangs is education. Kids need to graduate from junior high, High School.

doodlesfl

well my goodness what part of Chicago are you going to? It's bad in ALL cities in some point or their town. I've never been bothered by people when I've been downtown. sure there are people on corners with a cup. I think that's why so many people wear ipods.. to ignore them! Then again you have poor people everywhere. Gang violence and racism? what are you looking to move to the inner cities and go to school there? I visit the major tourist spots and enjoy my time while I"m in the city. You can't let everyone's ideas ruin your vacations or good times.
Especially this time of year. It's a beautiful city and so clean and friendly.

Nurse Annie

All big cities have these same problems, some more than others; but you have to weigh the good with the bad. Yep, it's a bummer when you're having a great time, get off the El and someone bums you for money, which you know pretty much is going to feed a nasty habit.

But, do you see the beautiful skyline, lake, vistas, Millennium Park, fireworks, navy pier; elsewhere? The unfortunate element will always be part of our society. But if I'd have my druthers, I'd always go for the wonderment, the good and the gusto.

jae bee

chicago isn't as bad as Flint, MI.
but it's still pretty bad. if you go, make sure you keep all your doors locked. it's a tough place to be.
and yes, it's basically the most beautiful place i have ever seen. i plan on moving there sometime in the future. for the beauty of the skyline, the lights at night, and the best place to start a graphic design career.

B-Man

You may be alright downtown just don't venture into too many neighborhoods.

love2help

nowhere is safe anymore.

cxjvnjxcbjxchb

i dont know

princess special

thats true chicago is bad but its so beautiful i totally agree with u

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