Normal people in Chicago?

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â™ JÆSSÆ'S GiRL â™

yes Chicago does have alot of wierdos LoL. i moved here about 6 yrs ago from Minnesota. what a culture shock!! i was scared to death to go anywhere for fear of getting robbed, shot or ran over (they drive like flipping maniacs) but after awhile you get used to nobody speaking english and driving 65 mph in 30 mph zone. you meet alot of ppl different with different personalities. the thing i remember most about moving to Chicago was the news. where i come from the news lasts about 10 minutes (thats news, sports & weather ) and the news here is 1 hr long FULL of robbery, automobile accidents and corrupted government officials. But im finally getting use to hustle and bustle of this crazy city called chicago.

CityChick

No offense but your question seems naive or maybe you've never been to a big city. My suggestion when you visit Chicago, be aware of your surroudings as you should in any big city and don't attract a lot unwanted to attention to yourself, I can't tell you how many times i've seen tourist do stupid things like leave their purses unattended in a busy place or not watch their children. Just use your common sense.

deejay7021

You have to understand that there are over 3 million people in Chicago so naturally there will be the same percentage of "weirdos or criminals as there would be in a small city of say 20 thousand.
So lets say we are talking about 5 percent undesirable people. 5 percent of 3 million is a whole lot different then 5 percent of 20 thousand. So what I'm saying is that, statistically, there would be a lot more undesirables in a city the size of Chicago then there would be in a smaller city or town.

I have lived in Chicago all of my life, and I think it depends on the neighborhood you are in. I live in an area with a lot of "yuppies", elderly people, and people with small kids. I have walked to and from friends' houses at 9:00 or later and rarely feel uncomfortable. Now, to answer your question:
a. "Alot of weirdos there?"
It depends on your definition of "weirdoes". If you, for example, are homophobic, I'd avoid the Boys Town area.
b. "Alot of crime?"
The city- like any other big city- has its share of crime, but once again you'll find that varies by neighborhood. I live near a large church and Catholic School, so the most common crimes are car thefts that happen to the parked cars and the occasional spray painting. People that live in wealthier areas have a lot of problems with identity theft, and people that live in poorer areas, ghettos, etc. get everything from drugs to sexual assault.
c. If you are planning to visit Chicago and are extremely worried about what you mentioned, you can go here:
http://www.chicagocrime.org/

theverygrouchyladybug

You sound very sheltered. Any big city has crime and weirdos. It's what gives a city its color and charm. You can get mugged or raped anywhere. Just stay vigiliant, look like you know where you are going and no one will bother you!

Firewheel

There's only weirdos if you go there.

bodinibold

It's a major metropolitan area, the third largest city in the U.S. what do YOU think? of course, there are going to be some "weird" people here. there are weird people in small towns in Kansas. And yes there is a "lot" of crime - if you're comparing it to, say Fargo, North Dakota. Not sure what you're wanting to hear. The only thing one can say is that yes, there is crime here, yes, there are 'weirdos" here. There are also millions of people who live and work in Chicago who somehow manage to get up every day and live their life and have fun and go out for dinner and go dancing and shop and mow their lawns, etc. etc. etc. without worrying about "weirdos" and crime. If you don't act like a victim, you won't be a victim. if someone is bugging you when you walk down the street or ride on the el train, asking you for money, just say firmly "No". Don't walk down the street afraid to make eye contact with your head held down like a scared rabbit. Be aware of your surroundings. And don't let anyone here or elsewhere tell you that only the south or west sides of the city have a lot of crime. Assuming that is a sure way of becoming a crime victim. There are burglaries that happen in the Gold Coast, the most expensive neighborhood in the city, and rapes and other crimes that happen in the "yuppie" neighborhoods. Crime can happen anywhere. You have to learn how to live in the city. Don't be afraid of the "weirdos" because they latch onto hat. The people who get the nutcases following them for blocks are the ones who are afraid to tell them "Get the F*** away from me!"

Chicago is a great city and Chicago is a BIG city. It's got bad stuff and good stuff, just like any big city. But people have been living here for YEARS without falling victim to the "weirdos" and crime.

cherokeekaraoke

'Normal' is subjective, but if you mean yuppies, boring cookie-cutter fashion plates, suit wearing business types, there are plenty. Try Lincoln Park or the downtown areas. Girl, I forgot about the guy by Old Navy! And yes the Bread Lady is real! OMG I miss all the "wierdos"in Chicago. What about the guy with the cane that no one believes is blind and the lady with plastic bags on her feet on the Redline. I've been in Seattle for the past 6 months and find it soooo boring. The weirdos here are just bad imitations of those found in Chicago. I miss how everyone in Chicago has an opinion on everything and how any time something bad happens the community comes together. Crime, sure but it's not the highest per capita. True Chicagoans aren't afraid. It's our city love it or leave it and I can't wait to get back to my sweet home Chicago.

BlueFish

Chicago is a very friendly city. You will find the people here more approachable than other big cities. That said, you must use common sense and be aware of your surroundings.

dang

when you go to the sketchy areas of any city you will run into odd and dangerous people. Because Chicago is larger than say Denver it has more crime crime than a smaller city. Look at the large cities Houston, LA, NYC, DC, they are all super high in crime, but that's because they have more poeple who can be weird and naughty.

ludaslady1603

yes there are wierdos but u will also meet some of the most realest down to earth people there....no city is perfect i dare say anything about La and all these wacked out peole here....but Chicago is my home town and i love it and miss it. Soon you will see most of us are normal, but we still have issues, no ones perfect...crimes?.....lets just say each neighborhood varies, there are really nice places to live just ride around or go to craiglist.com

Girl

yes there are weird people here. just go down state street in downtown and you get this one guy preaching 6 days a week in front of old navy on how everyone is going to hell. then don't forget about the hippies on every corner sitting in the cold with a sign saying, "no way home, please help" then you got those entertainers down in the subway that sing and dance for money or recognition. once you're on the train a homeless man will go from train to train saying the same speech of: "bless you all, please help me. i'm starving and i have no money, and i'm just asking for some spare change." while walking down the streets don't be surprised to see jerks in suits acting all high and mighty running to one of the 3 starbucks on every block or a man with pigeons all over him, or some crazy person just singing or talking to himself really loudly. depending where you are, there are a few very little crimes, just make sure you secure you bags because of the pickpocketers. other than that, chicago is great, born and raised here...and i'm going crazy myself~!

Miller

Yes, alot of wierdos. But most support themselves somehow.

Also alot of homeless, but some have cell phones, so don't give them any money.

I also heard about the bread lady. She goes bar to bar selling good bread and "special" brownies.

Mr. T's Pretty Cuzzin

You'll find lots of Normal people here:
http://www.normal.org/

San Jorge Lover

If you need to ask this question about Chicago then I feel you should not visit. It would take more than this site to explain to you all you need to know about this big wonderful city...

petdog

Chicago is a great city, we have beautiful lake michigan lots of museums 5medical schools lots of great stores to shop .A wonderful variety of people with great restuarants.Our crime rate is no higher than many other big cities.

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