What Are the Safest Neighborhoods to Live in Chicago?

Having one of the bigger cities in the U.S., such as Chicago, finding the safest neighborhoods for residents can be challenging. If you’re looking for a place to live, it’s essential to know the safest places to consider and plan out every factor before making a decision. A lot of planning comes down to researching the right neighborhoods and what safety looks like in each community.

To help you through this process, we’ll provide an in-depth look into the safest neighborhoods in Chicago. Our guide will take into account things like crime rates, population size, and even walkability, so you can narrow down your choices with the right safety standards in mind. We’ll also provide some personal insight on our own favorite locations, so you can experience Chicago safely throughout your stay.

The Safest Neighborhoods in Chicago

The safest neighborhoods in Chicago are mostly located on the North Side of the city and often feature larger residences with more distance from businesses and public areas. Some of the best options for safety include:

• Edgewater
• Rogers Park
• West Ridge
• Lincoln Square
• Lake View
• Uptown

Edgewater was named the Chicago neighborhood with the lowest crime rate by DNAInfo.com in 2015 and remains a safe place to live today. In addition to its lack of crime, it’s also known for its walking-friendly streets, excellent lake access, and abundance of restaurants and cafes. The Rogers Park neighborhood is right next to Edgewater and has a long history of being a quiet place to raise a family with low crime rates and pleasant surroundings.

West Ridge is often frequented by young professionals and families because of its wide variety of amenities and beautiful lakefront views. The neighborhood also features a great selection of shops and restaurants, making it a great place for residents who want be closer to conveniences but still want a safe and family-friendly area.

Another North Side neighborhood that earns top safety rankings is Lincoln Square. This quiet residential area is home to a variety of stores, groceries, bars, salons, and pharmacies. It’s also known for its low crime rates and easy access to public transportation via nearby Brown Line and Lawrence Avenue stops.

Lake View is located north of downtown Chicago and is an easy way to stay close to the city without having to worry about safety as much. Homeowners in Lake View are also within close proximity of nearby attractions such as Wrigley Field, Lake Michigan beachfronts, and Boystown – one of Chicago’s most famous LGBTQ+ communities.

If you’re looking for a place to rent on a budget that won’t compromise on safety, Uptown is your best bet. Home prices have been stable over the past decade as crime rates have gradually declined in the area. The neighborhood features tree-lined streets and plenty of restaurants, unique bars, and boutique stores to explore.

Making an Informed Decision With Your Safety in Mind

It’s easy to get lost in the search for safe places to live in Chicago, but convenience and dependability come down to thorough research. Aside from looking at crime data, you should also pay attention to factors like housing costs, job market outlooks, and even walkability. Certain neighborhoods may not have the best crime ratings but feature many conveniences that can offset safety concerns.

To get a better idea of what each neighborhood has to offer, it’s good to check out real estate markets on sites like Zillow or Trulia. You can find listings on the most desirable properties within each area that fit your needs and budget best—leaving you with less of a stress when it comes time to move. Also look up reviews from other residents at sites like Yelp and TripAdvisor for an insider perspective on each community.

In addition, you should consider working with a professional moving service if you’re moving long-distance or just within Chicago itself. Licensed moving services like GoodNeighbors Moving & Storage are familiar with residential areas throughout the city, so they can provide tailored tips on where it’s best to locate yourself near public transportation lines or safer neighborhoods.

Conclusion

Finding a safe place to live in Chicago’s biggest neighborhoods doesn’t have be an overwhelming task if you know where to look first. We recommend starting your search on the North Side of the city with neighborhoods like Edgewater, Lincoln Square, Lake View, Rogers Park, West Ridge, and Uptown for their low-crime rates and various amenities. Don’t forget to do your own research before committing — looking up real estate markets, reviews from other residents, and working with a licensed moving service if necessary. With this guide plus well-informed decisions, you can find a place to live without compromising on safety.