Chicago holds a significant position among America’s major cities, but it has been labeled as a city with a high crime rate. Despite this reputation, the city still offers numerous safe neighborhoods to reside in. If you’re looking for a secure and peaceful place to live in Chicago, keep reading to find out some of the safest neighborhoods.
15 Safest Neighborhoods in Chicago
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- Edison Park
- Norwood Park
- Forest Glen
- Lake View
- Mount Greenwood
- Westmont
- Rogers Park
- West Lawn
- Streeterville
- North Center
- O’Hare
- Hegewisch
- Lincoln Park
- Printer’s Row
- Chicago Loop
Edison Park
Edison Park is a prime example of a safe neighborhood in Chicago, with a crime rate that is 77% lower than the rest of the city. Situated in the Northwestern region of Chicago, Edison Park is a bit of a distance from the city center, but this also means that it is not affected by high crime rates from other parts of the city. The area is populated with a lot of young professionals, making it an ideal location for families looking for a safe and secure environment.
Norwood Park
Norwood Park, situated on the Northwestern end of Chicago, offers a suburban ambiance and ample green spaces, making it one of the safest neighborhoods in the city. It boasts a 14-acre park, as well as the Whealon Aquatic Center and Edgebrook Golf Course, all of which residents can enjoy. This neighborhood is particularly suitable for retirees, with crime rates 72% lower than the city’s average.
Forest Glen
Forest Glen, located on Chicago’s North side, is not only one of the oldest neighborhoods but also one of the safest in the city. This small, tranquil community is renowned for its secure streets and family-friendly atmosphere. With crime rates 70% lower than the rest of the city, Forest Glen is considered one of the most secure residential areas to live in Chicago. Many families and professionals, including government officials, police officers, and lawyers, call this neighborhood home, attracted by its welcoming and family-oriented ambiance.
Lake View
Lake View, located next to Wrigley Field, is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods to live in Chicago. It boasts not only its popularity but also its reputation for being one of the safest places to reside in the city. With a crime rate 40% lower than the average for the rest of Chicago, residents feel secure with a strong police presence. This community is widely recognized for its prominent cultural events, efficient public transportation, and breathtaking view of Lake Michigan.
Mount Greenwood
Mount Greenwood, situated in the Southwest of Chicago, is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in the city. With a safety rating of 66% higher than other communities in Chicago, it’s a popular choice for families. The residents of Mount Greenwood feel secure walking the streets, thanks to the neighborhood’s safe environment. The neighborhood is surrounded by other suburbs and green spaces, making it less susceptible to criminal activity.
Westmont
Westmont, located in Northwestern Chicago, has a population of around 24,429 and is considered one of the safest places to live in the city, with a crime rate 65% lower than the city average. The town’s serene atmosphere and low crime rate make it an ideal location for families and those seeking a suburban lifestyle.
Rogers Park
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Rogers Park is a neighborhood on the far North side of Chicago. This culturally diverse area boasts unique architecture, green public spaces, and beautiful beaches along the great lakes. Rogers Park is also recognized for its strong support of the LGBT community, with the Hart Library hosting a wide range of literature and events. In addition, the neighborhood has a comparatively low crime rate, with a safety level around 23% higher than the city average.
West Lawn
West Lawn, situated in Southwestern Chicago, is a safe neighborhood that many of the city’s working-class residents call home. With a population of approximately 33,662, West Lawn is a melting pot of diverse residents. The crime rate in this area is about 22% lower than the city’s average, making it a relatively affordable and secure place to reside.
Streeterville
Streeterville, situated in the heart of Chicago, is a convenient and secure neighborhood known for its proximity to some of the city’s top attractions, including the renowned Michigan Avenue and the historic Navy Pier. Moreover, the district borders the Miracle Mile, which boasts some of the most recognizable skyscrapers in the region.
Downtown Streeterville is renowned for its safety when it comes to crime. Additionally, the area is in proximity to various universities, and there have been no significant reports of crime.
North Center
North Center Chicago is widely regarded as a safe and secure place to reside, especially in proximity to downtown. Roscoe Village, a district situated within this neighborhood, was once home to one of the world’s largest amusement parks. With a population of 36,149, North Center is a diverse and educated part of the city. The residents of North Center feel safe and secure, as the region has fewer reported crimes compared to other neighborhoods in the city.
O’Hare
Located on the far North side of Chicago, O’Hare is a thriving community that boasts an international airport and several corporate headquarters. In 2022, the area reported 1,875 crimes, but compared to other Chicago neighborhoods, O’Hare is considered to be very safe.
Hegewisch
Hegewisch, situated in the South Side of Chicago, is a neighborhood predominantly inhabited by the working-class community. In comparison to other similar neighborhoods, the crime rates in this area are comparatively low. The number of reported crimes in 2022 stands at 757, indicating a much safer environment than other working-class neighborhoods. Further, a substantial number of police officers and firefighters reside in Hegewisch, adding an extra layer of security to the locality.
Lincoln Park
If safety is a prime concern, Lincoln Park is an excellent neighborhood in Chicago to reside in. Situated just south of Lake View, Lincoln Park is a prosperous neighborhood famous for its cultural and tourist attractions. Crime rates in this area are approximately 25% lower than the rest of the city. So, if you want to live close to the city center without compromising on safety, Lincoln Park is the place to be.
Printer’s Row
Printer’s Row, located in South Chicago, is a peaceful neighborhood with a population of approximately 4,000 residents. This charming middle-class neighborhood is conveniently situated within walking distance of various attractions. The community primarily caters to the working class, but the residents feel secure when strolling down the street. While property crime is not unheard of, violent crime is not a significant concern in this area.
Chicago Loop
The city’s economic hub and main downtown area is known as the Chicago Loop. With a population of around 40,000, it is considered a well-educated and affluent part of the city. The Loop boasts the iconic Chicago skyline and is home to numerous attractions. While generally safe, there is some presence of violent and property crimes in the area, with incidents of burglary, theft, and robbery being more common.
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