When you’re moving to a new city, one of the most important things is to find a safe neighborhood. This can be an intimidating task, especially if you’re not familiar with the area.
Attractions In Safest Places To Live In Chicago
The best way to know which neighborhoods in Chicago are the safest is to check crime statistics. The FBI provides data for a number of categories, from thefts and robberies to assaults and murders.
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Using this information, we’ve put together this list of the 10 safest places to live in Chicago. From historic neighborhoods to family-friendly areas, we’ve compiled the top locations for safety in the city.
Noble Square
Located between Ukrainian Village and Wicker Park, this small neighborhood is known for its vibrant dining and nightlife. It also has a diverse community and many parks to explore.
O’Hare
Despite being one of the largest cities in the country, O’Hare has a low crime rate. According to Niche, there were just 319 violent crimes per one hundred thousand residents and 1,035 property crimes in the last year.
Elburn
With a reported zero violent crimes in the past year, Elburn is one of the safest cities to live in Illinois. It is also a great place to raise children, with high quality schools and low cost of living.
Campton Hills
If you’re looking for a smaller village in the Chicago area, look no further than Campton Hills. With a population of just over 11,000, this suburban town has a great reputation for safety and is a great place to live for families.
While you should avoid areas like West Garfield Park and South Chicago due to high crime rates, there are many neighborhoods in the city where you can enjoy all that this historic city has to offer while feeling comfortable.
Despite its reputation as one of the most dangerous cities in the world, Chicago is still a safe place to live.
Edison Park #1
A popular choice for Chicago newcomers, Edison Park is one of the safest places to live in the city. It’s also a great location for families due to its family-friendly vibe.
Home to many police officers, firefighters, and city workers, Edison Park is a safe and welcoming neighborhood with low crime rates. It is also one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Chicago with a higher income than the rest of the city.
The housing stock in this classic Chicago neighborhood is a mix of bungalows, Craftsman cottages, and single-family homes. The neighborhood grew rapidly during the 1960s and 1970s construction boom, but still maintains the charm of an old-school Chicago community.
Residents are able to access downtown Chicago quickly via several transportation routes, including the Blue Line subway and Metra Union Pacific stations. This makes it a perfect option for professionals who work in the city and need to travel to get around.
Edison Park is also known for its multi-ethnic dining options, with a large portion of the population made up of people from Irish and northern European descent. Resident families often make meals together at the neighborhood’s numerous restaurants, from Moretti’s to Grazie’s Coffee Cafe.
| Area | 3.03 km² |
| ZIP Codes | part of 60631 |
| Median household income | $86,300 |
| Population | 11,208 (2015) |
Forest Glen #2
The Windy City boasts all the amenities you would expect in a great city: pro teams, Lake Michigan shoreline, lots of cultural offerings and a booming job market. It’s no wonder why so many people decide to move here.
But while Chicago is a great place to live, it’s also a dangerous one. The city has a higher violent crime rate than the national average, and it’s not unusual for people to feel unsafe in their neighborhood at any time.
However, despite the high crime rate, there are several areas in Chicago that are known for being among the safest. For instance, Forest Glen is a safe neighborhood with a lower crime rate than the rest of the city.
This neighborhood is a fantastic choice for families with school-aged children, as it has excellent public schools and a thriving community. In addition, the neighborhood is safe for walking around, and it is home to a number of parks.
Moreover, this neighborhood is a great place to raise your family, as the crime rate is 71% lower than the rest of the city. It also has an abundance of private schools, and it is considered to be one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in America.
| Area | 8.314 km² |
| ZIP Codes | parts of 60630, 60646 |
| Population | 18,459 (2015) |
Norwood Park #3
Located on the northwest side of Chicago, Norwood Park is one of the safest places to live in the city. It offers a wide range of homes, including spacious estates and vintage single-family homes, that offer a breath of fresh air in the bustling urban landscape.
The area is also home to the city’s oldest surviving building, which was built in 1833. A large park, golf course, and community pool also add to the appeal of this neighborhood. It is a relatively affordable place to live in Chicago and is perfect for families, especially those with young children.
It is a popular neighborhood for retirees as well as young professionals, due to its relaxed pace and low crime rates. As far as crime goes, the two most common property crimes are theft and motor vehicle theft.
Always keep your car locked when outside and never leave cash or valuables unattended on the street. In addition, some neighborhoods are more dangerous than others. For instance, South Chicago is notorious for high crime rates. It is also plagued by high unemployment and low income.
| Area | 11.11 km² |
| ZIP Codes | parts of 60631, 60646, 60656 |
| Neighborhoods | Norwood Park East; Norwood Park West; Old Norwood Park; Oriole Park; Union Ridge; Big Oaks |
| Population | 25,821 (2020) |
Lincoln Park #4
In addition to being a beautiful Chicago neighborhood, Lincoln Park is also considered one of the safest places to live in the city. This affluent neighborhood has many of the city’s attractions and is a great place to raise your family.
With a diverse mix of housing options, the neighborhood is a favorite among young professionals and families. Residents can choose from a wide range of housing styles, including apartments in vintage brownstones or modern condos.
The neighborhood’s proximity to the Loop makes it an ideal location for working and living in the city. The neighborhood has an excellent public transportation system, which allows residents to easily access all of the city’s top attractions and cultural institutions.
It is also home to many of the city’s hottest restaurants, where you can find everything from Michelin-starred dining experiences to casual eateries serving a variety of cuisines. Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy brunch, a cozy spot to sip wine or a trendy cocktail bar, there’s something for everyone in Lincoln Park!
The city is known for its historic architecture, rich culture, and diversity. Fortunately, the majority of the city is relatively safe, but there are some areas that have experienced disinvestment and poverty. These areas can be unsafe for people who are not careful and take precautions when walking around.
| Area | 8.21 km² |
| Added to NRHP | 26 August 1994 |
| ZIP Codes | parts of 60614 |
| Population | 68,697 (2018) |
| Median household income | $115,389 |
Lake View #5
Known as one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Chicago, Lake View has a crime rate 40 percent lower than the rest of the city. It’s an excellent place for families and retirees to live. Located near the Belmont Harbor, Lake View offers beautiful views of the lake along with an array of restaurants and shops.
Those who enjoy taking long walks can also take advantage of the eighteen miles of paved Lakefront Trail that runs throughout the area. There’s also a strong entertainment scene here, thanks to spots like the Belmont Theater District, which is home to more than 30 different theatres.
In addition to world-famous troupes, such as Blue Man Group, there are family-friendly performances and shows for everyone to enjoy. In addition to the many restaurants in Lake View, there are also some great local boutiques and vintage shops. The ultra-charming Southport Corridor is a great spot to shop for vintage treasures and local wares.
There’s also plenty to do in Lake View, including watching a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. It’s also a great place to see the latest plays and performances at the Belmont Theater District. The neighborhood also features a variety of parks and playgrounds.
| Area | 8.107 km² |
| Population | 1.01 lakhs (2018) |
| ZIP codes | parts of 60613, 60657 |
| Neighborhoods | Boystown; Graceland West; Lakeview; Lakeview East; North Halsted; South East Ravenswood; Wrigleyville |
| Restaurants | The Chicago Diner, Lakeview, Barcocina Lakeview, MORE |
Mount Greenwood #6
While Chicago has a reputation for its high crime rate, the city isn’t inherently unsafe. It has plenty of neighborhoods that are safe, and there’s no reason to avoid living in one of them. If you’re looking for a neighborhood that exudes small-town vibes while still being close to the city, then Mount Greenwood is the perfect place to live.
This family-friendly community is located in the south side of the city, and it features top-rated private schools as well as Saint Xavier University. This area is also known for its delicious food. With a large Irish and northern European population, the cuisine in this neighborhood is rich and varied.
You can find a wide variety of restaurants serving everything from breakfast to pizza. Another great thing about this suburb is that it’s located near the Metra commuter rail, making it convenient to travel around Chicago.
This makes it an ideal option for those who work in the city but don’t want to be stuck in traffic all day. The neighborhood is also surrounded by other communities and green space, which helps thwart crime. As a result, Mount Greenwood is one of the safest places to live in Chicago.
| Area | 7.071 km² |
| ZIP Codes | 60655 |
| Population | 18,783 (2015) |
| Neighborhoods | Mount Greenwood; Mount Greenwood Heights; Talley’s Corner |
| Median income | $89,536 |
Chicago Loop #7
The Loop is a vibrant, bustling downtown area that is one of the safest places to live in Chicago. Residents here enjoy easy access to cultural attractions, unique public parks, delicious dining, and plenty of opportunities for fun.
The neighborhood is home to a variety of high-rise apartments, many of which offer unbeatable views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan. This makes it an ideal choice for young professionals who want to live in a highly accessible area.
It is also a popular choice for college students, as it is walkable to many universities and other area attractions. While crime rates are generally low in this part of town, it is still important to take caution when out and about.
While there are several risks to be aware of, the city of Chicago is a very safe place to live. The best way to stay safe in this city is to practice good personal hygiene, be cautious around strangers, and use common sense.
| Area | 4.092 km² |
| Elevation | 181 m |
| Population | 37,647 (2018) |
| ZIP codes | 60601, 60602, 60603, 60604, and parts of 60605, 60606, 60607, and 60616 |
| Neighborhoods | New East Side; Printer’s Row; South Loop; Dearborn Park; Historic Michigan Boulevard District |
| Median household income | $108,676 |
FAQs about Live In Chicago
What you need to know before you live in Chicago?
Chicago is a vibrant and diverse city located in the Midwest region of the United States. It has a rich cultural heritage, world-renowned architecture, and famous sports teams. It is also known for its extreme weather, high cost of living, and occasional safety concerns in certain areas.
What is the best thing about living in Chicago?
There are many great things about living in Chicago, but the best thing is probably the city’s rich cultural offerings. From museums and theaters to music festivals and sports events, there is always something to do and see in Chicago. The city also has a diverse and friendly population, great food, and a beautiful lakefront.
