[CrazedJava]

It appears for the foreseeable future I will be taking regular trips to Chicago for work. So far I have been there a couple of times but had no problems but I am well aware of the crime problem.

I'm curious if the area I typically stay in is considered all that bad. I see police on a regular basis and aside from a large number of homeless have not had any real problems. I don't want to get into specifics because I hide my firearms hobby from my employer.

I will say that I typically stay on the Magnificent Mile on Michigan Ave or roughly that part of town. I do have to go around town so I'm not there exclusively, but that is usually where I end up after dark.

Dangerous area or relatively safe? I notice the natives don't seem that skittish but I've never underestimated people's ability to believe in the illusion of their own safety.

 

[Fathead00]

That area is fine and is considered a tourist area. If you go further south of there would be bad.

 

[Zombiegirl]

By farther South, he means once you hit residential.

 

[AlphaKoncepts]

NO part of Chicago is considered safe, period. I grew up in Chicago, lived there for 25 years before I moved out. I now literally live across the street from the Chicago border. I repeat that no area is considered safe in my opinion. I work alot within the City of Chicago. Almost all areas one would consider good, though personally speaking I call it the S hittyty of S hitcago. The whole place is a cesspool in my opinion. Too many people in such a small area never leads to good.

Let me tell you about my experiences.

I have been attacked by gang bangers in areas of the city you would consider good, in broad day light.

I have had my vehicle broken into more times than I can actually remember, and most of which in areas you would consider good. Some in broad day light, some at night. I have friends also who have had similar experiences where they go into a building for 20 minutes and come out to find a broken window and stuff stolen.

I have been chased down the street by gang bangers who were waving guns at me by areas of the city you would consider good.

I have had several bicycles stolen, sometimes while I was riding them. Ouch.


NEVER EVER let your guard down while in the s hitty, always keep situational awareness. It's not called "ChIraq" on accident. The whole s hitty is a WAR ZONE.

 

[winds-of-change]

Usually the Mag Mile is safe. Not too many gang bangers fighting for the 'hood there. I agree, I would never let my guard down. When my children were young, I have taken them to the museums numerous times and never felt unsafe, though I was never careless. And when I go to Chicago I always wear a wedding band so it's not so obvious I am a single woman alone in the city.

 

[AlphaKoncepts]

Usually the Mag Mile is safe. Not too many gang bangers fighting for the 'hood there. I agree, I would never let my guard down. When my children were young, I have taken them to the museums numerous times and never felt unsafe, though I was never careless. And when I go to Chicago I always wear a wedding band so it's not so obvious I am a single woman alone in the city.

Can I ask a question? Not trying to be rude, but what protection does a wedding band afford? Do you think a mugger or rapist will care that you are married or not, or will even look?

 

[CrazedJava]

Can I ask a question? Not trying to be rude, but what protection does a wedding band afford? Do you think a mugger or rapist will care that you are married or not, or will even look?

Discourages drunken morons at the least. Maybe. Also lends some doubt that a man might be nearby.

I always go armed. Have to check bags but I keep a knife on me at all times while I am there. Not ideal but better than nothing.

Also no stranger to walking questionable areas, so situational awareness is always on.

 

[AlphaKoncepts]

Discourages drunken morons at the least. Maybe.
Also no stranger to walking questionable areas, so situational awareness is always on.

Drunken morons probably don't look at her hand for a wedding band. I never did when I was on the prowl.

I grew up in the city. I once dated a girl in the suburbs. I was with her about age 20 walking her dog down the suburban streets. She said "why are you always looking around and behind you?" Until that day I had no idea I had this habit. After now living in the suburbs for the last 12 or so years, I wonder if I still do. I don't think my wife would notice such a thing as she grew up in a worse neighborhood than me and to be honest I think she's tougher than I am LOL

 

[gvw3]

Stay out of a few areas and you should be ok. Try to stay out of the south side. There are ok neighborhoods there but its to easy to end up in a bad one. On the north side stay out of the Humboldt Park and Austin area and you should be ok.

During the night every area could be a kill zone so use caution.

 

[KJG67]

FYI - don't even think about bringing a firearm into the city unless you want to find out what trouble really looks like from behind bars! Like any big city, you never know what you'll run into. You always need to keep yourself alert as I'm sure you know.

Daylight, generally you shouldn't have any issue so long as you are in the right areas. Night on the mag mile - just stick near other people if you're alone and talk with the concierge as they will know if there's been any funny business in the area lately. There's a lot of police because that's where the money is - businesses and tourists. That's a good thing.

There are some areas of the city that you absolutely have no business in or need to be cautious in. That being said, I've had lots friends and coworkers visit the city along with tourist and slightly less touristy areas. They've all come away with how friendly and clean the city is. If you have some more info on the general areas or cross-streets you frequent, we can probably tell you more.

Or you can try this link to get some idea on crime in a location over time.
http://gis.chicagopolice.org/clearmap/startpage.htm#

 

[ChanceMcCall]

We have a condo on Lake Shore about 4 blocks North of the Drake Hotel that we use when we want to go to Chicago. I have never had a problem North of the river in the downtown area, but that does not mean it couldn't happen. We have had problems down around Daily Plaza later at night, with one poor soul pulling a knife on us, and we have had problems in some of the neighborhoods while clubbing.

Once you get off Lake Shore the South becomes a war zone except immediately around the University of Chicago and our current POTUS's neighborhood. Poverty equals crime and few cops, money equals less crime and more cops.

 

[draggin10s]

I live in the suburbs south of the city. We go "downtown" for dinner etc a few times a year. Best advise is head on a swivel, eyes open, and anticipate what could happen! I always stay very aware in the city and it has served me well not only in Chicago but other major cities as well! Good Luck!

 

[CrazedJava]

So I've actually gone and come back since I originally posted this thread.

I always keep my head on a swivel. Nothing special about Chicago there. I try to keep to well lit areas though I admit that I use the underground on occasion just because it has less foot traffic. On the plus side, it's easier to keep an eye on people down there and I'm always aware of my next exit if I'm down there after dark. It's mostly just bums anyway or my fellow anti-socials.

I definitely keep near the Magnificent Mile after dark, I may wander down a cross street but only to get to the bars. For the most part I'd say it's "safe" but no more so than any downtown area.

As much as I prefer night time in general, I'm looking forward to longer days for future trips as the city has a much different character in the daytime.

 

[draggin10s]

Glad you had a good trip!

So I've actually gone and come back since I originally posted this thread.

I always keep my head on a swivel. Nothing special about Chicago there. I try to keep to well lit areas though I admit that I use the underground on occasion just because it has less foot traffic. On the plus side, it's easier to keep an eye on people down there and I'm always aware of my next exit if I'm down there after dark. It's mostly just bums anyway or my fellow anti-socials.

I definitely keep near the Magnificent Mile after dark, I may wander down a cross street but only to get to the bars. For the most part I'd say it's "safe" but no more so than any downtown area.

As much as I prefer night time in general, I'm looking forward to longer days for future trips as the city has a much different character in the daytime.

I am going tonight to a Bulls Game. That area has changed so much over the years. But alas you have to still be aware of your surroundings in the City day or night. Last year when my wife walked by a beggar without responding as many others were doing, he decided to pick on her for ignoring him. He began by yelling then approaching her. I was only a few steps behind and managed to get me between them. He went away when he realized I was serious but it was afterward I though about the fact that if he had a knife I was close enough that he could do serious damage and walk away. I know better! Just be safe!

 

[PGM]

I work in chicago all the time and have never had a problem.But during the summer side streets are avoided in some areas.If theres cameras with blue lights on top of poles keep moving.

 

[draggin10s]

I work in chicago all the time and have never had a problem.But during the summer side streets are avoided in some areas.If theres cameras with blue lights on top of poles keep moving.

Saturday night before Easter Michigan Ave is run over by up to 300 teenagers starting fights with shoppers and Police....this has happened quite a few times on Michigan Ave. also known as the Mag mile. Be aware of what's happening around you!

 

[Shade]

NO part of Chicago is considered safe, period. I grew up in Chicago, lived there for 25 years before I moved out. I now literally live across the street from the Chicago border. I repeat that no area is considered safe in my opinion. I work alot within the City of Chicago. Almost all areas one would consider good, though personally speaking I call it the S hittyty of S hitcago. The whole place is a cesspool in my opinion. Too many people in such a small area never leads to good.

Let me tell you about my experiences.

I have been attacked by gang bangers in areas of the city you would consider good, in broad day light.

I have had my vehicle broken into more times than I can actually remember, and most of which in areas you would consider good. Some in broad day light, some at night. I have friends also who have had similar experiences where they go into a building for 20 minutes and come out to find a broken window and stuff stolen.

I have been chased down the street by gang bangers who were waving guns at me by areas of the city you would consider good.

I have had several bicycles stolen, sometimes while I was riding them. Ouch.


NEVER EVER let your guard down while in the s hitty, always keep situational awareness. It's not called "ChIraq" on accident. The whole s hitty is a WAR ZONE.

I have lived in or around Chicago most of my life, excepts for my active duty
days in the Navy. Then I was getting paid combat pay and was likely safer.

If you want to be safe do not travel into Chicago or any of the surrounding suburbs, seriously...

http://travel.usatoday.com/destinat...rorize-beat-and-rob-chicago-tourists/174704/1

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2011/03/02/mag-mile-shops-on-alert-after-flash-mob-thefts/

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/...ash-mob-rash-of-similar-crimes-chicago-police

http://loyolastudentdispatch.com/2012/08/27/are-flash-mobs-returning-to-magnificent-mile/

If you cannot avoid travel to Shi-cago... The bring a gun...

How you can and not break the law, my suggestion, it is what I do. I keep
my 1911 unloaded in the factory case with 4 load mags. Keep it out of plain
sight but easy to get to if needed.

http://www.isp.state.il.us/docs/1-154.pdf

 

[AlphaKoncepts]

Saturday night before Easter Michigan Ave is run over by up to 300 teenagers starting fights with shoppers and Police....this has happened quite a few times on Michigan Ave. also known as the Mag mile. Be aware of what's happening around you!

That's like the 3rd time this has happened. 27 arrests this time around.

Imagine 300 people rushing at you. What would you do?

 

[draggin10s]

That's like the 3rd time this has happened. 27 arrests this time around.

Imagine 300 people rushing at you. What would you do?

I wish I could say I know what I would do. Many answers would have the concealed carry argument but how many could you take out before the mob took you out? I guess run or duck and cover are the only options. HOWEVER the lame arguments against Concealed weapons, gun control etc are moot. No way did the PD get there in time to stop this and in fact they were at times over run themselves.

 

[Shade]

That's like the 3rd time this has happened. 27 arrests this time around.

Imagine 300 people rushing at you. What would you do?

I wish I could say I know what I would do. Many answers would have the concealed carry argument but how many could you take out before the mob took you out? I guess run or duck and cover are the only options. HOWEVER the lame arguments against Concealed weapons, gun control etc are moot. No way did the PD get there in time to stop this and in fact they were at times over run themselves.

This could be a great arguement for Hi-Cap mags and 9mm ammo.

300 rounds of .45 ACP gets heavy...

I think though as the bodies start stacking up around you
it would be a deterent to the remainder of the mob.