List of Top 15 Most Safest Neighborhoods in Chicago (2023)

Unfortunately, Chicago is a significant city in America that has gained a reputation for its high crime rate. Although it may not be as secure as other major cities like New York, many safe neighbourhoods in Chicago are still worth exploring. If you’re looking for a safer place to live, read on to discover some of the safest areas in Chicago that you can consider.

15 of the Safest Neighborhoods to Live in Chicago

Edison Park

Edison Park, situated in the Northwestern region of Chicago, is widely recognized as the safest neighbourhood in the city. With a crime rate 77% lower than the rest of Chicago, it has become a popular choice for families and young professionals. Despite being somewhat distant from the city centre, Edison Park’s low crime rate is attributed to the fact that it is not affected by crime spillover from other parts of the city. If you’re looking for a safe and family-friendly neighbourhood in Chicago, Edison Park is an excellent choice.

Norwood Park

Norwood Park, situated on Chicago’s Northwestern end, is widely known for its serene green spaces and suburban ambience. It boasts a 14-acre park, Whealon Aquatic Center, and Edgebrook Golf Course, accessible to its residents. The crime rate in this neighbourhood is 72% lower than the city’s average, making it an excellent choice for retirees and people seeking a safe place to settle down.

Forest Glen

Forest Glen, located on Chicago’s North side, is a charming, historic neighbourhood known for its peaceful streets and family-oriented environment. This tight-knit community has a reputation for being one of the safest neighbourhoods in Chicago, with crime rates significantly lower than the rest of the city by 70%. Unsurprisingly, many families and professionals, including government officials, police officers, and lawyers, call this area home. Forest Glen’s welcoming atmosphere and family-friendly vibe make it an ideal neighbourhood for those who value safety, peace, and a strong sense of community.

Lake View

Lake View, located adjacent to the Cub’s Wrigley Field, is a highly desirable place to live in Chicago. It is renowned for its safety, with a crime rate that is 40% lower than the rest of the city. Residents feel well protected by the police presence in the area. Lake View is also famous for its cultural events and excellent public transit. Moreover, the neighbourhood offers a breathtaking view of Lake Michigan, making it a perfect place to reside.

Mount Greenwood

Mount Greenwood, situated in Southwest Chicago, is one of the safest neighbourhoods in the city. Compared to other communities in Chicago, it boasts a safety rating of 66%. The neighbourhood is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and residents who feel secure walking around the streets. Mount Greenwood is surrounded by other suburbs and green spaces, which serve as a protective barrier against criminal activities.

Westmont

Westmont, a Northwestern Chicago suburb with a population of approximately 24,429, boasts a crime rate 65% lower than the city average. This remarkable safety record and a tranquil pace of life make Westmont an ideal location for families seeking a cosy suburban lifestyle. Despite being a part of a central metropolitan area, Westmont exudes a small-town vibe that is hard to resist.

Rogers Park

Located on Chicago’s far North side, Rogers Park is a vibrant and culturally diverse neighbourhood boasting stunning Lake Michigan views. Here, you’ll find plenty of green public spaces to enjoy and unique architectural wonders that will capture your imagination. With beaches stretching along the great lakes, Rogers Park is a perfect destination for water enthusiasts. It’s also renowned for being a highly LGBT-friendly area, with the Hart Library offering a wealth of literature and events for the community. Regarding safety, Rogers Park has a relatively low crime rate, with the neighbourhood being around 23% safer than the city average.

West Lawn

West Lawn, situated in southwestern Chicago, is a safe neighbourhood many working-class individuals prefer. It is a melting pot of diverse residents, with a population of approximately 33,662. Compared to the city’s average, crime rates in West Lawn are about 22% lower, making it an affordable and secure place to reside.

Streeterville

Streeterville, situated at the heart of Chicago, is a neighbourhood known for its accessibility and safety. It is surrounded by some of the city’s most popular attractions, such as the historic Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue. Moreover, the area is adjacent to the Miracle Mile, which houses some of the most recognizable skyscrapers in the city.

Downtown Streeterville is widely regarded as a secure area for criminal activity. The locality is near several universities, and no significant security concerns have been reported in the past.

North Center

North Center neighbourhood is recognized as one of the most secure places to reside near downtown Chicago. The district comprises Roscoe Village, which once boasted one of the world’s largest amusement parks. With a population of 36,149, North Center is known for its diversity and well-educated populace. Therefore, residents of this neighbourhood do not feel threatened by crime, and the area reports fewer crimes than many other parts of the city.

O’Hare

Located on Chicago’s far North side, O’Hare is a bustling community with a few portions extending outside the city limits. The area is known for its international airport and has several corporate headquarters. O’Hare is considered a safe neighbourhood despite the hustle and bustle, with only 1,875 reported crimes in 2022. Compared to other neighbourhoods in Chicago, O’Hare boasts a low crime rate.

Hegewisch

Hegewisch, a neighbourhood situated on the South Side of Chicago, is known for its working-class community and relatively low crime rates compared to other neighbourhoods of a similar nature. In 2022, only 757 crimes were reported, which is remarkably low compared to other working-class areas. Additionally, the community boasts many police officers and firefighters who choose to reside in the area.

Lincoln Park

If you’re looking for a safe neighbourhood in Chicago, Lincoln Park is a great choice. This affluent area is situated south of Lake View and has numerous cultural and tourist attractions that draw visitors from all over. Crime rates in Lincoln Park are significantly lower than in the rest of the city, making it an ideal location for those prioritising safety. Plus, its proximity to the city centre means you’ll have easy access to all the amenities Chicago offers.

Printer’s Row

Located in South Chicago, Printer’s Row is a charming neighbourhood with a population of around 4,000. It is a middle-class community that offers a rustic feel and is within walking distance of many popular attractions. Despite being more tailored towards the working class, the residents of Printer’s Row feel safe walking down the street. Although property crime can occur, violent crime is not a major concern.

Chicago Loop

The Chicago Loop serves as the city’s primary downtown and economic center, boasting a population of approximately 40,000 residents. This area is known for its affluence and highly educated populace and features the renowned Chicago skyline as its backdrop. The Loop is also home to many of the city’s top attractions and is generally considered a safe neighbourhood. That said, instances of violent and property crime occur in the area, with burglary, theft, and robbery among the more prevalent offences.

Final Verdict

Chicago has many safe neighbourhoods spread throughout the city, even though most of the safest areas are located in the suburbs and further from the city centre. Generally, these neighbourhoods tend to be more expensive, but some offer a great combination of safety and affordability. Researching and familiarising yourself with the community before renting or buying a property is always recommended. Checking online reviews and getting a feel for the neighbourhood can help you make an informed decision.

Also read:

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