List Of Top 10 Safest Cities in Chicago to Live in (2023)

Chicago, a vital city in America, has gained a negative reputation for high crime rates. However, despite this fact, Chicago still has a good number of secure neighborhoods. If you are looking for a safe place to reside in Chicago, keep reading to find out about the safest neighborhoods in the city.

15 Safest Neighborhoods in Chicago

1. 1. Edison Park
   2. Norwood Park
   3. Forest Glen
   4. Lake View
   5. Mount Greenwood
   6. Westmont
   7. Rogers Park
   8. West Lawn
   9. Streeterville
   10. North Center
   11. O’Hare
   12. Hegewisch
   13. Lincoln Park
   14. Printer’s Row
   15. Chicago Loop

Edison Park

Edison Park, located in the Northwestern region of Chicago, stands out as the safest neighborhood in the city. Its low crime rate, which is 77% lower than the rest of Chicago, makes it an ideal place to live. Being somewhat distant from the city center, Edison Park is shielded from much of the spillover crime from other parts of the city. The neighborhood is a popular choice for young professionals, making it an excellent place for families to settle down.

Norwood Park 

Norwood Park is renowned for its lush greenery and suburban ambiance, making it one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago. Situated on the Northwestern side of the city, this area boasts a 14-acre park, Whealon Aquatic Center, and Edgebrook Golf Course that residents can enjoy. Crime rates in Norwood Park are 72% lower than the city’s average, making it an ideal location for retirees.

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. The small and serene community is renowned for its tranquil streets and a welcoming atmosphere for families. Compared to other areas in Chicago, the crime rate in Forest Glen is 70% lower, making it an ideal place to live. The neighborhood’s family-friendly ambiance attracts numerous professionals and families, including government officials, police officers, and lawyers.

Lake View

Lake View, located next to the Cubs’ Wrigley Field, is a highly sought-after neighborhood in Chicago, and for good reason. It boasts a significantly lower crime rate than the rest of the city, making it one of the safest places to live in Chicago. Residents feel secure with the noticeable police presence in the area. Lake View is also known for its famous cultural events, excellent public transit, and stunning views of Lake Michigan.

Mount Greenwood

Mount Greenwood is a family-friendly neighborhood located in Southwest Chicago that ranks 66% safer than other communities in the city. Residents of this area feel secure walking around the streets due to the neighborhood being entirely surrounded by other suburbs and green spaces, which insulates it from criminal activity. Therefore, it is one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago.

Westmont

Westmont, located in Northwestern Chicago, is an ideal place to live with its crime rate being 65% lower than the city average. With a population of around 24,429, it offers a quieter pace of life and a smaller-town vibe, making it an excellent location for suburban and family living. The town’s outstanding safety record adds to its appeal, making it one of the safest places to reside in Chicago.

Rogers Park

Situated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Rogers Park is a neighborhood located on the far North side of Chicago. It boasts of green public spaces, unique architecture, and beaches along the great lakes, making it a culturally diverse neighborhood. It is known for its welcoming environment towards the LGBT community, with the Hart Library hosting a range of literature and events for the community. Moreover, Rogers Park has a relatively low crime rate, with the neighborhood being around 23% safer than the city average.

West Lawn

West Lawn, situated in Southwestern Chicago, is a secure neighborhood for many working-class locals. It boasts a population of around 33,662 and is home to a diverse community, making it a melting pot of cultures. With crime rates 22% lower than the city’s average, West Lawn is a safe and affordable place to reside.

Streeterville

Streeterville is a prime neighborhood that is located at the heart of Chicago. It is renowned for its accessibility and safety, making it a popular choice among residents. The area is surrounded by some of Chicago’s top-rated attractions, including the historic Navy Pier and Michigan Avenue. Moreover, Streeterville is situated right next to the Miracle Mile, home to some of the city’s most iconic skyscrapers.

Downtown Streeterville is widely known for its safety when it comes to crime. The area is situated close to various universities, and the crime rate is low, making it a secure place to live in.

North Center

North Center Chicago is a highly regarded residential area near downtown that is known for its safety. One of the districts within this neighborhood is Roscoe Village, which once held the title of having one of the world’s largest amusement parks. With a population of 36,149, North Center is a diverse and educated community. Due to this, residents feel that crime is not a major concern, and the neighborhood has a lower crime rate than many other areas in the city.

O’Hare

Located on the far North side of Chicago, O’Hare is a community that boasts of having an international airport and several corporate headquarters in its vicinity. Despite having 1,875 reported crimes in 2022, the neighborhood is comparatively very safe when compared to other areas in Chicago.

Hegewisch 

Hegewisch, situated on the South Side of Chicago, is a blue-collar neighborhood known for its low crime rates compared to other similar areas. In 2022, the neighborhood reported only 757 crimes, which is significantly lower than other working-class neighborhoods. The presence of a considerable number of police officers and firefighters who reside in the locality contributes to its safety and security.

Lincoln Park 

If safety is a top priority for you and you want to live close to the city center, then Lincoln Park should definitely be on your radar. This affluent neighborhood, situated south of Lake View, is home to many of Chicago’s cultural and tourist attractions. Moreover, crime rates in this area are significantly lower than in the rest of the city, with a difference of around 25%. Overall, Lincoln Park is a fantastic option for those seeking a safe and vibrant community in the heart of Chicago.

Printer’s Row

Located in South Chicago, Printer’s Row is a charming and secure neighborhood with a population of around 4,000. This middle-class community boasts a rustic feel and is conveniently located near many popular attractions. Despite its working-class roots, residents feel at ease walking through the streets. While property crime does occur, violent crime is not a major concern in this peaceful area.

Chicago Loop

The heart of Chicago’s downtown and economic activity lies in the Chicago Loop. This bustling district is home to approximately 40,000 people, who are predominantly affluent and well-educated. The Loop boasts the iconic Chicago skyline and is the location of many of the city’s top attractions. While generally considered a safe area, there are incidences of violent and property crimes, including burglary, theft, and robbery.

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