Should I be concerned about getting mugged? (Chicago, Oak Park: crime, safe neighborhoods)

[5Lakes]

Lakeview is a relatively safe and active area. Just use common sense and don't do stuff like wander around at 3:00am. Chicago varies greatly in terms of neighborhood safety, and much of the worst is concentrated to certain areas. On the north side lakefront, Uptown and Rogers Park have some rough spots. Other than that you are correct in thinking that the the north side is generally a safer part of the city.

[jdiddy]

Originally Posted by 5Lakes

Lakeview is a relatively safe and active area. Just use common sense and don't do stuff like wander around at 3:00am. Chicago varies greatly in terms of neighborhood safety, and much of the worst is concentrated to certain areas. On the north side lakefront, Uptown and Rogers Park have some rough spots. Other than that you are correct in thinking that the the north side is generally a safer part of the city.

For the record, you can also wander around at 3:00 am and have nothing happen to you (with varying success depending on the neighborhood). Its like driving at 3:00 am in the suburbs, your chances of getting hit by a drunk driver are higher at this time, but more likely than not, you will be fine.

[Chicago60614]

Moved into Logan Square, then Lakeview 9 years ago and I've only known one person who's every been attacked randomly (at 4am). Never known anyone who's been robbed or mugged.

Certainly not saying it can't or doesn't happen - but I wouldn't walk around WORRYING about it. I am friends and have been friend with dozens of people, been out late at night a few hundred times. Just keep a rational head about you and know your surroundings.

[jdiddy]

Then again, there is only one guy I've known who's been mugged, he is also the shortest guy I know.

So when you are walking late at night, try and blend in with the bushes.

[emathias]

I've known three people who've been mugged, and I've been here 15 years.

Two of them were drunk, walking through alleys late at night.

One was walking home late (around midnight) from work at a hotel, wearing iPod earphones.

The last one may or may not have been preventable, but the first two definitely were. Overall, don't walk through alleys late at night and your chances of being mugged are reduced dramatically.

[urza216]

What's up with these strapping young lads in nice Chicago neighborhoods who run around like frightened little school girls? Seriously, you're not even in the hood. Man up.

You ever notice how when you're a young man of any race, a lot of police officers keep an eye on you as you pass by? It ain't because they're worried you're gonna get mugged..

[oakparkdude]

Even 6' 6'' jocks are at a disadvantage when the assailant has a gun.

[urza216]

Originally Posted by aragx6

^Yeah, Chicago is automatically disqualified because of the way you report.

But again, OP, I agree with others in that I think you'll be fine. Living in the city requires adjustment, but I walked around by myself as a woman very often and rarely felt threatened. Being a woman makes you a much bigger target than your height.

How will the OP ever protect his woman if he's cowering in fear over nothing while she's standing tall and walking down the street unafraid?

The dude lives in Lakeview for hell's sake......

[chirack]

Originally Posted by urza216

How will the OP ever protect his woman if he's cowering in fear over nothing while she's standing tall and walking down the street unafraid?

The dude lives in Lakeview for hell's sake......

In parts of lakeview he would have more trouble being chatted up by gay men than getting robbed.

[7Millionaire7]

I'm short for a guy, but I don't feel threatened at all. I mean, I've lived in Flint & Detroit also, but I feel relatively safe at all times. I also know how to take care of myself, haha.

I just suggest not doing anything stupid, aka passing out in a dark alley or traveling too deep into somewhere you don't know where you are and have no business over there.