Cheap, predominently African-American neighborhoods in Chicago within walking distance to amenities? (Humboldt: rental, safest neighborhood)

[AllTheWayToMemphis]

What are some of the cheaper, RELATIVELY (i.e. doesn't have to be crime-free...even "moderately" safe is okay with me) mostly-African American neighborhoods in Chicago that are still within walking distance of bars, restaurants, public transportation, etc.?

Also, what are some of the cheaper artsy/trendy neighborhoods in town (race doesn't matter)?

Asking these questions for two different friends, so answers to both would be great!!

[Humboldt1]

There are lots of relatively inexpensive black neighborhoods in Chicago.

Now you will hear about the challenges in many of these neighborhoods and decide for yourself what you are really looking for as the safest neighborhoods and artsy areas are not predominately african american except maybe areas like bronzeville. If you are not concerned about schools I would encourage you to focus on the south loop and bronzeville areas. You should avoid the west side (austin, garfield park, lawndale) and the south side (englewood). These are not safe areas.

[Chicagoland60426]

Kenwood, restuarants in Hyde Park

[j_cat]

Hyde Park is moderately priced and about half black and very safe, and it has all the things you're looking for. You can take a short express bus ride to downtown, but other than that the public transit is limited.

The far north communities like Uptown and Rogers Park are about a third black (very very diverse) and they are reasonably safe, with all conceivable amenities and activities, including the Red Line. And they are also moderately priced.

[Chicago South Sider]

Originally Posted by Humboldt1

Now you will hear about the challenges in many of these neighborhoods and decide for yourself what you are really looking for as the safest neighborhoods and artsy areas are not predominately african american except maybe areas like bronzeville. If you are not concerned about schools I would encourage you to focus on the south loop and bronzeville areas. You should avoid the west side (austin, garfield park, lawndale) and the south side (englewood). These are not safe areas.

The South Loop certainly doesn't qualify as 'cheap'.

[JacksonPanther]

Originally Posted by AllTheWayToMemphis

What are some of the cheaper, RELATIVELY (i.e. doesn't have to be crime-free...even "moderately" safe is okay with me) mostly-African American neighborhoods in Chicago that are still within walking distance of bars, restaurants, public transportation, etc.?

For those who claim Hyde Park to be "moderately expensive," I say "Compared to What?" I find Hyde Park to be a very expensive area, both for rental and purchase. Unless you go so far west (past Drexel) that you can't really claim "Hyde Park" any more.

Look at the neighborhoods surrounding 75th or 79th, from the Dan Ryan to Cottage Grove. 75th and 79th have their share of restaurants, night spots, and bars. And those areas are reasonably stable. If you go further east (Grand Crossing) things go bad pretty quickly.

Also the area surrounding King Dr in the 30s. I think some call this "The Gap" area. Here you'll have restaurants, but not much in the way of bars or nightlife.