Safe, cheap neighborhood near downtown in Chicago (Oak Lawn, Oak Park: high crime, safe area)

[Observation]

Do they exist? Or is a general rule of thumb if your not paying premium price you are going to live in an area with high crime?

[Thepreacherswife]

I think it's probably been said numerous times on this forum: pick two of the three characteristics. Of course, it depends on your parameters for "safe", "cheap" and "close". You'll need to be more specific if you want a more substantive answer.

[SJaye]

I don't think there are any neighborhoods near downtown that could be considered "cheap", but there are definitely some that are more reasonably priced than others, which aren't exactly dangerous. The West Loop and South Loop are definitely less expensive than River North and Streaterville. If you go one rung further out from downtown (20-30 min. commute), places like Bridgeport and Logan Square are cheaper than Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, Gold Coast etc. primarily because they are not trendy. Pilsen could be placed into this category too, but it is still questionable about whether or not it has become "safe" yet.

[grapico]

Originally Posted by Observation

Do they exist? Or is a general rule of thumb if your not paying premium price you are going to live in an area with high crime?

There aren't too many high crime areas around downtown... so safe isn't the issue, it is the price. If you expand your options out (PT can get you anywhere) you'll likely get significantly more space for the money, and cheap. There are a lot of safe areas in Chicago, many times safer by virtue of less pedestrian traffic and less targets. Having lived both right downtown and out of downtown (North of Addison, West of Ashland) I much prefer farther out of downtown...I don't work in the loop anymore so there isn't really a reason to cut my commute times down there anyhow. I also definitely enjoy the various neighborhoods more than the DT scene, I haven't been to the loop in a month for instance. I generally stay north of North Ave these days for all my needs.

[HydeParker]

If you're willing to take a half hour bus/train ride for a commute every day, your options will open up considerably for safe and affordable I have found. I take a 30-40 minute commute from Hyde Park daily, and it is very reasonable of a trip.

[Futenor04]

Any thoughts on Oak Lawn? It seems a bit more suburban, but is it safe? Is the distance from the city tolerable?

[knitgirl]

Oak Lawn! That's way south, do you mean Oak Park? There's tons of info on here about Oak Park. Not exactly cheap.