Moving to Chicago (Kennedy-King College) (Addison, Lincoln: to rent, high crime, safe area)

[alecvolkman]

Hi Friends,

My wife recently obtained a teaching job at the Kennedy-King College (6301 South Halsted Street). I've also interviewed for a job at the St. Bernard Hospital. We're contemplating moving in July and are looking for possible places to rent or even own, depending if I hear back from the hospital. We are looking for a safe place with minimum commute to work, accessible public transportation would be a plus. I see Halsted-Green runs through the area. Any thoughts or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Oh, and I would just like to add that we have not visited Chicago at all- I interviewed over the phone. We do plan to visit next month.

[ole69]

If you can afford it, Hyde Park. The Kennedy-King/Englewood area is not a good place to rent or own right now, in my opinion.

[alecvolkman]

We've looked into Hyde Park, but the commute seems long. My preference would be to take some sort of public transportation or bike to work. Could anyone give any insight about the surrounding area of the college and the hospital? How bad is it in terms of crime, etc.

[oakparkdude]

Both Kennedy-King and St. Bernard are in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago. Its probably one of the worst in terms of crime. Many, many murders within a few blocks of the two institutions over the past few years. (Community Areas - Englewood - Tracking homicides in Chicago - Tracking homicides in Chicago | RedeyeChicago.com).

[ole69]

Originally Posted by alecvolkman

We've looked into Hyde Park, but the commute seems long. My preference would be to take some sort of public transportation or bike to work. Could anyone give any insight about the surrounding area of the college and the hospital? How bad is it in terms of crime, etc.

it is about as bad as it gets in terms of crime. Sorry, I see that someone has already pointed this out.

My wife works at Kennedy-King, and she doesn't go to her car after dark without security accompanying her.

[jimmythegreek]

Crap neighborhood. Taking public transit there is putting your life in danger.

[Thomasfamilymove2009]

Kennedy King College is in a high crime area. Hyde Park is a long commute from Kennedy King. I would suggest Bronzeville which is up and coming but can be expensive with rents ranging from $1,000-$1,500 depending on bedroom size. However, you will still have not so attractive areas near Bronzeville and Hyde Park depending on the block you turn down. I am 32yrs old and have lived in Chicago my entire life. I will tell you like this the rich is mixed in with the poor in Chicago, therefore, a good block may be safe but go three blocks in the opposite direction and it will look like a war zone especially when you move West and South sides of Chicago. For a safer area I suggest you move to the North Side of Chicago (Lakeview, Addison, Lincoln Park, and Rogers Park). If you must stay South go to Hyde Park or Bronzeville or anything near Lake and East. Public transportation is excellent in Chicago. There is a the Red, Green, Pink, and Orange line than runs 24 hours and will get you all over the city.

Do you have a car? If so The Dan Ryan Expressway to Lake Shore Expressway is a 15-45 minute commute from your wife's job to just about anywhere in the city. Shorter commute if you stay South, longer is you head North.

I assume you have no kids since you did not ask about schools. I would not allow my dog to go to any of the schools around Kennedy King unless it was Charter or Private. Where are you coming from? Funny my husband and kids will be relocating to Texas within 90 days and are also in the same boat you are in. Feel free to direct message me any other questions. Good Luck!

[ole69]

nvm

[Thomasfamilymove2009]

One more thing avoid Craiglist and go to reputable sites or newspaper SunTimes,
Tribune and Reader. To many scams. If you do use Craiglist ask for proof the landlord owns the building. Anyone can have keys to these places these days.

[alecvolkman]

Thanks for all the thoughtful responses. Even though I would prefer public transit, my wife and I are quite open to commuting to work with a car. Drawing from the responses here and from the preliminary research I did, it seems we should avoid that area at all costs. I have heard a lot of positive feedback about Hyde Park; is that a relatively safe area? Also, is it a concern if we commute to Englewood? We're from Medford, Oregon, it is a small town with a prevalent bike culture.