Exploring neighborhoods on the south side (Chicago, Bridgeport: safe, transport, suburbs)

[Jwein23]

Hi all:

I recently moved to the suburbs from out of state and work in the Loop. I'd like to explore some neighborhoods on the west and particularly south sides, but am sort of at a loss where to even start. In doing so, I'll be taking public transit from the Loop, i.e., for an extended lunch hour somewhere once a month. Basically, having heard many things about the south side of Chicago but having virtually no firsthand knowledge about any neighborhood other than Hyde Park, I'd be grateful for any suggestions as to places to explore that are reasonably safe to access by public transit, reasonably safe to walk during the daytime and have some interesting joints to visit. Any input is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[HollyhockGarden]

Hello! I would check out [url=http://www.architecture.org/tours#[/URL]. They have escorted tours and you will learn a lot from the tour guide AND possibly make a new friend or two!!

[marothisu]

If I were you, I'd start with Hyde Park, parts of Kenwood, Chinatown, and Bridgeport, and then go from there.

[dudenamedric]

Englewood seems pretty nice lol j/k. bridgeport and chinatown are excellent starting points.

[Chicago87]

Originally Posted by dudenamedric

Englewood seems pretty nice lol j/k. bridgeport and chinatown are excellent starting points.

I second Bridgeport and Chinatown. Feel free to add Pilsen to the list. Only venture to Englewood if you have a death wish.

[trailblazer33]

Originally Posted by Chicago87

I second Bridgeport and Chinatown. Feel free to add Pilsen to the list. Only venture to Englewood if you have a death wish.

Hyperbolic much?

[Lollapalooza773]

Originally Posted by Chicago87

I second Bridgeport and Chinatown. Feel free to add Pilsen to the list. Only venture to Englewood if you have a death wish.

But Isn't Pilsen in the west side?

Start with Bridgeport and Chinatown (armour square) I have been there, underrated neighborhoods IMO. Just get on the redline heading towards 95th then come off at cermark Chinatown or come off at sox and 35th which is near Bridgeport.

[sketch125]

Taking the red line or orange line south is a safe method of transport. I do it several times a week even later at night.

The problem you are going to face is that many of the interesting places are not within walking distance of each other. For the most part, the south and west sides are spread out. The exception being Hyde Park, and Talyor St. etc.

My recommendation is to get a zipcar for a few hours and explore this way. You could easily hit Chinatown, Bridgeport, Pilsen, in one afternoon. Another alternative would be the divy bike sharing if the weather is cooperative.

[dudenamedric]

Originally Posted by Lollapalooza773

But Isn't Pilsen in the west side?

Start with Bridgeport and Chinatown (armour square) I have been there, underrated neighborhoods IMO. Just get on the redline heading towards 95th then come off at cermark Chinatown or come off at sox and 35th which is near Bridgeport.

Pilsen is no more west than Bridgeport. It's actually directly north of Bridgeport, on the other side of Cermak