Is the area around 53rd-55th South Cottage Grove safe to live? (Chicago: violent crime, neighborhoods)

[mjtinmemphis]

Is this considered as Hyde Park?

[marothisu]

Originally Posted by mjtinmemphis

Is this considered as Hyde Park?

Yeah. Cottage Grove Ave is the western border of it and of course across the street is Washington Park (the park) itself.

[Lorielicious]

Originally Posted by squirrels

Really though, I despise the south side.

Of course you do. It was obvious from your comment, which is why it's advisable to ignore your "advice."

[Planner15]

Speaking of which: Is Washington Park (the park itself) safe? Is it a good place to go for a jog or picnic or is it best to steer clear of that park altogether?

[oak317]

Originally Posted by Enschede134

Hello everyone,

I'm newcomer in this forum and also new to Chicago. I'm looking for an apartment around U of Chicago and currently have one apartment offer at 53rd-55th S Cottage Grove Ave. The apartment itself seems nice and affordable for us but I am just wondering if this area is safe enough for a family of 2, soon to be 3 (with the baby coming later)?

I appreciate your input. Thanks a lot!

I would definitely not live on Cottage Grove with a baby along the way. Really not the best place for strollers. That said there are plenty of family-friendly areas of Hyde Park.

I would recommend East Hyde Park, which I exhaustively reviewed in a similar thread. Hyde Park Boulevard is my favorite street there. I also like Blackstone Ave, particularly the stretch along 55th and 59th. There are some nice places in central/west Hyde Park too. I lived on Greenwood Ave around 53rd street and loved it. I also lived on Ellis Ave around 53rd and liked it, though I got robbed once walking home. If I were you I'd avoid Ellis Ave or anything west of it.

The rule of thumb with HP is not to live too far south (south of 59th) or too far west (west of Ellis). There's only one major realtor, MAC apartments, and they do a good job though some people complain of the prices. You can find cheaper deals on marketplace.uchicago.edu through individual landlords. Sometimes you can find fantastic deals this way. You may even consider subletting for a while before choosing a place, that way you can get an idea of the neighborhood.

[oak317]

Originally Posted by Planner15

Speaking of which: Is Washington Park (the park itself) safe? Is it a good place to go for a jog or picnic or is it best to steer clear of that park altogether?

Honestly I've never been there. I wouldn't go after daylight. You have much better options for a jog or picnic, though. You could go to the Promontory Point, which always has people during the summer. There's a running/biking trail that runs along the lake. You could also hop on the #6 and picnic in Grant Park.

[Enschede134]

Originally Posted by oak317

I would definitely not live on Cottage Grove with a baby along the way. Really not the best place for strollers. That said there are plenty of family-friendly areas of Hyde Park.

I would recommend East Hyde Park, which I exhaustively reviewed in a similar thread. Hyde Park Boulevard is my favorite street there. I also like Blackstone Ave, particularly the stretch along 55th and 59th. There are some nice places in central/west Hyde Park too. I lived on Greenwood Ave around 53rd street and loved it. I also lived on Ellis Ave around 53rd and liked it, though I got robbed once walking home. If I were you I'd avoid Ellis Ave or anything west of it.

The rule of thumb with HP is not to live too far south (south of 59th) or too far west (west of Ellis). There's only one major realtor, MAC apartments, and they do a good job though some people complain of the prices. You can find cheaper deals on marketplace.uchicago.edu through individual landlords. Sometimes you can find fantastic deals this way. You may even consider subletting for a while before choosing a place, that way you can get an idea of the neighborhood.

Thank you so much for your detailed comment! I have looked through UC marketplace, chicago craiglist and also UC housing. Hopefully I can find a nice place to settle the family soon.

[Enschede134]

Thank you everyone for your input! Finally we found a nice apartment with pretty reasonable price on South Hyde Park Blvd which is also right near Museum of Science & Industry. My friend says that area is pretty nice, it's close to the museum, park, playground, grocery store... and also convenient to take the bus to my husband office, downtown, hospital and other places. We are really happy with the place.

[Manigault]

Originally Posted by Planner15

Speaking of which: Is Washington Park (the park itself) safe? Is it a good place to go for a jog or picnic or is it best to steer clear of that park altogether?

Washington Park is a pretty safe place to jog and many folks (including students) do so there. If you are going to picnic, you should do it in sight of Cottage Grove. There are some very isolated places in the southern part of the park near the lagoon which are secluded and where anything could happen sight unseen. Many people do picnic in the park near Cottage.

You may want to avoid the park during one of the festivals: African fest, West Indian fest, several carnivals, the Bud Billiken parade or the black rodeo. It is just too crowded and noisy then.

What you may want to see in the park are the many baseball games on Saturdays, the DuSable museum or the cricket matches with the folks in white pants on Sundays. Check out the Lorado Taft sculpture at 59th street, too.

[treemoni]

Originally Posted by Manigault

You may want to avoid the park during one of the festivals: African fest, West Indian fest, several carnivals, the Bud Billiken parade or the black rodeo. It is just too crowded and noisy then.

"too crowded and noisy"




You may want to VISIT the park during those times, and get a bit of culture you wouldn't get anywhere else.


The idea that a park is too crowded and noisy is ludicrous.