Douglas Park? Are there any good parts or is it all bad? (Chicago: rental, condo)

[log gix 05]

I know people rag on Englewood and Garfield being unsafe but what about the area around Douglas Park? Is that area considered bad also? I am looking to move into Chicago (just got job) and dont want to get mugged/stabbed going to/from work (doesnt have to be that extreme but you get my idea)... Theres this one condo I really like for cheap there..

Should I consider living there or too dangerous?

I am single white 24yr old male

[surlycue]

Yes, it's bad. Other neighborhood's take precedent on the 'most dangerous' list but just because one 'hood has 30 murders and the other has 15 (for ex.) does not mean the latter is not dangerous. The park sits at the convergence of a couple different neighborhoods, Little Village, North and South Lawndale. The borders of dangerous neighborhoods tend to have more gang activity than in the center since several gangs tend to fight over turf and high trafficked corners.

It's a shame really because the park itself has a lot of history and is a gem for running and biking but I make sure to hightail it out of the park by 8pm so I don't have to deal with being accosted.

ETA: If you insist on looking for rental properties in this area; do not look NW or N of the park. The area east of the park on Cermak is a fairly bustling commercial district and will be safer than west of the park. South of the park in South Lawndale is better than North Lawndale but it's no picnic.

[Lookout Kid]

It's really too bad that so many of the wonderful West Side parks are surrounded by such terrible neighborhoods. I had high hopes for Humboldt Park to improve, but that seems stalled now.

[ajolotl]

I would add Sherman Park, Washington Park, and Palmer park to that list. All have great potential in different ways. Kills me that an unarmed couple can't comfortably take a stroll after dark.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by ajolotl

I would add Sherman Park, Washington Park, and Palmer park to that list. All have great potential in different ways. Kills me that an unarmed couple can't comfortably take a stroll after dark.

I'm not familiar with Sherman or Palmer, but Washington Park could truly be wonderful--and I think it has a chance to get there. At least it has the Hyde Park influence to keep it somewhat under control.

[Irishtom29]

The Jews and the Poles used to scrap over there. When I was an apprentice I knew an old Bohemian ex bootlegger and bankrobber from 22nd St. who in the 1920s was jumped by a Jewish gang in Douglas Park because they thought he was Polish. As they were dunking him in the lagoon, with the intention of drowning him he feared, he cried out "I'm a Bohunk not a Polock" until they let him go.

[ajolotl]

At least it's more or less usable in the day now. Twenty years ago the drug dealers wouldn't let you enter. I don't think too much bad stuff goes on there anymore, but I certainly wouldn't feel comfortable alone is some dark corner at 10pm.

[Lookout Kid]

Well, I don't even like to hang out in dark corners of Lincoln Park at 10pm. Especially up here by Uptown. Too many weirdos around here doing God knows what in that park.

[whitecollarboy]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

Well, I don't even like to hang out in dark corners of Lincoln Park at 10pm. Especially up here by Uptown. Too many weirdos around here doing God knows what in that park.

Agree'd there are so many rape cases that occur in Lincoln Park. Many of people assume LP is uber safe. More rape cases occur than most on the northside.

[Lookout Kid]

Hah! I'm not too worried about getting raped. Though I do live close to the "Magic Hedge"...