PROPERTYSPARK ARTICLE

Planning a Move to Chicago? What Neighborhood Should You Call Home

Best Family-Friendly Chicago Neighborhoods

For several years, high crime rates and Chicago were synonymous. Property crime rates were above the national average, along with violent crime statistics. However, recent analyses indicate the trend is turning.

The University of Chicago Crime Lab, responsible for tracking city statistics, indicates violent crimes like shootings and homicides are down 12% to 14%. This is good news for anyone living or planning on moving to Chi-Town. So, even with crime rates going down, which neighborhoods are considered safer for families than others?

Edison Park

Are you a history buff or just love living in neighborhoods named for famous people? If so, Edison Park may be your ideal neighborhood. If you haven’t guessed, the community is named after Thomas Edison. You know the inventor responsible for giving us the electric light bulb. Thanks to Edison’s inventions, we’re still not relying on candles to light our homes at night.

Edison Park is a family-oriented neighborhood. There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance, including some great pizza options. If you haven’t tried an authentic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, one of the nearby restaurants should be your first stop. If you’re looking for a little fun, the Edison Park Inn offers more than icy cold beer. You can try your skills at bowling or a fun game of pool.

Your little ones also aren’t left out of the neighborhood fun, the Edison Park Fest is a yearly family-friendly event.

Lincoln Park

History lovers have another community to consider, Lincoln Park. No, the neighborhood is named after the world-famous band. Instead, it pays homage to the nation’s 16th president Abraham Lincoln. His ties to Illinois are deep. Before becoming president, he served in both the state legislature and in the U.S. Congress.

Commuting into Chicago is a breeze from Lincoln Park. The neighborhood is pretty close to the Second City Theatre and the Chicago History Museum. However, you don’t need to leave Lincoln Park to find plenty to do. The neighborhood is home to one of the nation’s only free zoos. With zero admission fees, you can hit the zoo every weekend. South Pond is a great place for nature walks, and it’s only one of several green spaces scattered throughout the community.

Lakeview

We’ll give you a hint of how this community received its name. If you guessed because it’s situated on the shores of Lake Michigan you’re correct. If you’ve strolled down Lake Avenue in downtown Chicago, housing prices probably left you gasping for breath. Yes, it’s that expensive but not in Lakeview.

Lakeview is a relatively affordable neighborhood for families. This is also considered one of the city’s safest neighborhoods. Best of all, sports fans can rejoice. Wrigley Field is just down the street. You may even be able to walk to the stadium when the Cubs are playing. The Laugh Factory is also close by, and don’t forget about fun on and around the lake.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Neighborhoods

Making the move to a new city or even a different neighborhood can be stressful. Even after doing plenty of research, you probably still have questions. Here’s a look at some of the most common questions and answers so you’re better prepared to choose the right neighborhood for your family.

Where are the Safest Areas in Chicago?

Even though crime rates are falling, it doesn’t mean you want to wander around just anywhere. If you’re taking in the sights downtown, the museums and galleries are generally considered safe.

Just watch out for thieves trying to grab your purse, wallet, and electronic devices; the same applies to the Navy Pier. If you’re wondering about the safest Chicago neighborhoods, the above-mentioned ones all make the list.

Are Chicago Suburbs a Safe Place for Families?

The suburbs outside of Chicago are considered safe for families. This is true for pretty much all large cities. The metro areas often see lower crime rates. Some suburban communities you may want to consider include LaGrange Park, Buffalo Grove, Naperville, Clarendon Hills, and Hinsdale.

Each of these communities offers something a little different so it’s a good idea to check out each one before making a decision.

What is Chicago’s National Crime Ranking

Even though Chicago is taking steps to improve safety, a lot more still needs to be done. Currently, the Windy City is ranked 6th for safety compared to other cities of the same size.

While ranking 6th for safety, an optimal score is 100, isn’t great, you can find plenty of safe and family-friendly neighborhoods in and around the city. Just remember to stay aware of your surroundings any time you decide to hit the city for a day or evening of fun.

Which Chicago Suburb is Considered the Safest?

You may not be surprised to learn that the affluent suburban neighborhood of Naperville is considered the safest area to live in Chicago. This also isn’t where the accolades end. Naperville is also ranked as one of the best places to raise a family.

Along with an excellent safety record, Naperville has a top-rated public school system. Add in the riverwalk, and great restaurants, and it’s a short 30-mile distance from downtown Chicago, and Naperville may be your ideal new home.

Were You Injured in an Accident?

Even living in one of Chicago’s safest neighborhoods doesn’t eliminate the possibility of being involved in an accident. If you’re injured, it’s a smart move to consult with a personal injury attorney.

They can help ensure you recover fair compensation for your injuries while you focus on taking care of your family and getting back on your feet. Having legal support allows you to navigate the complexities of your case with less stress and better outcomes.