Chicago is complicated. If you've spent any time looking at a map of the Windy City, you’ve probably seen the "L" tracks snaking out from the Loop like veins, carrying people toward neighborhoods that couldn't be more different from one another if they tried. Most people coming for a visit or even moving here for a job ask the same nervous question: what are the areas to avoid in chicago?
It’s a fair question, honestly. But here’s the thing—Chicago isn't a "good" or "bad" city. It’s a city of blocks. You can be on a street lined with million-dollar greystones and walk three blocks west only to find yourself in a place where the vibe shifts completely. Safety here isn't just about a zip code; it’s about context, timing, and knowing the layout of the land.
Neighborhoods like Garfield Park or Englewood get a lot of heat in the news. You’ve seen the headlines. They aren't lying about the crime stats, but those numbers don't tell you about the community gardens or the families who have lived there for four generations. However, for a traveler or someone new to the city, there are real, data-backed reasons why certain spots are considered high-risk.
The Reality of the South and West Sides
When people talk about the "dangerous" parts of town, they are almost always pointing toward the South Side and the West Side. But that’s a massive generalization. Hyde Park, where the University of Chicago is located, is on the South Side, and it’s beautiful, academic, and generally very safe.
Englewood is a different story.
According to the Chicago Police Department’s annual reports and data from the University of Chicago Crime Lab, Englewood consistently sees some of the highest rates of violent crime in the city. It’s a neighborhood that has dealt with decades of systemic disinvestment. If you’re a tourist, there’s basically no reason to be hanging out there. The same goes for West Englewood. These aren't places with high-end hotels or famous museums. They are residential areas struggling with deep-seated social issues.
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Then you have West Garfield Park.
Statistically, West Garfield Park often ranks as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the United States, not just Chicago. The crime density per square foot is staggering. While the Garfield Park Conservatory is a world-class botanical gem and absolutely worth a visit—seriously, go see the fern room—you need to be intentional about how you get there. Take an Uber or drive directly to the parking lot. Don't just wander several blocks away into the residential side streets if you don't know where you’re going.
River North and the Downtown Shift
Wait, River North?
Yeah. This surprises people. You’d think the areas to avoid in chicago would only be the far-flung neighborhoods, but the downtown core has changed. River North is where the nightlife is. It’s where the fancy steakhouses and the loud clubs are located. Because of that density, it has become a hotspot for "crimes of opportunity."
Think pickpockets. Think late-night scuffles outside clubs at 3:00 AM. In recent years, there has been a noticeable uptick in retail theft and occasional muggings around the Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue). It’s still a "safe" area in the traditional sense, but you can’t let your guard down just because there’s a Tiffany & Co. on the corner.
Street smarts matter here.
Don't walk around with both earbuds in. Keep your phone in your pocket. It sounds like basic advice, but you’d be shocked how many people get their phones snatched while staring at Google Maps in the middle of a crowded sidewalk near State and Lake.
Let's Talk About North Lawndale and Austin
North Lawndale is another West Side neighborhood that frequently appears on the "avoid" list. It’s got a lot of history—Martin Luther King Jr. actually lived there for a stint in 1966 to highlight the poor living conditions. Today, the area still struggles.
Austin is huge. It’s the largest community area in Chicago by population. Because it’s so big, it’s a mixed bag, but the eastern portion of Austin has high rates of gang-related activity. If you’re looking for a cheap Airbnb and you see a place in Austin or North Lawndale that looks like a "steal," there’s a reason for that price point.
You’ve got to check the maps.
I’m not saying these places are "no-go zones" where you’ll be attacked the second you step out of a car. That’s an exaggeration. But for someone unfamiliar with the local dynamics, the risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time is significantly higher.
Understanding the "L" and Public Transit
The CTA is the lifeblood of the city. Most of the time, it’s totally fine. I’ve taken the Red Line at 2:00 AM more times than I can count. However, if you're looking to minimize risk, there are parts of the transit system that feel "sketchy" to the uninitiated.
The Red Line travels the entire length of the city, from the North Side down to 95th Street. As you head south past Roosevelt, the train cars tend to empty out. The platforms at night can feel isolated.
- Pro tip: Sit in the first car. That’s where the operator is.
- The Green Line: This line runs through some of the toughest parts of the West and South Sides.
- The Blue Line: Generally safe as it runs to O'Hare, but the Forest Park branch (the West Side leg) goes through some rougher territory like West Garfield Park.
It’s not about fear; it’s about awareness. If a train car is completely empty except for one person acting erratically, just move to the next car at the next stop. Don't make it a "thing." Just move.
Why Labels Like "Bad Neighborhood" Are Tricky
A lot of the discourse around areas to avoid in chicago is rooted in fear that lacks nuance. Chicago is a hyper-segregated city. That is a factual, historical reality. When people say "avoid the South Side," they are often dismissing roughly 50% of the city’s geography, including incredible spots like the Pullman National Historical Park or the South Shore Cultural Center.
You shouldn't avoid the "South Side." You should avoid specific blocks in specific neighborhoods like Washington Park or Roseland if you don't have a specific reason to be there.
There is a big difference between a neighborhood having a high crime rate and a neighborhood being a "war zone." Most crime in Chicago is targeted. It’s often related to specific disputes between individuals who know each other. Random acts of violence against tourists are statistically rare, but they do happen, which is why the "avoid" lists exist in the first place.
Actionable Advice for Navigating Chicago
If you are planning a trip or moving here, don't just rely on a vibe. Use the tools available to you.
First, look at the Chicago Police Department’s CLEARMap or the various crime tracking sites like HeyJackass (yes, that is the real name, and locals use it for raw data) or the Chicago Data Portal. These show you exactly where incidents happen. You’ll notice the clusters.
Second, understand the grid. Chicago is laid out on a perfect grid system with 0,0 being at State and Madison. The higher the numbers go, the further you are from the center.
Third, ask a local, but ask a real local. If you ask someone who lives in the suburbs and only comes downtown for a Cubs game once a year, they will tell you the whole city is a nightmare. They’re wrong. Ask someone who actually lives in a neighborhood like Logan Square, Pilsen, or Rogers Park. They’ll give you the real breakdown of which streets are fine and which ones you should bypass.
The Verdict on Staying Safe
Honestly, Chicago is one of the greatest cities on earth. The food is unbeatable, the architecture is world-class, and the people are generally much friendlier than in New York or LA. You just have to be smart.
Avoid wandering aimlessly through West Garfield Park, Englewood, or North Lawndale, especially at night. Be extra vigilant in high-traffic areas like River North and the Loop after dark. Stick to well-lit streets with foot traffic.
If you find yourself on a block that feels "off"—maybe there are a lot of boarded-up buildings, or groups of people loitering on corners, or just a general lack of activity—trust your gut. Turn around. Grab a rideshare.
Chicago is a city that rewards the curious but respects the cautious. Keep your head up, stay off your phone while walking, and enjoy the skyline. It’s beautiful from almost any angle, as long as you know where you’re standing.
Next Steps for Your Chicago Visit
- Map your route before you leave your hotel or apartment. Knowing which "L" stops you need avoids the "lost tourist" look.
- Download a rideshare app as a backup. If you end up in an area that feels uncomfortable, $15 is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
- Check local neighborhood blogs like Block Club Chicago. They provide the most granular, honest reporting on what is actually happening in specific wards.
- Visit the safe highlights of the "avoid" zones. If you want to see the Garfield Park Conservatory, take a direct Uber to the entrance during daylight hours. You get the culture without the unnecessary risk.