In September 2020, home sales in Chicago went up 28.1% compared to the same time last year. That means more people are willing to put down permanent roots in Chicago.
Given Chicago’s vibrant restaurant scene, its walkable lakefront, and myriad parks and nature preserves, it’s no wonder why it’s so popular.
That said, Chicago is a city of neighborhoods and your location will impact your quality of life. Plus, your home’s location is the one thing you can’t change.
That’s why it’s so important to choose your neighborhood wisely. Read on to learn about the safest neighborhoods in Chicago so you can choose the perfect forever home for your family.
Lincoln Park
Situated near downtown and Lake Michigan, Lincoln Park is one of the most coveted neighborhoods in Chicago. It’s also near a park of the same name, which is the city’s largest park. The park itself features beaches, lots of green space, and walking paths.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly neighborhood, Lincoln Park is your best bet. It also has a reputation for being safe. Plus, it has family-friendly attractions like the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Chicago History Museum.
If you choose Lincoln Park, you’ll get walkable green neighborhoods populated with young professionals and a close proximity to downtown. Keep in mind that home prices can be very high in this area.
Rogers Park
For those looking for a safe place to live that’s away from the bustle of the city, consider Rogers Park. It sits right on the lake, which means you can be within walking distance to the water without paying Lincoln Park prices.
This far north side neighborhood offers a quiet community that’s great for young people and families alike. It’s home to plenty of public and private schools as well as Loyola University.
Andersonville
Andersonville is a safe and relaxed neighborhood with a history of Swedish heritage. It’s a part of the larger Edgewater neighborhood. If you need to head downtown, it takes about a 30 minute train ride.
It’s also an ethnically diverse area that’s LGBTQ friendly. Clark street is home to many popular and unique home goods stores.
Andersonville is a peaceful neighborhood and is home to many passionate residents. Most people who’ve chosen it as their home love it there. It’s a great mix of both suburban and urban sensibilities.
Printers Row
Printers Row is a bustling neighborhood just a few blocks away from both Millennium Park and Grant Park. You’ll also have access to nearly every CTA line, so living in Printers Row connects you to the entire city.
While only about 10% of residents have children, many people in this neighborhood have a college education. There’s also many highly-rated public schools in the area.
Many residents in this neighborhood rent their homes, but it’s still a great place to buy a home. The median price is much lower than Lincoln Park or North Center.
Oak Park
If you’re not opposed to moving outside the city limits, Oak Park is a very safe place to live. It sits just past city limits, so it’s technically a suburb. That said, it’s still only 10 miles away from the Loop.
Since it’s outside the city, you’ll get to enjoy more space while still having easy access to city amenities. It’s also the former home of Frank Lloyd Wright, so it’s home to many homes with that signature mid century style.
The listing prices have recently dropped, so now is a good time to start searching for a home in Oak Park.
North Center
If you’re looking for a safe, family-friendly neighborhood to put down roots, consider North Center. Roughly a third of the residents have children in this neighborhood.
It’s a relatively diverse neighborhood with highly rated public schools and private schools. Family homes are more common than rental property, so it’s a great place to search for a home.
While this neighborhood is more affordable than the nearby Lincoln Square and Roscoe Village, it’s an up and coming area. That means you should set your sights on North Center before the market explodes. If you get a chance to act fast, you could sell your current home for cash to a company like URB, Inc.
Streeterville
Streeterville is home to Navy Pier and is bordered by the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Since it’s a well-traveled area in the city, police regularly patrol the area. It’s also home to the Northwestern Hospital campus, so the area is never deserted.
While it’s not home to many families, it’s a safe place for young professionals and singles alike. If you do plan to start a family, keep in mind that they’re aren’t many schools in the area.
One of the best things about this neighborhood is it’s spectacular views of the lake and river. It’s also close to several major Chicago hospitals and the NBC Tower.
Make One of the Safest Neighborhoods In Chicago Your Home
Chicago is made up of more than 70 neighborhoods and each one has its own personality. As you start shopping around for a home, use our list of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago to guide your decisions.
Buying a home in Chicago is a great way to invest in your future. Not only will you have an amazing place to call home, but you can also make a profit when it’s time to sell.
To find more information on real estate, keep scrolling through our blog.
