10 Safest Neighborhoods in Chicago: A Complete Safety Guide

Chicago is a huge city famous for its culture and business centers. Unfortunately, its crime rate is higher than the national average. According to the White House statistics, the city has recorded more murders than any other city in the United States. 

In 2024, Chicago’s murder rate was three times higher than Los Angeles and nearly five times higher than New York City's. However, crime is not evenly distributed. Some neighborhoods like Edison Park, Forest Glen, and Norwood Park face very low crime levels. 

In this article, we will highlight the safest neighborhoods in Chicago for people looking to move into this city. Read till the end to learn some security tips to help keep you safe in Chicago.

Is Chicago a Safe Place to Live?

Overall, Chicago’s crime rate is well above the United States average. According to the BBC article, the FBI reveals that there are 4012 total crimes per 100,000 people in Chicago, which is pretty high compared to 2119 nationally. Violent crime is about 540 per 100,000, higher than the U.S. violent rate of 359 per 100k residents.

That said, many parts of Chicago are quite safe. In neighborhoods like Edison Park, violent crime is only around 120 per 100,000 people, versus the high rate of Chicago. In short, while Chicago’s overall crime rate is high, finding safe areas to live in Chicago will help. 

Quick Snapshot of Chicago’s Safest Neighborhoods

Several Chicago neighborhoods regularly rank among the safest. The table below highlights these neighborhoods with their safety score, crime rate, and key features:

Top 10 Safest Neighborhoods in Chicago

After analyzing the safety score and crime rates of the safest Chicago neighborhoods, let’s get into their details. Below is the detailed explanation of why these places are safest to live in this crime-heavy city. 

1. Edison Park

Edison Park consistently ranks as the city’s safest neighborhood. According to Areavibes, its violent crime rate is only about 1.2 per 1000 and property crime 8.1 per 1000 residents, roughly 77% below the city average. This website even notes this area is about 99% safer than other cities in Illinois.

Moreover, this safest neighborhood in Chicago has a tranquil suburban character, including single-family homes and numerous parks. It also has many city employees, including police, firefighters, and more, living there, which helps community vigilance. The low density and engaged neighborhood culture make it very secure.

Amenities for Families: BROOKS Park and Olympia Park provide playgrounds, sports fields, and restaurants, making it ideal for families. 

2. Norwood Park

Blending suburban space with city living, Norwood Park proves to be a perfect place to live in Chicago. Its violent crime rate is only about 1.4 per 1000, and property crime is 10.6 per 1000, according to the Areavibes website.

It was originally planned as a park-like residential suburb, and today it still has large lots and mature trees. The streets of this safest Chicago neighborhood are wide and well-maintained. Its stable and engaged community (many long-time homeowners) helps keep crime low.

Amenities for Families: Norwood Park features many green spaces, such as Oriole Park, with athletic fields. Nearby are Edgebrook and Maplewood golf courses and spacious yards, providing recreational space for families.

3. Mount Greenwood

Located in the South West of Chicago, this place is a traditionally blue-collar community that remains very safe. It has a violent crime rate of about 1.48 per 1000 and a property crime rate of 13 per 1000, about 64% lower than Chicago’s average.

The neighborhood is famous as home to many city workers and has a family-oriented vibe. Much of the housing is modest single-family homes, so this neighborhood feels like a small town. Residents point to well-maintained parks and a strong civic culture as safety factors.

Amenities for Families: Mount Greenwood Park offers a pool, sports fields, and playgrounds. Quiet streets and shops along 111th Street add convenience for families.

4. Forest Glen

Forest Glen is a quiet, green neighborhood on Chicago’s North Side. Based on the Areavibes website numbers, its crime levels are low, reaching about 3.4 violent and 19.5 property crimes per 1000 people. Adding to its safety, the area is known for lush streets and well-kept parks.

When talking about the safe areas to live in Chicago, this neighborhood stands out with its residential housing. Areavibes even reports Forest Glen is safer than 97% of cities in Illinois. 

Amenities for Families: Forest Glen offers lush tree-lined streets with easy access to nearby forest preserves (Thatcher Woods) and cozy local shops.

5. The Loop

As the heart of downtown Chicago, The Loop combines business, culture, and history. Despite being a busy commercial center, it’s regarded as a safe Chicago neighborhood due to its heavy police presence and constant foot traffic. Crime rates here are generally lower than in other urban districts with similar density.

Moreover, The Loop features a mix of historic architecture and cultural landmarks, such as the Art Institute of Chicago. With so many people working and living in the area, community vigilance remains high, which adds to the overall safety.

Amenities for Families: Families in The Loop benefit from Millennium Park’s playgrounds and easy access to theaters, museums, and public transportation. 

6. Jefferson Park

Situated in the North West of Chicago, Jefferson Park is a safe, family-oriented hub. According to Areavibes, it has the lowest violent crime rate in the city (about 1.1 per 1000) and very low property crime (8.6 per 1000), which is about 76% below average.

The neighborhood has a suburban feel, with many single-family homes and rowhomes. It’s also a transit hub (Blue Line and Metra), which means lots of foot traffic and vigilance. Moreover, Jefferson Park is known for excellent public schools and community events.

Amenities for Families: Jefferson Memorial Park has libraries, cafes, and I-90 highway access. Local shops and the famous Taste of Polonia festival promote a tight-knit atmosphere. 

7. Goose Island

Famous as an industrial hub, Goose Island is quickly transforming into a modern and secure Chicago neighborhood. Thanks to redevelopment projects, crime rates have remained low compared to other nearby areas. Apart from that, the presence of new businesses and residential projects has created a stable community.

Moreover, this safe area to live in Chicago has a unique island-like setting, which gives it a semi-secluded character. With controlled access points, it continues to evolve into one of Chicago’s most attractive places to live.

Amenities for Families: Goose Island is near popular recreational areas like North Avenue Beach and Lincoln Park. Its redevelopment also promises more parks, open spaces, and family-friendly facilities in the coming years. 

8. North Center

Present just near Lincoln Park, North Center balances city life with a community feel. Its crime rates (2.2 violent and 37.8 property per 1000) are still below the Chicago average. Plus, the neighborhood has many quiet tree-lined blocks as well as busy retail strips on Lincoln Ave.

On top of that, stable homeownership and active local organizations help maintain safety. Moreover, police and community leaders monitor the area closely due to its family population and DePaul University nearby.

Amenities for Families: North Center has Welles and Horner Parks with pools and ice rinks. Moreover, this safest neighborhood in Chicago has plenty of cafes, toy stores, and grocery options within walking distance.

9. Streeterville

Streeterville is one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods, located right along the lakefront. While it has an urban setting, it’s considered one of the safest neighborhoods in downtown Chicago due to a strong community presence. Moreover, its proximity to Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Navy Pier brings consistent security and surveillance.

Additionally, this area is filled with luxury condos and shopping destinations like the Magnificent Mile. All in all, the neighborhood offers excellent schools and museums, which makes this place a livable place for many.

Amenities for Families: Families enjoy easy access to Lakefront Trail, Jane Addams Memorial Park, and Ohio Street Beach. 

10. Lincoln Park

Apart from being a lakefront community, Lincoln Park is also considered among the safest Chicago neighborhoods. Its violent crime rate is about 2.4 per 1000 and property crime rate 13.7 per 1000 residents, based on the Areavibes website.

In addition, the area is densely populated but very well-policed. Residents enjoy cultural institutions, such as Lincoln Park Zoo and Nature Museum, and high-end shopping centres. 

Amenities for Families: The massive Lincoln Park (575 acres) includes a conservatory and lakefront paths. Nearby North Avenue Beach and recreational facilities also provide many family activities.

How to Select the Safest Places to Live in Chicago?

To choose the safest neighborhood in Chicago, you need to keep these points in mind:

• Check Crime Statistics: Start by analyzing official crime data from the Chicago Police Department or FBI Uniform Crime Reports. While doing so, focus on violent versus property crime rates per 1000 residents.
• Visit Neighborhoods Personally: Numbers alone don’t tell the whole story. So, you have to visit prospective neighborhoods at different times of the day and week. Observe lighting, police presence, and general atmosphere.
• Consider School Ratings and Family Amenities: Families should evaluate public school performance, parks, and recreational facilities. Areas with strong school ratings and family-friendly resources typically have engaged residents and lower crime.
• Research Neighborhood Associations: Active community groups, block clubs, or neighborhood watch programs are reliable indicators of safety. These organizations promote collaboration between residents and local law enforcement.

Neighborhoods to Avoid While Looking to Settle in Chicago

Some Chicago areas are known for very high crime. Based on recent reports, the following neighborhoods should be avoided when you are looking for safe areas to live in Chicago:

1. Englewood

Located on the South Side, Englewood has one of the city’s highest crime rates. PropertyClub reports that Englewood’s overall crime rate in 2022 was 125% higher than the Chicago average. Shootings and gang violence occur frequently, making Englewood one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Chicago.

2. West Garfield Park

West Garfield Park is often ranked as Chicago’s most dangerous neighborhood. Its violent crime rate is 257% above the city average. Gang activity is high, and robberies are common, as a result the violent crime rate here is around 27 per 1000 residents.

3. North Lawndale

With a violent crime rate of 17 per 1000 residents, North Lawndale is the neighborhood to avoid in Chicago. A large share of residents there have criminal records, reflecting decades of social issues. Violent crime and property crime rates both far exceed norms, so avoid this area when searching for the safest Chicago neighborhoods.

4. East Garfield Park

Living in this neighborhood, you have about a 1-in-10 chance of any crime as a resident there. Gun violence and gang activity are severe, and both violent and property crime are historically very high. Park areas in East Garfield see frequent armed robberies and assaults.

5. Austin

Austin is Chicago’s most populous neighborhood and has significant crime challenges. Stabbings, shootings, and burglaries are relatively common, especially in economically depressed parts of Austin. While some blocks are stable, much of Austin has the same issues of gangs and poverty seen in neighboring West Side communities.

Tips for Staying Safe in Chicago Neighborhoods

In crime-heavy cities like Chicago, personal security measures help. Here are some tips you can apply to keep your house and family safe:

Tip 1. Stay Alert to Your Surroundings

Even if you are living in the safest neighborhood in Chicago, always have awareness about activity around you, especially at night. You should try to walk outside along with friends when travelling to poorly lit or isolated streets. When you see suspicious behavior, report it to neighbors or police.

Tip 2. Install Smart Security Cameras

To protect your loved ones, place surveillance cameras around your home. In this regard, eufy’s wireless security cameras, such as eufyCam S330 or SoloCam S230, help a lot.

Such cameras have to offer high-resolution video and AI motion detection to detect unwanted burglars. Moreover, you can cover entrances and blind spots with these cameras to scare off some intruders.

Tip 3. Secure the Entry Points of Your House

Secure your front door with technology, such as advanced doorbells and locks. You can do this with eufy’s Video Doorbell E340, which lets you see visitors day or night.

Other than that, eufy Smart Locks ensure only you can unlock the door. These devices send real-time alerts to your phone whenever someone is at the door, so you keep your house in Chicago safe from intruders.

Tip 4. Engage Your Neighbors

While living in Chicago, you have to build a sense of community for the overall safety of neighborhoods. Join or start a neighborhood watch program so residents look out for one another. For this, use local online groups to share security tips or report suspicious activity. The more connected the community, the fewer opportunities criminals have. 

Get a Professional Security System

For crime-heavy neighborhoods of Chicago, consider using an all-in-one system like eufy’s ExpertSecure System. It links door sensors and security cameras to a live monitoring center for added security. When an alarm triggers, the center verifies the event via camera footage before dispatching police.

Moreover, the ExpertSecure Hub has 24-hour battery backup and dual 4G support, so it works even if the power or internet goes out. To protect your homes in Chicago, this AI-powered system provides the highest level of security.

Conclusion

Chicago’s overall crime rate is high, but the city does have some safe neighborhoods. Areas like Edison Park, Forest Glen, and Mount Greenwood are the safest neighborhoods in Chicago with very low crime. When looking for a home, review the latest crime maps and local stats to find the safest streets. 

In every neighborhood, you need to use modern security tools to improve safety. We recommend installing devices like the eufy ExpertSecure system to keep the loved ones safe. Combining a smart choice of location with these security products gives Chicago residents the best protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a terror town in Chicago? 

Locals often use this term for the very dangerous neighborhoods on the South and West sides. For example, Englewood and West Garfield Park have extremely high violent crime rates and are sometimes called Chicago’s terror towns. 

Is Chicago safer now than in the past? 

Yes, recent data show improvement in the safety score of Chicago. Nationwide violent crime dropped about 4.5% in 2024, and Chicago saw similar declines. For example, Chicago reported fewer shootings and homicides in 2024 than in 2023. While still above average, today’s crime rates are generally lower than peaks in the early 2010s.

Why is Chicago crime so high? 

Chicago’s crime is driven by complex social factors. The highest-crime neighborhoods have long histories of poverty, segregation, and gang activity. Widespread gun access and economic inequality contribute to the security situation.

Is the north or south side of Chicago safer for living? 

Generally, Chicago’s North Side is safer than the South Side. Most of the city’s worst crime is concentrated in South and West side neighborhoods, including Garfield Park, Englewood, and Washington Park. However, safety can vary within each side, so always check local statistics rather than assuming.