The 12 Safest Neighborhoods in Chicago (in 2024)

The Windy City has a reputation for great pizza, sports, and, unfairly, crime. Here are the 12 safest neighborhoods in Chicago to move to.

Hot dogs and deep-dish pizza. The Cubs, Bears, and Bulls. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off and Home Alone. All of these words conjure up beautiful images of Chicago.

When you hear Chicago, you might also think about its reputation as a city rife with crime. But according to U.S. News: A World Report, the Windy City doesn’t even make the top 25 most dangerous cities in the nation.

So, where does that idea come from? It’s because a small handful of Chicago neighborhoods concentrate an above average number of violent crimes, which skews crime statistics for the entire city. The highest crime rates tend to be in the south and west side of Chicago, while the north side tends to be safer.

Scary statistics aside, there are plenty of safe places to stay in Chicago. Like any other big city, common sense and being aware of your surroundings can go a long way to ensure safety.

If you’re wondering where to live in Chicago without trading in your peace of mind, Landing has you covered. Here are the safest neighborhoods in Chicago in 2024.

The 12 Safest Neighborhoods in Chicago

Chicago is a safe place to live with basic safety precautions and a carefully chosen neighborhood. Areas to avoid in Chicago include Washington Park, East and West Garfield Park, Englewood, and North Lawndale.

Here are 12 of our favorite Chicago neighborhoods, including information about cost of living from RentCafe:

1. West Town

Average Cost of Rent: $2,494

West Town, Chicago, is a safe, sprawling neighborhood northwest of Downtown, made of several sub-neighborhoods, including Noble Square, Ukrainian Village, and Wicker Park.

No matter which sub-neighborhood you choose, the neighborhood has Michelin-star restaurants, live music bars, and vintage boutiques. The upscale vibe and walkable streets lined with storefronts make it a good choice for people who want an urban vibe without the noise and traffic of Downtown.

2. Streeterville

Average Cost of Rent: $2,940

This small waterfront neighborhood on the north edge of the Chicago Loop boasts prime views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River from its high-rise skyline. Plus, this part of downtown Chicago is safe at night. That’s probably why Streeterville is the most expensive neighborhood in Chicago.

What you pay in rent, you get back in safety. Streeterville is a popular tourist destination — the busy urban neighborhood houses the historic Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile, and the Museum of Ice Cream. Expect plenty of security guards, well-lit avenues, and a patrolling police presence.

3. South Side

Average Cost of Rent: Varies from $1,698 in Hyde Park to $1,509 in Mount Greenwood

Technically, the South Side is one of six regions that make up Chicago, not a neighborhood. It starts a few miles south of the Chicago Loop and makes up one of the largest areas in the city. But this historically Black neighborhood has been home to some of the most influential African-American writers, musicians, and politicians in American history, including the Obamas.

You’ll find tree-lined streets and beaux arts mansions in the university district of Hyde Park, a tight-knit community in Mount Greenwood, and white beaches in South Shore. You’ll also find some of the city’s most crime-ridden neighborhoods, including Englewood and Washington Park. Be mindful when you’re apartment shopping.

4. Buffalo Grove

Average Cost of Rent: $2,009

Although it’s technically not within city limits, this North suburb provides plenty of peaceful living space for families, retirees, and remote workers. While Buffalo Grove is a 50-minute drive from Downtown Chicago, there are plenty of parks and nature preserves, a booming restaurant scene, and a summer Farmer’s Market to keep you entertained.

5. Goose Island

Average Cost of Rent: $2,541

Goose Island took its name from Irish factory workers who lived, worked, and kept geese in the neighborhood. It’s come a long way from its industrial roots, transforming into a renter-friendly area full of townhomes, high rises, and converted lofts. The neighborhood itself is mostly residential, but it’s conveniently located between Old Town and West Town, giving residents access to great food and entertainment without all the foot traffic.

6. Edison Park

Average Cost of Rent: $1,850

Tucked away in the northwest section of Chicago, Edison Park feels more like a small town than a neighborhood in one of the country’s largest cities. The self-contained community is very walkable, contributing to its tight-knit, family-friendly vibe. Whether you’re grabbing a slice of pizza at Moretti’s or walking the dog through Olympia Park, you’ll comfortably arrive by foot.

Edison Park is a neighborhood often chosen by the city’s police and firefighters, which probably contributes to its safety.

7. Norwood Park

Average Cost of Rent: $1,767

Lowkey Norwood Park in northwest Chicago gets its name from its 16-acre park of the same name. Like other large neighborhoods, Norwood Park is divided into several smaller neighborhoods, including Oriole Park, Union Ridge, and Big Oaks. Whichever area you choose is a wonderful neighborhood for retirees and young families who want quick access to recreational activities. Its namesake park also has a dog-friendly zone, an outdoor pool, and tennis and basketball courts.

8. Forest Glen

Average Cost of Rent: $1,382

Forest Glen is one of the oldest parts of North Chicago, offering all the amenities of the big city with a small-town feel. While it feels like a suburb, there’s still plenty to do. The neighborhood’s southern edge is flanked by several nature preserves and bike trails along the North Branch Chicago River, including the Sidney Yates Flatwoods and Bunker Hill. And if you itch for city life, it’s just a 25-minute drive to Downtown.

9. Lake View

Average Cost of Rent: $1,928

Lake View is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the city — and it’s not just baseball fans who want Wrigley Field within walking distance. The breezy Lakefront Trail and gorgeous harbor offer plenty of beautiful views of the city skyline, making it an Instagram-worthy place to live. Likewise, its historic sub-gayborhood, Northalsted, the Belmont theater district, and bar and restaurant scene will keep your social calendar packed. With so many people flocking to enjoy Lake View, it’s one of the safest neighborhoods to live in Chicago.

10. Lincoln Park

Average Cost of Rent: $2,173

Just north of downtown Chicago is the iconic Lincoln Park, home to some of the city’s most visited attractions. The Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Conservatory, and North Avenue Beach are just a few reasons visitors flock to the neighborhood. And once new residents check everything off their bucket list, there are plenty of locals-only joints, like the arthouse cinema Facets, the Second City comedy club, and plenty of restaurants (from Michelin-starred Alinea to deep dish at Pequod’s).

Although Lincoln Park real estate has a steep price tag, the high rent lets you live in one of the safest Chicago neighborhoods in the downtown area.

11. Oak Park

Average Cost of Rent: $2,202

Technically, the village of Oak Park is a suburb. But it’s not exactly hidden off-the-beaten path. For transplants looking for a mix of suburban living and all the amenities of urban life, Oak Park’s historic arts and restaurant scene (many housed in iconic Frank Lloyd Wright buildings) has long been a laid-back respite.

Luckily, Oak Park, Chicago is a safe place to live, which means you never have to worry about walking to its cultural attractions or enjoying seasonal outdoor activities, like the Oak Park Farmers market or concerts at Scoville Park.

12. Rogers Park

Average Cost of Rent: $1,393

Although it’s a hike from the Chicago Loop, Rogers Park has a privileged spot on Lake Michigan on the far North side of the city. It’s also a haven for Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community. The Gerbert/Hart Library and Archives houses an extensive collection of Queer literature, hosts gay parties, and leads therapy sessions for the community. Like most areas of North Chicago, it’s one of the safer neighborhoods in the city.

Find Comfort with Landing

You worry about where you’ll try your first Chicago-style hot dog. We’ll worry about finding you an apartment in one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago. And with flexible leases and no-strings-attached contracts, you’re free to hop around until you find the place that feels just right. Become a member today.