12. December 2008
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I travel to the USA from England regularly with work. We will be visiting Downtown Chicago in November and im just wondering if it is safe. I've heard mixed opinions of the downtown area and have had some previous bad experiences in Atlanta and Miami.. Is it a safe place to be???????Downtown Chicago is a thriving community where people live, play and work. Several hundred thousand people live here. It is considered to be safe within the 'loop' and to the north. As you go south of the loop, it might start looking scary. Of course, like all other major world cities like Moscow, New York, Mumbai or Tokyo, you must take precaution and responsibility for your safety. Do your homework and don't walk into a dark alley late at night. I don't know what bad experiences you've had in Atlanta and Miami. I would say, Chicago is no more or less safe than either of those.As with all Major North American Cities you must keep following advice from local people. Only they Know the parts of town to avoid. The Chicago Police might also be able to advise. Try the web for more info!!It's a naïve question. There is no place safe at night, anywhere, especially if you have tourist eyes. they will spot you like prey.Yes its safe...just dont look lost..lol...Stay around the loop..little of west loop and north loop. Best of fun you will like it...go ice skating on the millenuim park.My daughter and I were just there last night till 10:30pm. We were in the loop by the theatres. I felt safe and have been in the loop often with just my kids and me. Don't go off the beaten path, use common sense and stay in the loop area. Watch out for pickpockets. It's generally safe. Lively at night. Probably bigger than Atlanta and Miami. You'll have fun. Try the pizza!! Have a good flight!! :)Downtown Chicago, can you elaborate alittle more on what exactly "downtown" is? There's the part where visitors come in on the train and that's usually considered downtown and yes for the most part that's safe. Chicago isn't dangerous everywhere. Yes just watch your stuff at all timesDowntown is a pretty large area,it would help if you're more specific.If you stay in the more touristy areas it's fairly safe.It depends on where you are going, duhhhhh....
You sound gullible and an easy mark. Better be safe and just stay in the UK.
No place is completely safe but in general downtown Chicago is very clean and safe. The loop area sometimes gets a little desolate late at night because its mainly a business district and not so much bars and restaurants but thats changing there are now many more condos and bars and stuff in the loop. I lived in the loop for a while. Yes there are going to be crazy homeless people and crackheads walking around crazily but thats any major city. Overall its very safe. Chicago is one of those places people seem to hate or love.
I love Chicago.
Yes, there are bad neighborhoods.
If you are there on business you more than likely won't come across the bad neighborhoods. The areas around the museums and the Navy Pier or shopping districts downtown are fine. Check out Chicago's Police Department website for more info.
Just like any large city (or small town, for that matter), always be conscientious of your surroundings. All cities have their good spots and bad spots....and just because an area is considered "safe" doesn't mean something can't happen. If you stay in the "tourist" areas you should be just fine. Areas around the museums, Navy Pier, John Hancock, Sears Tower, State St. shopping area, etc....your good. Just don't go to far south in the city!!!
