<p>Chicago has a high density of crime in bad areas due to gangs, but is very crime-free otherwise. I’ve lived on the South Side of Chicago for 3 years, and basically, you’re guaranteed your safety if you don’t journey out alone, even after midnight. In fact, I regularly walk home (which is about 10 blocks away from the library) at 2 to 3 am, and I’ve never had any problems.</p>