<p>The City of Chicago, where I resided for several years, can vary dramatically in safety from block to block. You simply have to stay out of the especially bad areas even in broad daylight. This isn’t that difficult in practice, because there are few reasons to go there. That said, caution is advisable in any of the downtown or lakefront neighborhoods where you’re likely to spend time.</p>
<p>The neighborhoods immediately south of campus and those west of Hyde Park are extremely dangerous. Unfortunately, the “L” stops closest to campus are in these extremely dangerous areas. You have to use buses or Metra suburban trains to go downtown or to the North Side.</p>
<p>Another safety issue is that it’s unsafe to take public transportation late at night in Chicago, even in relatively safe neighborhoods. Even late in the evening can be dicey. It’s unwise not to pay for a cab ride. Since Hyde Park is about six miles from downtown and 8-10 miles from many North Side hotspots, cabs can get very expensive.</p>
<p>Owning a car isn’t a viable answer. Parking is extremely difficult. It can take half an hour or more to find a legal parking space in either Hyde Park or the neighborhoods you’re likely to go to. Most people would find it necessary to pay for a monthly parking space and then pay to park most places you drive to. This could easily cost hundreds of dollars per month. Even if money is no object, driving in Chicago is extremely difficult and slow.</p>
<p>That said, the University of Chicago may be worth the risk. It’s an amazing place for those who value its intellectual environment.</p>