The Worst Suburbs in Chicago for Living: A Comprehensive Guide

When considering where to live in Chicago, it's important to evaluate the safety and quality of life in different neighborhoods and suburbs. While the city itself has seen improvements, certain suburban areas fall short in terms of safety, property values, and overall quality of life. This article explores some of the worst suburbs of Chicago, providing an overview of the issues and areas to avoid.

Tackling the South Suburbs

Among the south suburbs, a few areas stand out as particularly problematic:

Harvey: Harvey is one of the worst suburbs in the south area. According to reports, it had a concerning 31 homicides in 2021, despite being a small community with only 25,000 residents. This makes it stand out in terms of crime rates among the suburbs. Dixmoor: This suburb shares many of the same issues as Harvey, with a significant crime rate. It's close to the rough areas of the south side of Chicago. Riverdale: Known for having some of the highest crime rates in the country, Riverdale, despite having some secure neighborhoods, is largely unsafe. It's recommended to avoid the streets at night to stay safe. Robbins: Located near the south side of Chicago, Robbins faces numerous issues related to crime and urban decay.

Other south suburbs such as Ford Heights, Dolton, Phoenix, and Markham, while not as bad as the most notorious areas, still don't meet the standards expected of suburban living. These areas generally don't have the same low crime rates as other Chicago suburbs and are better avoided for safety and quality of life.

The West Suburbs and Chicagoland

Looking at the west side of Chicagoland, Maywood and Bellwood are often cited as some of the worst areas. Although they might not reach the same level of crime and violence as the worst neighborhoods in Chicago, they still offer a less-than-ideal living environment.

Even Cicero and neighborhoods near Austin Ave, particularly those bordering the city, can be considered sketchy, especially at night. Areas like Oak Park are also scrutinized, with some parts being more concerning during nighttime hours.

The Northern Suburbs and Beyond

Approaching the northern suburbs, Waukegan and North Chicago often get bad reputations. They are known for urban decay and have higher crime rates, making them less attractive options compared to the more established northern suburbs.

Northwest Indiana Suburbs

When considering northwest Indiana suburbs as part of the Chicago area, Gary emerges as one of the worst options. With conditions resembling those of Detroit and high crime rates, it's not advised for living.

Conclusion and Safety Tips

While the worst suburbs in Chicago present significant challenges, they do serve as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough research before choosing a home. Here are a few safety tips and considerations for the areas mentioned:

Avoid walking alone at night in unsafe neighborhoods. Investigate local crime data to assess the safety of your potential move. Consider family and community support networks when evaluating neighborhoods. Stay informed about local news and crime incidents.

When choosing a suburb in Chicago, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons, especially when considering safety, property values, and community resources.