Englewood
Ranked 66th best neighborhood in Chicago
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Great for
- Cost of Living
- Public Transport
Not great for
- Childcare
- Schools
- Resale or Rental Value
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
Who lives here?
- Singles
- Families with kids
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Reviews
Englewood
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Shopping Options
- Parking
- Public Transport
"Englewood - Finally Getting the Attention it Needs"
Englewood has been a very rough neighborhood since the 60s. Yes, the area is impoverished and crime is a big problem. There’s not any reason to visit the neighborhood, and you shouldn’t go walking around by yourself at night. However, you are not going to get shot up just driving through the neighborhood, just like you won’t while driving through any neighborhood here.
Englewood has long been ignored and pushed under the rug by the city, and many buildings are falling apart, boarded up and deserted. The area is in real need of help.
Residents in Englewood really want change for the area and have been working for decades to fix things up. There are a lot of community organizations that have done great things and provided much needed services for the neighborhood. They’ve also been working with the city to start improvements.
A huge neighborhood revitalization project has been going on for the last 10 years or so, thanks to commitment from residents, businesses and (FINALLY) the city. New buildings are being built, including residences and commercial properties to attract more businesses to the area, and streets are being fixed. Kennedy-King College opened up a few years ago – it’s a community college that also houses a culinary school.
Englewood has a ways to go, but the improvements are definitely working in favor of people who call the neighborhood home.
Englewood has long been ignored and pushed under the rug by the city, and many buildings are falling apart, boarded up and deserted. The area is in real need of help.
Residents in Englewood really want change for the area and have been working for decades to fix things up. There are a lot of community organizations that have done great things and provided much needed services for the neighborhood. They’ve also been working with the city to start improvements.
A huge neighborhood revitalization project has been going on for the last 10 years or so, thanks to commitment from residents, businesses and (FINALLY) the city. New buildings are being built, including residences and commercial properties to attract more businesses to the area, and streets are being fixed. Kennedy-King College opened up a few years ago – it’s a community college that also houses a culinary school.
Englewood has a ways to go, but the improvements are definitely working in favor of people who call the neighborhood home.
Pros
- caring community
Cons
- a lot of crime
Recommended for
- Singles
- Families with kids
Englewood
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Peace & Quiet
"Not Good--Really Really Really Not Good"
Englewood is one of the Chicago neighborhoods that I actually feel sorry for. It could be great—someday—just not today or in the near future. It would take a major overhaul to remove the innate criminal element and general bad energy you feel throughout the area. Found on the South Side, it is the neighborhood that gives the South Side a bad reputation. Don’t be fooled—the entire South Side isn’t bad, just Englewood.
Is there hope for Englewood? Sure, there’s always hope. But, if you made the mistake of moving there or going there at night, there wouldn’t be much hope for you. All I can really say about Englewood is stay away. Sure, it’s cheap. But that’s only because there’s a good chance you’ll have some contact with crime while living there. Is the low rent really worth risking your life? I think not. I’ll take higher rent and a feeling of security any day.
I honestly wouldn’t even recommend visiting Englewood. There are some good things about the neighborhood, but they are hard to appreciate while there. Until some major changes come, I will avoid Englewood like the plague. Sorry to say it, but Englewood is just not worth the risk.
Is there hope for Englewood? Sure, there’s always hope. But, if you made the mistake of moving there or going there at night, there wouldn’t be much hope for you. All I can really say about Englewood is stay away. Sure, it’s cheap. But that’s only because there’s a good chance you’ll have some contact with crime while living there. Is the low rent really worth risking your life? I think not. I’ll take higher rent and a feeling of security any day.
I honestly wouldn’t even recommend visiting Englewood. There are some good things about the neighborhood, but they are hard to appreciate while there. Until some major changes come, I will avoid Englewood like the plague. Sorry to say it, but Englewood is just not worth the risk.
Cons
- Dangerous
- Dangerous
- Dangerous
Englewood
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"One of the most dangerous parts of the city"
Englewood is, unfortunately, one of the worst neighborhoods in the city. I can honestly say that I would avoid even driving through the neighborhood with a police escort.
I don't know the exact crime statistics, but I can say with confidence that you would be taking your life into your hands if you choose to visit.
Living here would be terribly dangerous. I realize the cost of living is pretty low, but it's like choosing to buy milk that's expired. Sure, it might still be good, but more than likely you'll be sorry.
There are no landmarks worth visiting. I can't see a tourist stopping by, unless they want to be mugged or shot in Chicago. Sorry, nothing good to say about Englewood. I've seen enough. I don't see improvements happening anytime soon. Steer clear.
I don't know the exact crime statistics, but I can say with confidence that you would be taking your life into your hands if you choose to visit.
Living here would be terribly dangerous. I realize the cost of living is pretty low, but it's like choosing to buy milk that's expired. Sure, it might still be good, but more than likely you'll be sorry.
There are no landmarks worth visiting. I can't see a tourist stopping by, unless they want to be mugged or shot in Chicago. Sorry, nothing good to say about Englewood. I've seen enough. I don't see improvements happening anytime soon. Steer clear.
Pros
- No improvements on the horizon
Cons
- Dangerous
Recommended for
- Singles
Englewood
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Lack of Traffic
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
"Poor Englewood - Literally"
There are not a lot of good things to say about Englewood. Even when I was a young kid in the 60s, the area had a bad reputation for being gang-infested. Years later, I was surprised to hear from my mother that in the 40s when she was a kid growing up in Chicago, Englewood was a beautiful, middle class neighborhood of working people and families.
Last year, I had the opportunity to visit a cousin who lives there. She and her mom chose to buy a 4-unit apartment building there, about 7 years ago. Going to visit them via public transportation (CTA El) was easy enough. I got on the southbound Green Line train from Downtown. The stop closest to them was the end of the Green Line at Ashland Avenue and 63rd Street, then a 4-block walk to their building.
I knew where I was going – Englewood – so I scheduled my travel/visit during the day. Nevertheless, one needs to be vigilante, and so I was. Walking west on 63rd Street was an experience. So many boarded-up storefronts; but a few businesses still operating: hair/nail salons, liquor stores, neighborhood fast food joints, etc. But several large, vacant lots. Not a pretty picture.
The street my where my cousins live was off the commercial strip (63rd Street) and appeared to be like any residential street in any city. It was quiet, tree-lined; filled with single-family homes and vintage apartment buildings. The building my cousins bought and live in is over 100 years old.
Bottom line: Englewood has continued to decline since it was established in 1871. There has been a lot of change over the years. But none of it seems to have helped/elevated this neighborhood into a “great place” to live. Certainly, there are bargains on housing, both single and multi-unit. And with CTA’s bus routes and El system, you’re close to every/anywhere else you might want to go. But Englewood is still largely infested with gang and crime activity. Visit there; live there at your own risk.
Last year, I had the opportunity to visit a cousin who lives there. She and her mom chose to buy a 4-unit apartment building there, about 7 years ago. Going to visit them via public transportation (CTA El) was easy enough. I got on the southbound Green Line train from Downtown. The stop closest to them was the end of the Green Line at Ashland Avenue and 63rd Street, then a 4-block walk to their building.
I knew where I was going – Englewood – so I scheduled my travel/visit during the day. Nevertheless, one needs to be vigilante, and so I was. Walking west on 63rd Street was an experience. So many boarded-up storefronts; but a few businesses still operating: hair/nail salons, liquor stores, neighborhood fast food joints, etc. But several large, vacant lots. Not a pretty picture.
The street my where my cousins live was off the commercial strip (63rd Street) and appeared to be like any residential street in any city. It was quiet, tree-lined; filled with single-family homes and vintage apartment buildings. The building my cousins bought and live in is over 100 years old.
Bottom line: Englewood has continued to decline since it was established in 1871. There has been a lot of change over the years. But none of it seems to have helped/elevated this neighborhood into a “great place” to live. Certainly, there are bargains on housing, both single and multi-unit. And with CTA’s bus routes and El system, you’re close to every/anywhere else you might want to go. But Englewood is still largely infested with gang and crime activity. Visit there; live there at your own risk.
Englewood
rating details
2yrs+
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Schools
"Why put yourself in harm's way?"
Don’t visit this South Side neighborhood unless you are going to visit your grandmother or some other unavoidable reason. Anyone familiar with the area knows that there is gang activity, prostitution, and other kinds of shady activity going down. Real estate listings in Englewood are low for a reason! The murder rate has remained high in recent years, making this neighborhood anything but a prize place. As recently as April there was a shooting caught on video – and subsequently posted to the internet, of course – where at least 16 people were caught in the crossfire. Like I said, this is not a place anyone need go without a specific reason in mind.
Luckily, there isn’t much there that would attract an unsuspecting tourist to this ‘hood. (Also: an unsuspecting tourist is a pretty far-fetched idea – Englewood’s reputation PROCEEDS it.) The neighborhood lacks decent housing, decent educational facilities, and even if there are groups working toward a better Englewood present in the area, their own facilities are even lacking. This place is in no way a safe bet or a good investment – if it’s possible, just stay away!
Luckily, there isn’t much there that would attract an unsuspecting tourist to this ‘hood. (Also: an unsuspecting tourist is a pretty far-fetched idea – Englewood’s reputation PROCEEDS it.) The neighborhood lacks decent housing, decent educational facilities, and even if there are groups working toward a better Englewood present in the area, their own facilities are even lacking. This place is in no way a safe bet or a good investment – if it’s possible, just stay away!
