Hermosa

I've lived in the northern part Hermosa for many years. I have raised my children here and made good family friends. This area has beautiful brick bungalows at a fraction of the prices of surrounding neighborhoods (Logan Square, Old Irving Park). PROS: beautiful and historic Chicago bungalows, many ripe for restoration, many already restored or updated. Wonderful neighbors and growing community spirit! Area residents value their safe and family friendly neighborhood. My diverse block has many families with children, who play outside in the summer, on the front lawns, safely. Parks! I can walk with my kids to 3 parks easily : Kelvyn, Ken-Well, Kilbourn (a beautiful Park with a running track, soccer fields, and organic greenhouse). Transit: though there is no close El stop, the area is well-served by metra stops (Grayland, Healy), and the Belmont and Diversey buses, which take to/from the Blue line quickly. Fantastic neighbors. Best tacos and wood-grilled chicken in the city at Ricardo's. Quiet area and safe, by Chicago standards. Schools are ok.

CONS: some crime still happens, mainly property crime like small burglaries. Gangs are still about, though they do not bother you generally, only each other. They are not so visible, but graffitti and other things do come through every so often. Less and less. The neighborhood is safer than average and generally quiet, though. Other cons: no el station within close walking. ALso: the business districts along Diversey and Belmont at the neighborhood's northern edge are in need of renovation and development - right now there is a lot of empty space. Many neighbors are eager to see more coffee shops, restaurants, and other small businesses move west from Logan Square. It is a bit boring right now. Buying a home in this area is probably a great idea right now. With the new Binny's Beverage Depot coming at Pulaski and Diversey, and the huge development of live/work/shopping space at The Fields project (former Macy's warehouse at Diversey/Pulaski) this area is about to bloom.

I've stopped by Hermosa handful of times, and I've always had a good time here. Thing is, there isn't all that much to do. I've had dinner here a few times, but for the life of me I can't remember the name of the restaurant. In a lot of ways, that sort of sums up the neighborhood. It's nice, I've enjoyed it, but it's overall unmemorable.

The times I've visited Hermosa I've felt safe, although I don't think I would suggest any women go for walks alone at night. I don't normally suggest that anywhere in the city, but Hermosa is a bit less safe than some nicer areas. I'm not calling it truly unsafe, and it's a lot better than other parts of Chicago, but it's still not the best.

Overall, if you have a limited budget, then I think Hermosa would be good for you. Not a travel destination, and you'll have to travel a bit yourself if you're looking for a party, but it's still pretty decent.