Grand Boulevard

Many new construction and rehabbed homes and condos in 2017; there's many very nice blocks. I'm the next neighborhood over and wouldn't mind purchasing or investing there. Crime happens anywhere. Situated between Kenwood and Bronzeville, GB is not a "bad" area.

I live in the Grand Boulevard/Bronzeville section one block east of State street, and I was somewhat shocked to read about how 'dangerous' many people make it out to be. My street is a beautiful, quiet, tree-lined street full of new construction. Even on the streets further east, there is quiet. I walk in the area all the time, alone or with friends, at any time of the day and night, and nothing ever happens. I guess it depends on the perception, but there are a lot of stately mansions; some are occupied while some are waiting to be restored. I am not saying it is 100% safe, but no area is. I am saying that there is not as much crime as people are making it seem. As is the case with Kenwood, Oakland, and Douglas. They have their share of crime, and some areas have not been restored, But I wouldn't be that afraid to not walk through these areas or not live here.

Unfortunately, Grand Boulevard is not one of the nicer parts of Chicago. I've only been through the neighborhood a few times, but I've never found it to be safe or to have much to offer. Many of the buildings are vacant, and many lots are just empty. It could really use some revitalization.

The best thing I can come up with to say about Grand Boulevard would be the low cost of living, but that's only because of the poor quality of the area. I hate to be so down on any area, but I've mostly avoided Grand Boulevard because it isn't that safe.

This is another neighborhood that has fallen into disrepair and has just not managed to get out of it. There is a great deal of poverty and despair in the area which makes for a hostile and crime-ridden environment. While you won't feel unsafe on the major streets in the area because of bustling foot traffic the side roads will lead you down a lifestyle that you are better off not seeing. Vacant lots, slums and condemned and abandoned housing seems to be the norm. Grand Boulevard has been waiting for it's revitalization for a long time, but it simply does not seem to be coming. The area is rundown and while you might not worry in the stark daylight hours about your safety it is a concern as the streets grow dark and deserted at night. Not the ideal place for anyone.

The Grand Boulevard neighborhood includes M. L. King Drive from 39th Street/Pershing Road to 51st Street which is considered part of Bronzville. In the old days, the street was known as South Parkway and was lined with several huge mansions and 3-story brown and greystone apartment buildings. I actually lived on 42nd and Prairie for a few years as a young child. Still remember the rattling sound of the EL as it ran down the alley behind our building.

The area around the intersection of King Drive and 47th Street was a hotspot of jazz and blues clubs. 47th Street was the area’s primary commercial strip lined with several small to medium sized retail stores and restaurants. And on King Drive there was the famous and fabulous Regal Theater. In the 60s this neighborhood was a very cool place to be – even for a 10-year old kid like me! Of course, my biggest enjoyment was the annual Bud Billiken Day parade down King Drive. It was and still is one of the biggest and most spectacular parades in the United States.

Sadly, the decades have not been kind to the neighborhood as a whole. The economic decline is extremely evident on King Drive and even worse on the side streets. I had the opportunity last year to visit a friend who lives in the area. What an eye-opening experience that was, which I decided I would not repeat. It was too depressing. Too many vacant lots, crumbling and boarded-up houses and apartment buildings, too much poverty.

Despite the rebuilding, renovation, and restoration that local aldermen have been trying to jumpstart for at least the past 10 years, and Bronzeville’s status as a landmark district, the Grand Boulevard neighborhood is still only struggling. Although King Drive is still a "grand boulevard" with its many trees and grassy strips, I wouldn't call it a scenic thoroughfare any more. But it's still a great street for the Billiken Day parade! (WOW! I just realized the parade is this Saturday Aug 14th. I may just head down there! I DO love a good parade!)