West Elsdon

West Elsdon has in recent years become a bit more dangerous place to live. It isn't so much the neighborhood itself, so much as the surrounding areas. Gage Park and Brighton Park are both right nearby, and their influence has not been great. I don't know the crime statistics, but most of what I hear is not very good. This is really unfortunate, because West Elsdon used to be a pretty nice place.

The food is still a bright spot. There is more than one place that claims to have the best pizza in Chicago, and while I may not totally agree, you can do a lot worse then West Elsdon if you're looking for a slice. Try out Positanos, you'll be happy.

I don't remember there being many decent bars, and again, for a white guy at night, it's not the safest place to be.

I know there is some modestly priced housing available, but I don't see the resale value being very high at all. I don't want to say stay away, but you may want to keep your distance. There are better places to be.

I'd say the shopping is pretty poor, mainly because it was entirely forgettable.

I've had friends tell me that the area is getting worse. It does seem like most of the news I hear is about crime, but then many times that is the case. Still, with other bad neighborhoods in the area, I'm afraid that West Elsdon may continue on the downward slope. You may find a reasonably priced place to live, but I wouldn't suggest the investment.