BCoughlin

It's a pretty obvious street to review, but honestly, it's one of, if not the most famous and popular, streets in Chicago. Of course, no one is going to mention this street without mentioning the great dining and shopping destinations. The Magnificent Mile is one of those areas that people never forget about.

My only complaint is that it's so upscale. A little to rich for me. I like to visit here though. I don't really spend any money, since I can usually get similar stuff somewhere else for about one tenth the price, but the experience is a must. I'd recommend visiting for anyone coming to Chicago, but really, why recommend it when everyone will visit anyways?

I've grown up outside Chicago, and have loved the city my whole life. I like going downtown to Greek Town and eating at the Parthenon, which is one of the best restaurants in my opinion. Taking in a ball game either at Wrigley or Cellular One Field (I prefer the Cubs) is great fun also.

I always used to watch Ferris Bueller's Day Off growing up and it's one of my favorite movies because it's a love letter to the city. It really showed off so much of what makes Chicago great. The city has a magic all to itself. I've been to other cities and really liked them, but Chicago is my city, and it's just great to be here. The latest two Batman films were shot here, and for good reason, as the filmmakers knew that there is a distinct architectural design to so many of the buildings, and a beautiful character that you don't get in New York or Los Angeles.

And one interesting fact for those not in the know. Chicago is not called the Windy City because of wind. When the World's Fair came to Chicago over 100 years ago, their marketing and advertising was so aggressive that other cities resented the boasting of Chicagoans, and they said they were full of wind, making Chicago the 'Windy City.'

It is a great town, and certainly has more to offer than any other midwest city.

Obviously, the first thing to mention when discussing the neighborhood of O'hare is the airport, which is of course the largest airport in the city, and one of the bigger airports in the US. The neighborhood is about 14 miles northwest of the loop, so it is a bit far away from the main action of the city, but the airport really helps make the area prosper.

Of course, public transportation in the area is great, and if you're a frequent business or pleasure traveler, having close access to the airport is a huge plus. I do feel it could get a bit noisy though, so be wary of that.

It's also close to a lot of businesses, which have located their headquarters so close to the airport. So for business reasons, there's a lot to come by for.

Residences in the area are, in my experience, pretty nice and the area seems safe. Again, the noise may be a problem, and the traffic can get really congested, so it's worth mentioning, and certainly detracts from the neighborhood's appeal.

Nearby is the Rosemont horizon, or Allstate arena, where a lot of concerts and sporting events are held. Though I don't think it's actually in the neighborhood (it may be) it's still close enough that those living here wouldn't have to travel far to get there.

I'm not the biggest fan of South Deering.I've been in the neighborhood a few times, and I can't say I have a reason to come back. I wouldn't call it particularly safe, but it isn't the worst place in the city.

Because of the few places to eat, shop, or get a drink, the home prices are pretty low. I guess that would be the biggest plus for the neighborhood. I'm not going to give it much more time than this. Not a lot to do, not a lot to say.

I have to admit that Riverdale is one of my least favorite neighborhoods in Chicago. I have essentially no reasons to visit the area.

Crime is higher here that the average for the city, and the neighborhood is fairly poor. I looked it up, and the average income of Riverdale residents is a third of that of the average Chicago resident. I also noticed some statistics on the education of the average resident, and it was a lot lower than the rest of Chicago. There is a far greater number of people in Riverdale without a high school education than the average for other Chicago neighborhoods.

I normally don't like to be so down on any neighborhood, but Riverdale is not a place to visit, and certainly not a place to live or raise a family if you have any opportunity elsewhere. I would just say avoid as best as you can.

I have a hard time talking about Northwood Park. It isn't a bad neighborhood, but it's just a little boring to me. I will say it seems safe. I've never felt the least bit threatened on any of the streets, but I've only been here a few times, so maybe there are worse times than when I was there.

As far as eating out or getting a drink, forget it. There isn't a single place worth mentioning. There are a few fast food places, but those are essentially everywhere. I don't remember anywhere to get a drink, let alone try to meet someone.

Shopping is similarly nonexistent. There are some shopping centers in nearby neighborhoods, but nothing actually in Northwood Park.

I feel like I should give the neighborhood 3 stars because it is safe, but I feel that's too kind to such a quiet neighborhood.

I have to admit, the Near West Side has a special place in my heart. I'm not sure my review will be particularly balanced because of this.

I've been coming here all my life. My parents introduced me to the Parthenon, one of, no, THE BEST, Greek restaurant in the city when I was a baby. They tell me stories of the first time they lit the Saganaki on fire and screamed 'OPahhhh' right near me and I cried, but by the next time we went I was ready for it and yelled louder than anyone. I love the food there. Definitely some of my finest Chicago memories are of the Parthenon.

I'm currently 25 years old, and I've watched the area grow since I was young. I remember when it wasn't so nice in the Near West Side, but I think Daly did a lot of good here, and it is MUCH safer than it used to be and I feel very safe on the streets, which I mostly find to be quite clean.

The United Center is right nearby, and while I haven't lived here, I would love to, if for no other reason than the close proximity to the Parthenon and the Bulls.

Absolutely, without doubt, HIGHLY recommended.

EDITED:

I wanted to give a few more thoughts, since it's been a while since I wrote this review. I wouldn't say I disagree with anything I've said thus far, but I've had a few good times in the Near West Side that I wanted to share. I was just recently at The Parthenon, and took in a few bars in Greek Town, and it was a fantastic night. Part of me really wishes I'd moved to the Near West Side (I'm an Evanston boy now), because of how clean and nice it is here. You're right nearby for a lot of good fun in other neighborhoods, and there's plenty to do right here in the neighborhood. While I wouldn't say you could never leave (ya gotta work), you could spend a heck of a lot of time here without needing to head into other parts of the city. There are good restaurants, bars and more to make this a quality neighborhood to live in.

Greater Grand Crossing is an affordable neighborhood with some potential, especially over the last few years since the Gary Corner Youth Center was opened. Mr. Corner was a successful businessman who passed away a few years ago, but the Youth Center he built late in life has given the youth in the area a great opportunity to explore creative activities in a safe environment.

The unfortunate aspect of Greater Grand Crossing is that it isn't the safest neighborhood, and there isn't as much to look for in the neighborhood. I don't love the area, but after the Youth Center opened, I think it will continue to improve.

Home prices and rentals are pretty reasonable, and while I wouldn't call it the safest place, it also isn't by any means terribly dangerous. For food, most places are low key, and I only remember eateries in the area being Bar-b-ques, so it's good for that style of food, but there's nothing of particular note here. Certainly no upscale restaurants or dining destinations.

One last thing to mention is Lee's Unleaded Blues. I'm a big blues fan myself, and while the best for me will always be Buddy Guy's Legends, Lee's is a cool place to listen to some good blues and jazz.

So while I'm not giving a huge recommendation to Greater Grand Crossing, there are some things worth visiting for, and I think there will be some continued improvements in the next few years.

The main thing that comes to mind when I think about Uptown is the Aragon Ballroom. It is a legendary venue that has hosted a number of great musical acts throughout the years. Definitely a tourist destination, but then so is the rest of Uptown, which is known for having had so many gangsters in the past.

Today, it's more of a tourist destination, and it's pretty safe. Police patrol the area fairly regularly, and I feel safe walking around here. The only problem times would come on nights with a big show and there are a lot of people walking around in too excited a mood. I wouldn't say you're unsafe at these times, but it's certainly something to keep in mind.

Overall, I don't know that I'd want to live here, as it seems noisy and there's too much in terms of visitors, but I would definitely continue to visit. It's a great place to have some fun.

I'm a big fan of Edgewater. I'm not sure it's a place I'm totally interested in living in, but it's a great place to visit. The reason I say it's not where I want to live is that there is a very large gay community in the area. I have nothing against this, but I'm more in favor of areas where there are larger numbers of available heterosexual females.

That said, I have had a great time in Edgewater more than once. There are some great places to eat, some of which are a little different than your staples like Chicago pizza. Pueblito Viejo is a favorite for me, as it serves Mexican style food, although, as I understand it, it's really more South American than Mexican. I can't claim the most sophisticated palate, but it is really good and worth checking out if you want something different.

Ravenwood's Pub is a great place to find a drink, and I've always enjoyed having a shot of tequila there because there are so many to choose from.

Overall, I've found Edgewater to be safe and a fun place to visit. I'm not sure it's for everyone, but I highly recommend it for a fun night out.

I'm going to have to say that Kenwood is one of those neighborhoods that I would really like to live in right now. It's not that it is the best area itself, but the prices are pretty good for the most part, and since I have relatively little means right now (no wife or kids) and I don't need a ton of space, I'm looking for something here that will work real well.

One of the reasons why I like Kenwood so much is that it's close to areas like Hyde Park, which is another of my favorite parts of the city. While I might rather live there, Kenwood is a good alternative if you're looking to be close.

Crime is, in my opinion, not too bad here. I've never felt seriously threatened or anything. Of course, caution should be taken, etc etc, but that doesn't mean you have to think about running for it every second you're out like in some areas.

I've seen a lot of families in Kenwood, and I would say it is pretty good for those looking to raise a family. As it is the neighborhood of President Obama, I think that bodes well for the neighborhood to continue to see improvement and gentrification in the coming years, meaning get in while you still can!

I've been through Jeffery Manor a few times now, and I've always been surprised at how much I like it, especially as there isn't as much there as I would normally like.

I will say I saw a fair number of places to shop, although they mostly seemed pretty standard. I had a friend who lived there who loved the local Gamestop, but that's a very common chain found most places. Still, it's nice to have that, especially if you live there, but it doesn't give you much reason to visit.

The biggest downfall for Jeffery Manor is that it's pretty far south. It almost didn't feel like I was still in a part of the city. I don't really mind that, but I'm not used to going so far south. I'm more north west than south, so I don't get to Jeffery Manor or even many of the surrounding neighborhoods that much, but that's just because it's so far.

Jefferson Park is a decent neighborhood that I've been through only a handful of times during my lifetime in Chicago. I can't claim to have very much to say about the neighborhood, but that is mostly due to the fact that it's a relatively quite neighborhood without a ton of really great places to eat at or see.

This isn't to be overly critical of Jefferson Park, it just isn't as happening a place as other parts of Chicago. I have enjoyed some Mexican food here on occasion, but it is mostly a quiet, residential area. Home prices are not that high, and they tend to be decent homes. Crime isn't too bad from what I recall, and I didn't feel unsafe here, but I wouldn't say there's a lot of crime here either.

The biggest negative I would place on Jefferson Park is that it's just another neighborhood. Not really special, but that's not to say bad. Just unremarkable.

Irving Park is, in my opinion, not really a part of Chicago. I realize that technically it is included in the city, but I really look at it as a suburb. The odd thing is that I feel like Irving Park still tries a bit to hold onto being a part of the city, so it never quite goes all the way to being a suburb.

Some people might consider it nice that you could have the best of both worlds, but I see it has not having the best of either world. It certainly isn't a place with all the action and excitement of the city, but there are a handful of good, but low key places to get a bite to eat or a drink.

Shopping is also fairly low key, but it's serviceable. Nothing worth going out of your way for, but if you lived in Irving Park you'd be okay.

I would recommend Irving Park for families only. I'm not saying you can't have a good time here, but there are more exciting places. I'd say it's relatively safe, and while it isn't the most affordable part of Chicago, the prices aren't as bad as some of the suburbs.

Obviously, the first thing to mention about Hyde Park is the University of Chicago, which is in the neighborhood. Being a 25 year old guy, I love stopping by as there are a number of people my age there, and some of my best friends in the city attend the school or live in Hyde Park. As the University is there, there are a number of college friendly places to eat, get a cup of coffee, or go shopping, but there are also some other cool things to see in Hyde Park.

I've been by the Museum of Science and Industry a few times, only once recently, but I also went when I was younger. I have to admit I enjoyed it more when I was younger, although I have a different appreciation for it now.

Overall, I find Hyde Park to be a great neighborhood. I know another reviewer said there were some crime problems, but I've never found that to be the case, and the area is, in my opinion, nicer today than in the past, so if there were problems once, it isn't so much the case anymore. That's not to say crime is non existent, but I wouldn't call it a problem area. Housing is generally affordable, but there are some nicer places that are more expensive. The nice thing is that most of the places to eat offer a lot of good food for a reasonable price. Definitely one of my favorite neighborhoods.

I see a bright future for Humboldt Park. It used to be a really rough neighborhood with a lot of crime, but it has been cleaned up as of late, and the actual park that lends its name to the neighborhood is family friendly now, and I feel pretty safe here. I know it has had a reputation in the past for being tough, so I think that scares some people off, but it's really not that bad anymore. I wouldn't suggest walking around at night without keeping an eye on the lookout, but overall it's really coming into its own.

The area has not, as of yet, really been gentrified, which can be a good thing, but I think a bit more gentrification would help drive up home prices and really solidify the improvements that have taken place. Perhaps if a few Starbucks showed up it would bring in more yuppies. Yeah, I know the yuppie crowd seems like it would ruin the unique flavor, but it's a safe crowd that brings in a lot of money to an area that can really help rejuvenate the community.

I could see in the next 5 to 10 years Humboldt Park getting a little more gentrified and becoming a great area. It isn't there yet, but it could get there.

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.

I'm not the biggest fan of Hegewisch. I've been through the area a few times, and I've never seen hardly a thing worth stopping for. The dining options available looked at best below average, and the overall atmosphere was, for me, somewhat depressing.

I've never heard of it being that dangerous, but I know some of the nearby areas are, to say the least, unsafe, and that type of thing tends to have a large area effect. I've never had a problem myself, but that's because I wouldn't feel safe walking alone at night, and have chosen to never do so. Perhaps one day I'll have a horror story to tell, and can rank Hegewisch with just one star instead of a generous two.

The home prices are low, which is something, but really, you get what you pay for.

I will not be recommending Gresham for anyone to be living in any time soon. For those of you who like the area (I have no idea who you could be) I'm sorry, but it isn't the safest part of the city. I don't know the crime statistics off the top of my head, but I have no doubt it's higher than average. That alone is enough to avoid the neighborhood.

One other reason to avoid Gresham is that there isn't much to see. I can't think of many reasons people would have for visiting. The lack of good stores and restaurants immediately put it at the bottom of my list of neighborhoods.

I'm not entirely sure that Gresham is the most dangerous part of the city, and there are certainly areas with a worse reputation, but I wouldn't feel terribly comfortable here even during the day. With Superman walking next to me

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.

Goose Island is one of my favorite Chicago Neighborhoods. I'm not a big beer drinker personally, but I love pubs and pub food, which you will find in abundance here.

Obviously, there is a fair amount to drink here, but it also has some of the nicer homes in Chicago. I guess some people think it's isolated from the rest of the city because of the river, but not really. Still, the homes and condos here are spectacularly nice, and while not exactly affordable, if you have the means, you should definitely give it a look.

Probably one of the more attractive things about Goose Island is it's relative proximity to so much that's going on in the city. It's right nearby the Loop, as well as Wicker Park and the Ukrainian Village. Those are a few of my other favorite parts of the city, so it's nice to have such a good overall area.

I can't claim to have an overwhelming amount of experience in Garfield Ridge. I've been through a handful of times, and each time I visited I did notice that it was a nice enough area, and didn't seem dangerous or unwelcoming.

There are a handful of places to eat and shop, but nothing extraordinary. I wouldn't avoid the area, but it doesn't have a lot to offer someone just looking for a visit.

The main thing to note about Garfield Park is how close it is to Midway airport. This can be a blessing or a curse. If you go on a lot of business trips or just like to get out of town from time to time, the proximity to the airport will likely be a big bonus if you live here. On the flip side, it can get noisy. I was here a while back, and it seemed like there was constant noise from airplanes going overhead. I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for peace and quiet.

I have only a little experience with Garfield Park, but what I have experienced makes it one of my favorite neighborhoods. It's interesting, as I can see some of the negatives, with the lower economic classes in the area and what I think is above average crime (not too dangerous though) but at the same time when I think of Garfield Park, I think of beauty.

Of course, the main attraction is Garfield Park itself. It's a rather large park/conservatory, with a great deal to see every year, with new attractions put in place to keep people coming back. I can't claim to know a great deal about flora or fauna, and while I've done some minor landscaping for my parents, it's nothing that would help make me an expert. Still, there is splendor to behold in Garfield Park. The plant life is of course first on the list, but the overall style and structure of the park dazzles most who come here. I've been to France, seen Versailles (and no, this doesn't compare) but it is still so beautiful. It took me back to some of the beauty I've experienced in my life. It opens you up to something new. There are few places in Chicago quite like it.

I realize that the park contrasts somewhat severely with the rest of the neighborhood, as it does not share the beauty of the park, but the park elevates the area so well that I rank it above average, even if there isn't much else worth noting about Garfield Park.

Galewood is one of the furthest neighborhoods from downtown, and there isn't a whole lot here that makes it part of the city. Honestly, it's more suburb than city. That isn't the end of the world, but it makes for a less than exciting area.

Home prices aren't terrible, but it isn't as affordable as other parts of the city. Fortunately, it's a fairly safe part of the city, and while I haven't spent a whole lot of time here, I would feel perfectly comfortable doing so if there were more going on.

That's the big problem with Galewood. There just isn't all that much to come for. People don't often go visiting suburbs like they do cities. I can't think of any nightlife that anyone would want to come visiting for, and I don't see the restaurants, which are solid if unremarkable, being much of a draw either.

Overall, it's just a decent neighborhood that's a bit too quiet for my tastes.

Gage Park is a below average neighborhood. The crime rate, while not as bad as some areas, is higher than I would like, and frankly, there isn't a whole lot to do here.

I've been through Gage Park a few times, and the restaurant selection has mostly let me down. There are a handful of Mexican places, as the area is mostly Hispanic, and while some of it's good, nothing struck me as great or truly memorable. I do like Nicky's for Greek food, but that doesn't qualify the neighborhood for a visit.

The population is mostly lower class, which I think accounts for much of the crime, so the home prices and general cost of living isn't very high. That would be the one thing I really feel Gage Park has going for it. I wouldn't really consider living here unless money got really tight for a while. Otherwise, I'd spend a bit more to be in a neighborhood with more going on, and less crime.

Forest Glen is certainly one of the nicest and richest parts of the city. The area is extremely residential, and while many of the homes are older, they are extremely well preserved. Home prices in the area are quite high, so it isn't for everyone, but if you have the means, it is certainly a great area.

For any area with so much wealth, it is important to have safety and stability, and Forest Glen does not disappoint. Many of the residents are government officials, and since some are higher up in the police, there is no doubt they will have the safest neighborhood in the city. This is definitely a neighborhood where you can walk around at night with essentially no worries.

The biggest drawbacks to Forest Glen are the distance to down town, as the area is a good drive from the Loop, and the lack of real attractions. There are some good restaurants, but it isn't a tourist attraction, so you won't find a lot of people visiting. It's really a place to live, not travel to.

Overall, without question Forest Glen is one of the nicest places to live in the city. I do not personally have the means at present, but if I ever do, I would certainly consider raising a family there. Highly recommended if you can afford it.

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.

Edison Park is a primarily residential area that feels a lot more like a suburb than city neighborhood. Being one of the furthest neighborhoods from downtown, it is fairly quiet and safe in Edison Park.

It's also close to enough other areas that have more going on that if you lived here you wouldn't feel left out of the loop. Yeah, not all the best clubs are here, but you can get to Wrigleyville or other parts of the city quickly enough that it wouldn't be a terrible commute. You have the highway right nearby, so travel is mostly simple. Sometimes traffic gets a bit congested, but it isn't as bad as other areas.

Zia's Trattoria is one of the best Italian restaurants in the city, so you do have some excellent options available for dining if you want to stay within the neighborhood.

Overall, I wouldn't consider Edison Park a particularly exciting area, but it is a great place for families, with nice, quiet streets, and plenty of safety.

East Side was once known for its steel mills, although today it's mostly a residential area with a more and more suburban feel, rather than the industrial tone that used to dominate.

As far as real estate goes, East Side isn't half bad. The cost is lower than average in Chicago, without being so bad as to attract the wrong crowd. I wouldn't call it dangerous, although it may not also be considered the safest part of the city. Overall though, the area is pretty safe and you can raise a family here without having a lot to worry about.

For food, there is, of course, a handful of good pizza places, although there's more Mexican food than Italian. There is a decently portion of the population that's Hispanic, so much of the food is authentic, which is welcome for me, as I grew up on Taco Bell, which isn't exactly true Mexican cuisine.

The nightlife isn't really great, which I attribute to the mostly residential nature of the neighborhood.

I think of East Side as a nice area, although I have to admit I don't go there all that much. It's a bit far from down town, and there aren't any tourist attractions that would give you reason to visit.

Dunning has a great atmosphere and is one of the safer neighborhoods in the city. It makes for an excellent place to live for people with a lot of different economic backgrounds to live.

There is some excellent food, and while there aren't the famous restaurants that you might find in other places. Of course, you'll find pizza (this is Chicago) and many of the other options are your basic but good Midwest style American cuisine.

I wouldn't come for the nightlife, as there isn't so much for a younger guy like me, but you can find a drink if you've had a long day.

The main thing I think of is the safety and good neighborhood atmosphere. You can get to know your neighbors and go for a walk without being afraid. It's nice to have that in the city, and it isn't like you're particularly far from downtown.

Douglas is a predominantly African American neighborhood whose residents make well below the average for Chicago. This makes for a neighborhood without as many retail or dining options. The low income also means that the average price for housing isn't too bad, but that is also because the area isn't the safest to be around.

I haven't spent a lot of time in Douglas primarily because of the crime. I wouldn't say it's the most dangerous part of the city, but there are certainly problems which would make an evening stroll hazardous. I'm a 25 year old guy, and I wouldn't feel comfortable there, and I hardly ever think about safety when I'm walking around, so for a younger woman, it could be terrifying to live there.

Like most of the run down areas of Chicago, there are always plans in place to make improvement, and while these could help, I think it'll be a while before any significant changes are made. One benefit would have to be the close proximity to downtown, so the changes could come sooner than some of the outlying areas.

Cross your fingers, but don't hold your breath.

If you look through many of my posts, you'll notice that I tend to prefer younger, more energetic neighborhoods. DePaul certainly ranks amongst my favorite parts of the city.

First things first. DePaul is obviously dominated by the university, so there are plenty of younger people around. It helps that they tend to be students, so I personally feel safe in the area, and while you can always have problems, it isn't very bad here at all. The young population makes eating out good for me, as many of the local restaurants can only stay in business if they cater to the college crowd. Nightlife is also very good. You'll always find a good time without having to look too hard.

The one problem I have with DePaul is how expensive it is. I can't imagine how any student could afford to live here without having rich parents. I haven't looked for apartments in some of the other expensive areas of Chicago, but I have here, and it is unbelievable. I seriously doubt I'll be able to live here for the next for years at least, and that's too bad, because I'd love to.

Overall, DePaul is a great place to visit if you want to have some fun. Tough on the bank account if you're going to stay, but great for a day.

Craigin is a fairly limited area, and I can't claim to have a ton of experiences with the neighborhood. There aren't a lot of great restaurants and no nightlife that I can remember, but there are some good nearby dining locations and some good local bars for a drink. It won't satisfy the younger crowd looking for a fun clubbing experience, but you can at least get a drink.

The housing options tend to be older homes going back over 50 years, but most have been kept up fairly well, so it isn't a problem. There are a lot of families here, and it's pretty safe, so not a bad place to raise your kids. The homes aren't terribly expensive, but not cheap either, so it has that nice middle ground for a lot of younger families who need something affordable while not wanting to live in the projects. I'd give it a solid recommendation for a family, although it won't be considered terribly fun for visitors.

I would describe Clearing as a decent neighborhood. It isn't great, but it isn't as bad as other nearby neighborhoods.

The first thing to mention would have to be Midway Airport. The airport really dominates the area. If you stop by Clearing you'll likely hear and see some planes going overhead, which could be really annoying if you live here. The upside is that it's a bit safer than some of the surrounding neighborhoods, and you are close to the airport if you need to travel a lot. I wish I was a more frequent flyer than I am, so if I was jet-setting a bit more I might have another look at Clearing.

Otherwise, I'd say that the neighborhood is reasonably safe, the home prices aren't half bad, and there are a fair number of local businesses that do well in part because of their proximity to the airport.

Chinatown is one of my favorite Chicago Neighborhoods. In fact, I would guess it's a favorite for many residents as well as tourists. My first memory of Chinatown was when my parents took me when I was little and my dad bought me a wooden samurai sword. I thought it was the coolest thing ever.

Problems with Chinatown would have to do with real estate. It is incredibly difficult to find a place to live there. The prices are high for what you get, although the resale value is excellent. Most would be very lucky to find a nice place that's available. People move in and stay in Chinatown. That's a good thing, if you can get in.

The culture is, of course, the main draw for the neighborhood. You can get authentic Chinese food and goods here, and while I wouldn't say it's really like walking down a street in China, it is about as close as you'll get in America. My brother dated a girl from Hong Kong for a while, and it was cool to see her walk around from store to store and speak Mandarin or Cantonese to the many residents. It was also great to go with her because she knew all the different foods, and could help us find the best dish for our mostly American palates. My brother is a bit pickier eater than I am, so he always had to have the most 'normal' dish on the menu, but even he loved the new flavors and styles of food you could get. Without question, most people come to Chinatown for the food. And it is good.

I'd say Chinatown is also one of the safest neighborhoods in the city, mainly because it's such a tourist draw. No doubt the government doesn't want tourists coming through and saying how dangerous things were. It isn't exactly quiet, but it is safe.

Overall, Chinatown is a great place. I'm not sure I'd want to live there, although it is close to the loop, and has some much to culture to excite your imagination. I'd definitely recommend it.

Chatham is a predominantly African American neighborhood with a strong base of families in the residences, with many locally owned businesses in the area. Home prices are at what I would consider the best range for the city, as it is an affordable area without being so cheap that it brings in the wrong crowd. The lowest priced areas of the city tend to also be the highest in crime, but Chatham doesn't have that problem. No doubt you could have a problem here with some relatively unsafe times, but not so bad that you really need to worry about it.

Dining tends to be American and laid back. There are a few good Barbeque places to have dinner, and I tend to like the atmosphere. I'm a big fan of good old-fashioned cooking, and you can find plenty of that in Chatham.

Nightlife isn't the best, but there are a few places to get a drink.

Retail is a bright spot for Chatham. While not a tourist destination, the shops are a nice mix of bigger chains like Target and smaller locally owned businesses. It certainly seems the residents take pride in their community and their commercial success.

Canaryville is a boring residential area on the south side of the city. I can't think of anything you'd really want to visit there for, and I wouldn't suggest living there because of the lack of interest and some crime. It isn't the most dangerous part of the city, and I'd say it's mostly quiet, although the quiet makes me feel uneasy at times because you wonder if any police are even in the area.

I wouldn't visit for a park, or for dining or going out for drinks, as there is essentially nothing there worth looking into. It isn't terribly expensive, but that's because of how much it lacks.

Overall, I just don't have as much to say about Canaryville. It just doesn't interest me as much as other parts of the city.

Calumet Heights is a lower class residential neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. Almost everything here is residential. I remember a handful of places to eat, mostly pizza joints (this is Chicago), but the houses were the main characteristic of the area.

I would say that Calumet Heights is reasonably safe, and it is a fairly diverse neighborhood, which I think helps the overall atmosphere. When any area of the city is dominated by a single group of people it detracts from the experience. I won't call it the best place, but you could certainly raise a family here, and have a lot of fun. The streets felt safe enough to me, and I think you could go for a nice walk without feeling unsafe.

It can be hard to find something to do here, and it certainly isn't a neighborhood for tourists, but I like Calumet Heights for the atmosphere it provides. Good for families, maybe a little boring for singles.

Burnside is a residential area with above average crime and few landmarks to draw attention. I'm not that familiar with the area because it isn't the type of place I would want to spend a lot of time in. I've been through there a few times, and wouldn't suggest spending much time there alone. Always have someone with you. Maybe a Green Beret, or a superhero.

The home prices are low, which is a big plus, but don't forget that it's because the neighborhood isn't exactly desirable. I think there is potential in Burnside, or at least there will be once the housing situation gets straightened out. I can see a lot of developers moving in to attempt to gentrify the area and that could make Burnside more attractive. At present, I don't recommend it. Very little in terms of nightlife or dining, and the crime is higher than you would want. Only for the most street savvy would I recommend it, and only then if you have dire financial reasons.

Brighton Park is a mostly Hispanic neighborhood, with some really good, and according to an ex-girlfriend, some of the most authentic Mexican food in the city. She used to take me to all the different Mexican restaurants, so I've been through Brighton Park a few times. I wouldn't know how authentic the food really is, but she had the heritage to say with authority that it was good. I'm more of an Americanized Mexican food lover myself, meaning Taco Bell, but there is still some great food in Brighton Park.

The neighborhood is close to Midway, which can be convenient if you travel a lot, which I wish I could, but I really haven't had the opportunity yet. I never noticed an abundance of noise or terrible traffic from the airport, but no doubt that could be a problem for a resident.

Outside of some dining experiences, I don't know as much about Brighton Park, but I felt relatively safe and I enjoyed the food, so it would be a nice place to live. I don't suggest it for tourists, as there aren't a lot of landmarks to see, but you can do worse for a place to live.

Bridgeport is a great neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. It is still a mostly Irish neighborhood, with some influx of other cultures to give it a diverse feel. Still mostly blue collar, and it seems to be a favorite of Chicago Mayors, who I think see it as a good place to live if you want to look like 'one of the people.'

The thing most people think of is the ballpark for the White Sox. It's technically nearby and not within the neighborhood, but it's still an institution for those living here. I'd say a Cubs fan would have a hard time making friends, especially in one of the many irish bars in the area during baseball season. The Irish bars are the main attraction for me, and while I'm not a huge baseball fan, if I put on a White Sox jersey and go to a bar for a game, I almost always have someone buy me a few drinks. Not a bad way to have some fun and make a few friends.

There's a lot of good irish Chicagoan history in Bridgeport, and it isn't terribly expensive, so I'd certainly suggest giving it a look, even if it's just for a short visit.

Brainerd is a primarily residential and African American Community. Home prices are generally pretty low, which is good, although there are a handful of empty lots. I'm always wary of neighborhoods with a fair number of empty lots in a big city. It always makes me nervous about the crime. I haven't had any problems personally in Brainerd, but then I have heard there's a higher crime rate than the average.

The African American community is very proud of their history in Brainerd. There's a whole section of the local library dedicated to African American literature and culture, which is pretty cool and certainly unique to Brainerd.

One more nice thing about Brainerd that I've noticed is that there are a handful of good golf courses nearby. I wouldn't call them world class, but it's certainly nice. I've golfed at a few of them, and friends of mine who are more avid golfers go there from time to time and enjoy it.

The biggest downfalls for Brainerd would have to be the potential for crime and that it's fairly far from downtown. I don't know exactly how far, but it would be a bit of a commute if you're driving, and traffic into the city can get rough. Home prices are good though, so you could make a decent home here.

Ashburn is a nice, low key, residential neighborhood. It's a relatively quiet place to live, where you can raise a family. I wouldn't call it the best place to bring your friends when they're visiting, but it isn't bad for a quiet place to live.

The biggest problem I have is the nightlife. I'm a 25 year old guy, so not having a good bar scene can be difficult for me. I wouldn't want to live there at this point in my life, but in a few years, it could be nice if I have some kids. It's mostlty middle class, and pretty integrated, as far as it goes. I think it could use some gentrification, at least to bring in some more money. Otherwise, it's a nice neighborhood, especially for a family.

First, Austin is a big neighborhood. This makes it somewhat hard to describe. There are great parts of Austin, and some not so great parts. As a whole, unfortunately, I'd have to describe it as a less than safe area. That said, there are parts of the neighborhood that I think are pretty nice and reasonably safe. It's too bad that the problem sections have to ruin the whole, but that's the way it is.

There has been some effort put in recently to revitalize the neighborhood, with many streets being repaved, and some other projects designed to improve the overall community. I wouldn't say there's been much success yet, but it gives me some hope. Maybe in a few years it'll be move up into one of the nicer areas of the city.

Home prices aren't too bad, and you can get a decent place for the money right now. If you're wary of the crime you should be fine, although I wouldn't recommend it for families. It's relatively close to the action, so you don't need to worry about being too far away. Traffic can get jammed on the Eisenhower expressway, but you're not so far that it would kill you.

Avalon Park is a decent neighborhood, not great, but not terrible. You can find some good food here, especially the ribs at Leon's Bar B Que. I've eaten there a few times, and always enjoyed it. It is a takeout joint, so don't be expecting to sit down there and eat, but it's great if you have a ball game on TV that night and want to pick up something good to eat.

Homes are generally affordable, and it isn't a dangerous neighborhood, although I'd say it isn't the safest place in the city either. I did notice a fair number of fences, but I'd say that's more for privacy and not for security. Overall, you can do a lot worse than Avalon Park, but a lot better as well.

One really nice thing is there's essentially no traffic, at least the time I've been in Avalon Park there were few cars on the road.

I look at Avondale with a lot of hope in my eyes. I know it has a ways to go, but it's on the path toward a better tomorrow. Sounds like a line from a Superman movie.

The main reason I look at Avondale as having promise is that there are a lot of younger up and comers moving into the area. Some friends of mine, who make more money than I do, have moved there and really like it. They see it as the next Wicker Park. I wouldn't go that far, in fact, I'd say that's more than a bit of a stretch, but it could turn into a cool place for a younger crowd.

To me, there is one main downside to Avondale. Unfortunately, it still isn't the safest place in the city. More for singles and couples than for young families. As more money comes into the area and it becomes gentrified, I think the crime rate will have a sharp downturn, but it hasn't happened yet.

I'm thinking of moving to Avondale. I'd rather get a place in Wicker Park, but if nothing works out there, I think Avondale may end up my new home in about six months. I'm giving it a solid recommendation to younger, city savy singles and couples.

Back of the Yards is a decent working class neighborhood. Crime is a bit of a problem, so I wouldn't give in a high recommendation for a family looking for a good home. That said, you can find a decent place that isn't too expensive here.

Yes, it is the Back of the Yard from “The Jungle.” No, it isn't that bad. Well, mostly. I've stopped by during the day, and I've felt safe enough. I don't know that I'd want to go for a walk at night, but then going for night walks is something you do in smaller towns anyways. If you live in the city and want to walk around late at night, you'll probably end up mugged at some point regardless of where you live.

Back of the Yards is mostly Hispanic, and the food isn't anything worth mentioning, and the same goes for nightlife and shopping. Still, you can find a home, and if the price is of particular importance, then I'd say you can do a whole lot worse. Not for tourists unless they're fans of Sinclair.

This neighborhood is definitely made for families. Being one of the safest communities in Chicago as well as having some of the best schools in the city make it a perfect place to raise a family. The cost of living continues to rise, here and elsewhere, but you can still get a place without breaking the bank. You might stress the bank a bit, but it should still be intact.

Beverly has one of the stronger Irish populations in the city, and the hard working, good people tend to stay in their community. Many families stay here for more than a generation, and that's because they love it, not because they can't escape.

The biggest downside to Beverly would have to be the nightlife. It isn't a place to visit unless you're looking to go for a walk. It's not bad for walking, but it wouldn't exactly be a tourist destination.

Again, the safety lends itself to certain activities, and many of them are outdoor-based, but if you're looking to go club hopping, you might want to try elsewhere. You can have a beer at a local Irish bar, and that has its charm, but it isn't for everyone.

Overall, I'd give Beverly a solid recommendation for anyone looking to raise a family. You'll get some great neighbors, and a good community to feel your kids are safe.