Is It Safe To Walk In Chicago At Night?

Things To Consider Before Taking A Walk In Chicago At Night

A Guide On What Makes A City A Safe Place To Walk At Night

One of the best cities in the United States of America is Chicago. The city is known for its deep-dish pizza, stunning Lake Michigan, and the Willis Tower, the biggest monument in the world. However, a lot of people ask if it's safe to go about Chicago after dark. 

In actuality, it depends on the setting and level of preparedness. Like any big city, Chicago has its share of nice spots and places to be extra cautious. While some neighborhoods are completely unsafe, others are filled with tourists and people going about even at night. After talking about the fundamentals of nighttime walking in Chicago, let's examine the threats and safety details.

Where Is It Safe To Be At Night?

When it comes to safety, not every part of Chicago is the same. Some areas are more active and illuminated than others; some parts may be a bit more rugged. Here are some of the safest neighborhoods where people commonly walk at night:

Downtown (The Loop): This is the central business district of Chicago with theaters, shops, restaurants, and offices. The area is normally heavily policed and there are a lot of people on the streets, which makes it less dangerous than some other places.

River North: Home to fine dining and expensive restaurants, art galleries, and nightclubs, River North doesn’t sleep.

Lincoln Park: This neighborhood comprises young working adults, pupils, and parents. It’s mostly safe, though you have to be careful, especially in the less crowded places.

Lakeview: This is another lively neighborhood with a favorite sporting venue, Wrigley Field, and excellent nightlife.

These places are usually safe, especially if you avoid walking through back streets and are in areas that are well-illuminated. However, regardless of the location, there is always a need to be cautious in the environment you are in.

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Areas You Need To Be More Careful

Like any big city, there are some parts of Chicago that are safer than others and some parts of the city that may be less safe, particularly at night.

Generally, some areas of the South and West Sides are notorious for high crime rates. This doesn’t mean that the whole area is unsafe, but some places are definitely more dangerous to visit at night. If you are not well acquainted with a certain area it will be wise to know at least something about the area to be visited.

If you have to go to these areas, then it is safer to use a ride-hailing service rather than walk.

Safety Measures To Take When Walking In Chicago At Night

Even when you are in the safest areas, it is still advisable to be careful when walking at night. Here are some tips to help keep you safe:

Avoid Walking In Dark And Desolate Places

Streets that are dark and empty are more dangerous because there are no people to assist in case of an incident. Always be on streets with lots of lights and people around.

Walk With Confidence

Appear lost or uncomfortable and people will take advantage of you. Walk with your chest up, and shoulders back, and definitely not like you’re lost!

Avoid Using Your Phone Frequently

It becomes very hard to resist the temptation of using the phone as we walk, but this makes us not to be conscious of our environment. Also, it may attract thieves to take your device for granted.

Avoid Traveling Alone

There’s safety in numbers! The company of at least one friend is better than being alone when walking because the latter might be exposed to certain dangers, especially in unknown territory.

Keep Valuables Hidden

Do not show off expensive watches, phones, or lots of money. The more inconspicuous you can be, the better.

Know When The Public Transport Operates

If you want to travel by bus or train at night, better check the schedule beforehand. Others are less frequent or stop at odd times of the day.

Know Where You’re Going Before You Leave

Be sure to plan your route when you are getting there so that you do not need to pull over and look at maps while in the middle of the street. If you are not sure, just go into a shop or a café to check for directions.

Are You Safe When Using Public Transport During The Nights?

Chicago has a well-developed system of public transport, which includes the buses and the L train. Although many people use these options at night, there are some facts to consider.

• Always choose busy train stations. Some train stops may not be occupied late at night and therefore can be dangerous.

• Keep close to the conductor; this applies particularly to trains. Try to get a seat in a car with other passengers around and, if at all possible, close to the conductor.

• Stay on the alert for pickpockets, as in any large city; make sure to guard your belongings when traveling by bus or metro.

Other than that, it is advisable to use taxis or ride-sharing applications such as Uber or Lyft when heading back at night in case of using public transport.

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What Do Locals Say About Walking In Chicago At Night?

Some of the people of Chicago will assure you that walking on the streets of the city at night is safe in some places as long as one is careful. Residents of the city understand the areas to visit and those to steer clear of.

If you are in the downtown area, you will find people out late to eat, watch concerts, or just take a late evening walk. But if you stray too far into the unknown territories, it can quickly feel different.

Chicago is like any other big city; if you are prudent, cautious, and sure of the area you are in, you can roam around at night without much fear.

Taking A Stroll In Chicago During Nighttime

So, is it safe to walk in Chicago at night? The answer is as simple as that: it depends. It depends on where you are now, how prepared you are, and how many basic safety rules you know.

Chicago is a great city and there is much to do in this city but like any other city it has its dangers. The only way to ensure your safety is through being aware of the situation, choosing the right areas, and avoiding walking at night.

So always make sure that when you are in doubt, the best option is to use a ride-hailing service or a cab.

When in Chi-town, whether you are touring the city or going out to have fun, safety should not be an issue of concern. As important as it is to keep the city clean, there are companies like Deep Cleaning Chicago that clean homes and offices to ensure that the city is clean and beautiful.

Therefore, whether you are going to travel to Chicago or if you are interested in an article about nighttime safety, use those tips and have fun in the city at night!

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