is the area near U of Chicago not safe for tourists?

Question

I wanna visit Robie house and IIT campus, but by riding subway, I need to walk several blocks during daytime. but I heard this area is not a good area, is it true? do I need to take a cab from subway station to Robie house instead of walking? thanks.

Answer 1

If you're in the area of the University of Chicago, I would highly recommend taking a cab. The campus itself is safe, as is the Museum of Science and Industry nearby, but there are areas around both where I would question how safe it was, even during daylight hours, to walk.

Answer 2

Good for you for taking the CTA! And even better that you're visiting the Robie House. (Yes I'm an architect). But if you're a female alone, maybe you'll be fine walking nowadays but if you're there late definitely get a cab.

AS for IIT if there are a lot of other students with you on the train you could walk. If not DEFINITELY take a cab, even in the daytime.

Answer 3

IIT is not that close to the University of Chicago. They are in totally different neighborhoods, both in terms of distance and of character. As you can see, IIT is on 31st street

http://www.cs.iit.edu/

and the University of Chicago is closer to 55th. That's three miles, roughly speaking, going north and south, and the U of C is much closer to the Lake, IIT being around state street whereas the U of C puts you roughly at 1100 E and further. Let's say another 1 1/2 miles, for a 4 1/2 mile hike, about. Most people wouldn't be too excited about doing that on foot, even through good neighborhoods, and count on it, you will hit so rough patches.

Being on foot doesn't just mean that you can't hit the accelerator. It also means that you can easily get surrounded, and that is not fun.



The University of Chicago at some point in the last few decades had the third largest police force in the state, gross overkill considering the size of Hyde Park, meaning that Police convergence time on calls tended to average under a minute. That's as safe as a major city neighborhood is going to get. You want to stay comfortably north of 63rd, south of 47th, east of Cottage Grove and have the sense to not walk down any alleys, but watch your back and you're probably OK.

IIT? The neighborhood didn't look so good. I'd take a cab at night to be on the safe side. I certainly wouldn't walk it, and at no hour can I recommend taking the El down to Hyde Park, as there is no good stop. You're left with a choice between getting off at 55th in Washington Park or on 63rd right next to South Shore. Not a great choice of alternatives, especially if you're travelling alone.

A smarter choice to get to Hyde Park is the Metra Electric, which drops you off in the very safe eastern part of the neighborhood - and very picturesque, well worth the detour if you do a little wandering around. If you don't mind the detour and find yourself short on cab fare, one option would be to go back up to the Loop, then head south from Randolph Street station, if you're really broke and have time.

Answer 4

You can visit Robie house and be safe. Granted, some areas around there can be a little dicey, particularly at night. But I'm assuming you'll be there during the day time. I've been there. Robie House is surrounded by the U of C campus, etc. so it's pretty safe. And IIT is safe to get to. I mean, the students there travel back and forth to the school and to parties and clubs by el train all the time. They travel at night, to and from their dorms, etc. You'll probaby be going in the daytime, right? It's safe then. In fact, there a huge main police station right near the el train stop near the campus. Just study a map, learn the precise route to get there and back and enjoy yourself. If you don't walk around like a victim, you won't be one.

Answer 5

When in doubt...doubt. Take a cab to Robie House. After you're there ask for advice for return trip.

Answer 6

If your going during the day you'll be fine. My fiance works at IIT, if you take the train you'll have to walk 1 block east and your there, you really don't have to pass anything dangerous. Both areas are very populated, so you shouldn't be too concerned.

Answer 7

Well I would definitely say it is unsafe at night and yes the surrounding area can be dangerous (more so for someone who isn't used to living there). So being a tourist I would definitely say you use a cab.

Answer 8

Scott above is right -- I learned the hard way -- my bus got into Chicago just after midnight -- decided to walk to the U of Chicago -- it was a nice night -- bad idea -- it started out alright --

Answer 9

yes the south part of the city is known to be hell here. Even cops regret going there.

Answer 10

if you have a gun yes if not RUN!