Safety Tips

Chicago is known for its beautiful buildings, breathtaking skylines, and great nightlife. It's only natural to feel a bit 'naive' when thinking that there MAY be 'safe' areas. However, as a native to Chicago, I'm here to tell you... there is no such thing.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION to Nonya

DRIVING DIRECTIONS to Nonya

So what can you do to ensure a safe and fun stay in this beautiful city? Crime is NOT limited to 'bad' neighborhoods.

Here are a couple of tips:

Don't want your valuables stolen? Don't bring them! Do not pull out your smartphones, cameras or valuables in open view, especially at night! Keep your phones, cameras and any 'valuable' items hidden, especially in ANY 'neighorhoods' of Chicago.
Stay on the main streets. DO NOT walk down alleys or the side streets in this area or any others...day or night. Some have made that mistake because it seems 'quiet'. No one can hear you in the event that something should happen. There are plenty of police riding along the main streets. So stay in the open.
If you are coming home before 10.30 p.m., take the Halsted orange line directions and connect to the 44 bus (Monday - Friday before 10.30 pm.) The bus will bring you in front of my home. It may be a long ride, but you're a tourist...you got time! After 10.30 pm., take the green or red line directions, and call me for pickup (except during the dates that I don't provide pickup. I wouldn't recommend walking the streets at night alone...(actually in any part of the city).
Be aware of your surroundings. Theft is common around bars/clubs/alleys/side streets, when individuals leave 'drunk' and stumbling down the street alone...or even with friends.
Attitude is a big part of safety. If you look like you know where you're going and that you know the territory, criminals will look for other targets
Best way to remember these rules is to remember this, 'If you don't see others showing or doing something....you don't do it either." If nobody else is showing their expensive smartphones or walking around with their expensive cameras, you don't show it. If you are in an area, where everyone is showing their things off, then feel free.....at least the thieves will have more to choose from.

Remember this....always remember, that in the U.S., there is no such thing as a 'safe' area. As one person would ask, "What do bank robbers rob?" "BANKS"....why? Because thats where the money is. So whether you are in a 'tourist' area (where the money is at) or in low income areas, you have to be careful.

Travel safe and smart!