Also known as “The Windy City,” Chicago, Illinois, is notable for its architecture, music, arts, culture, and food, as well as its role as a transportation and economic hub. Historic sports venues such as Wrigley Field and Soldier Field – along with memories of the 1990s Bulls era – contribute significantly to its reputation as a major sports city. Chicago also has many lovely neighborhoods.
In this guide, we highlight some of the safest areas in and around Chicago, focusing primarily on city neighborhoods while also including a few nearby suburbs that consistently report low crime and strong community engagement. Selections are based on available public crime data and resident feedback.
How We Identified Chicago’s Safest Neighborhoods
These selections are based on crime statistics from the FBI Crime Data Explorer and safety rankings from local analysis sites like NeighborhoodScout and AreaVibes. We also considered community engagement, lighting, walkability, and overall resident sentiment. While no neighborhood is completely free of crime, the areas below consistently rank among Chicago’s lowest for reported incidents and stand out for their safety-focused community culture.
Safest Areas in and Around Chicago
Archer Heights
Archer Heights leads this list of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago, Illinois. With an average of 762 crimes per 100,000 people, the crime rate in Archer Heights is 81% lower than that of Chicago in general. The area’s 50,854 residents also experience a 64% lower crime rate than the nation as a whole. Archer Heights earns a livability score of 61/100, which places it around the national average. Families make up much of this residential Southwest Side neighborhood, and residents enjoy a suburban feel within Chicago’s urban landscape. Most residents own their homes. The area’s amenities include parks, bars, and coffee shops. Homeowners generally keep properties well-maintained, with front yards and mature trees. While home prices are reasonable, there are minimal vacancies.
Edison Park
Edison Park, a family-friendly neighborhood in northwest Chicago, offers a suburban feel within the city’s limits. Among its standouts are safe, walkable streets and strong community ties. Residents praise Edison Park’s cleanliness and environment for raising kids. The crime rate in the area is 77% lower than in Chicago as a whole and 56% lower than the nation’s average. Edison Park is said to experience 932 crimes per 100,000 people. Its livability score is 84/100, which is considered exceptional. Known for low crime, parks like Olympia Fields, and events such as the annual Edison Park Fest, the area blends residential charm with easy access to urban amenities.
Jefferson Park
Jefferson Park is another family-friendly neighborhood on Chicago’s northwest side. The area is known for its strong community spirit, safety, and the way it blends urban access with a suburban feel. Residents praise its walkability, parks, and proximity to transit. Approximately 44,365 Chicagoans reside in Jefferson Park, with a reported crime rate of 975 per 100,000 people. The area is reported to experience 76% less crime than Chicago as a whole and 54% less than the national average. Its livability score comes in at 79, which is considered exceptional. Jefferson Park’s affordable housing within the city limits tends to attract city workers such as police officers, firefighters, and teachers.
Related: The Most Dangerous Areas in Chicago
O’Hare
O’Hare is also a northwest Chicago neighborhood. Defined by its proximity to O’Hare International Airport, O’Hare blends urban and suburban vibes with constant aircraft noise. The area’s housing is comprised of apartments, condos, single-family homes, and high-rise buildings. These attract a mix of renters, young professionals, and families. Home to 15,966 residents, O’Hare’s crime rate of 1,045 per 100,000 people is 74% lower than that of Chicago as a whole and 51% less than the national average. The neighborhood’s livability score of 71 is considered exceptional. Located four miles east of O’Hare International Airport, the area is also a transportation and logistics hub.
Montclare
Montclare, a quiet, family-oriented neighborhood on Chicago’s Northwest Side, is appreciated for its relaxed vibe, safety, and proximity to shopping. While the neighborhood features mostly single-family homes—including Tudor-style houses—there are some multi-family residences as well. Home to some 17,000 Chicagoans, Montclare is reported to experience 1,188 crimes per 100,000 people. This gives it 70% less than Chicago overall. Montclare’s crime rate is also 44% lower than the national average. The neighborhood’s 75/100 livability score is considered excellent. Reviews of Montclare often cite its low crime, peaceful streets, and suburban feel.
Oak Park
Located immediately west of Chicago, Oak Park blends historic architecture with a strong emphasis on community involvement and safety. The suburb benefits from walkable streets, active neighborhood associations, and consistent investment in public services. Crime rates remain relatively low compared to many urban neighborhoods, making Oak Park a popular option for those seeking safety close to the city.
Park Ridge
Park Ridge is a well-established suburb northwest of Chicago that consistently ranks among the safest communities in the region. With its own police department, strong schools, and high homeownership rates, Park Ridge maintains crime levels well below city averages. Residents benefit from quiet residential streets, active civic engagement, and easy access to Chicago via Metra rail and major roadways.
What Makes These Areas Safer
While every part of the city has unique characteristics, the neighborhoods above tend to share several safety-positive traits:
- Active neighborhood associations and community events
- Higher levels of homeownership
- Better lighting and street visibility
- Access to parks, schools, and public services
- Residents who take initiative with watch programs or local communication
Local police departments also maintain a presence in many of these areas, further supporting public trust and responsiveness.
Best Practices for Keeping a Safe Neighborhood Safe
Even in low-crime areas, staying vigilant helps preserve that sense of security. These everyday habits contribute to neighborhood safety:
- Keep porch lights and entryways well-lit at night
- Use motion-sensor lighting or camera doorbells
- Lock all doors and windows, even during the day
- Join or start a neighborhood watch
- Coordinate with neighbors via apps like Nextdoor or Citizen
- Report concerns quickly to CPD online, or phone 312.746.6000
Neighborhood safety is strongest when residents work together and stay informed.
For You: Top Neighborhood Watch Apps
How Guardian Protection Can Help
If you live in one of Chicago, IL’s safer neighborhoods, you might not feel the same urgency around home security, but prevention is always better than reaction. Guardian Protection offers peace of mind that complements the environment you’ve chosen to live in.
Our smart home security options include:
- Indoor and outdoor security cameras with live mobile access
- Window and door sensors to detect intrusion
- Smart home control and mobile app management to keep you informed when you’re away
- 24/7 professional monitoring for rapid response
From Archer Heights to Edison Park and surrounding Chicago neighborhoods, we tailor our systems to fit your lifestyle and local needs.
Explore Guardian’s services in your area: Home Security in Chicago
Building Peace of Mind at Home
Choosing a safe neighborhood is a smart move, but protecting your home delivers true peace of mind no matter what. Guardian Protection offers home security solutions that fit seamlessly into low-crime, community-focused areas.
Looking to reinforce your sense of safety? Get a free quote or call 800.857.5028 to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the safest areas in and around Chicago?
Neighborhoods such as Archer Heights, Edison Park, Jefferson Park, O’Hare, and Montclare consistently rank among the safest areas in and around Chicago, along with nearby suburbs like Park Ridge and Oak Park. These show violent crime rates significantly below the city and national averages, supported by strong community engagement and excellent amenities.
Are Chicago, IL, suburbs safer than the city?
Many suburbs do report lower overall crime rates compared to Chicago, IL’s urban core. However, several Chicago, IL neighborhoods, particularly those recognized for safety and community cohesiveness, are just as safe or even safer than some suburban areas.
What makes neighborhoods like Archer Heights and Edison Park safe?
Their safety comes from a combination of factors: active neighborhood associations, high homeownership rates, good street lighting, proximity to parks and schools, and engaged residents who participate in watch programs and communicate effectively with local police.
What types of crime are most common in safer areas?
In neighborhoods with low crime rates, incidents typically involve occasional vehicle break-ins or minor vandalism. Violent crime is rare but not impossible anywhere, so vigilance and community action remain important.
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