10 Safest Neighborhoods in Chicago for Renters

When moving to a large city like Chicago, you want to find a place where you feel safe and secure. Maybe you want a walkable neighborhood with good access to public transit, a variety of retailers and restaurants nearby, and quiet streets with friendly neighbors.

Finding such a neighborhood, especially closer to the busy downtown area, isn’t easy. And when you do find just the right place, it might come at a high cost. While finding a great neighborhood that checks all (or most) of your boxes can be done, you might need to compare rent trends for certain neighborhoods, read reviews, and do plenty of research.

Historically, areas on the north side of Downtown and near the Loop are some of the most walkable and secure. However, there are a variety of great neighborhoods in Chicago, in the heart and on the outskirts, just waiting to be discovered.

In this article, we’ll share our top picks for the safest neighborhoods in Chicago to help you make informed decisions about your move to the Windy City. Here’s a preview of the areas we’ll cover:

• Lakeview
• Logan Square
• Lincoln Park
• River North
• West Loop
• Edison Park
• Forest Glen
• Mount Greenwood
• Bucktown
• O’Hare

Lakeview

Known as the home of the MLB’s Chicago Cubs, Lakeview (also known as Lake View) is one of Chicago’s most popular areas with bustling streets and great attractions. Bordering the north side of Lake Michigan, Lakeview offers not only incredible lake views (hence the neighborhood’s name), but shops, restaurants, and family-friendly locales as well – the most notable being Wrigley Field (Go, Cubs, Go)!

As a renter and resident of Lakeview, you’ll appreciate the wooded, pedestrian-friendly streets that contribute to the area’s safety and walkability. You’ll find theaters, grocers, and public transit in this waterfront town, not to mention famous attractions such as Lincoln Park (with the southern portion being in the Lincoln Park neighborhood).

Currently, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Lakeview is $2,166 (as of May 2025), which is a bit pricier than Chicago’s average rent of $1,939/month.

Logan Square

If you’re looking not only for a safe neighborhood but a trendy, upbeat one as well, then Logan Square is perfect for you! This neighborhood’s colorful arts scene and bike-friendly streets draw in residents and keep them sticking around. In fact, Logan Square is one of Chicago’s fan-favorite neighborhoods and is known for the centrally-located Logan Square Park – a hot commodity in a major metropolis.

Logan Square and its residents thrive off living local, teeming with incredible community support for small businesses and local goods and services. If you want to be a part of a supportive community that gives you a sense of calm and safety, then Logan Square is a great possibility. With its proximity to Downtown Chicago, large sidewalks, and mass transit options, you’re sure to feel like a winner in Logan Square.

Currently, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Logan Square is $1,673, but rentals range from as little as $1,385 to as much as $2,434, depending on the rental style.

Lincoln Park

If you live in Chicago or are familiar with the city, then you’ve likely heard of Lincoln Park. With unbeatable destinations like the Chicago History Museum, North Avenue Beach, and the Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory, you’re bound to find local entertainment in this thriving neighborhood. If you’re looking for a quiet retreat but still hoping for proximity to Downtown Chicago, then Lincoln Park should be at the top of your list. This iconic neighborhood is just one mile north of Downtown while overlooking Lake Michigan.

Anticipate enjoying community events and festivals while admiring beautiful, historic architecture and exploring trendy restaurants and bars in Lincoln Park. The tree-lined streets of this neighborhood will make you feel right at home, and the student population that lives in the area and attends the prestigious DePaul University gives this neighborhood a safe, welcoming feel.

River North

River North is one of Chicago’s trendiest neighborhoods. With restaurants galore and a plethora of public transit, your taste buds will be satiated, and your commute times will be swift. But even if public transit isn’t your thing, River North is appreciated for its safe, walkable streets. With its wide sidewalks, incredible variety of businesses, and blend of apartment buildings and high-rise architecture, River North offers a truly diverse environment for its residents.

You’ll discover beautiful views of the Chicago River that are accompanied by alluring art galleries and highly sought-after entertainment venues such as the House of Blues Chicago! Rents in River North average $3,289/month, making it one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Chicago. However, residents feel that the high cost is worth it for the prime location and lifestyle amenities offered.

West Loop 

Directly southwest of River North (on the other side of the Chicago River), you’ll find the West Loop. Known for its modern high-rise apartments and spectacular views of the Chicago River and the city’s towering skyline, the West Loop is one of the city’s top neighborhoods. Renters in this area appreciate the quick walking distance to Downtown and Little Italy, along with proximity to major attractions like Grant Park.

The public transit is great in the West Loop, and the pedestrian- and bike-friendly streets are even better! At $3,413, the average rent in West Loop is a bit higher than the other neighborhoods on this list, but the highly desirable location, amenities, and safety are often well-worth the cost.

Edison Park

If you’re looking to live a bit outside the city, check out Edison Park! Just 15 miles northwest of Downtown Chicago, this charming suburb offers affordability, convenience, education, and, best of all, safety.

Enjoy brisk walks through the area’s namesake park or quick commutes to the O’Hare International Airport when you settle down in Edison Park. The area boasts an impressive WalkScore® of 84 and BikeScore® of 66, meaning it's easy to commute by foot or two wheels. Part of the reason for these strong scores is the area’s safety, as it currently has an Overall Crime Grade™ of A by CrimeGrade.org.

Another perk of living in Edison Park is its affordability. Here, the average rent is $1,187 – well below the city’s overall average. The area also boasts some of the city’s highest-ranking Chicago Public Schools, making it a great option for families with school-aged children.

Forest Glen

Forest Glen is another great pick if safety is your top priority. Like Edison Park, this area is about 15 miles northwest of Downtown Chicago and is recognized for its quiet and tranquil atmosphere. Here, you’ll experience a small-town feel without compromising urban access. Plus, enjoy easy access to golf courses, parks, and popular shopping centers like the Fashion Outlets of Chicago.

Mount Greenwood

Another safe Chicago suburb on our list is Mount Greenwood. About 17 miles south of Downtown, Mount Greenwood offers an urban escape without compromising on safety or walkability. The area is very pedestrian-friendly, boasting a WalkScore® and a BikeScore® of 63. Both of these metrics contribute widely to Mount Greenwood’s strong Overall Crime Grade™ of A.

If entertainment is another top consideration for your next residence, Mount Greenwood has you covered in that department. Whether going to see a show at the famous Chicago Theater or taking a trip to the Lincoln Park Zoo, this area is surrounded by some of the city’s top attractions. It’s also home to the prestigious Saint Xavier University, which brings a quaint, college-town feel to the neighborhood.

Bucktown

Bordering the North Branch Chicago River is Bucktown, a trendy neighborhood just a few miles northwest of Chicago’s urban heart. This area is another outskirt option known to be safe, walkable, and convenient. With a WalkScore® of 92 and a BikeScore® of 94, Bucktown provides a safe and convenient commuting experience. Not to mention, it also has a strong TransitScore® of 70, offering several nearby transit stops for residents.

Something else that makes Bucktown a walker’s paradise is its selection of parks. Residents can enjoy peaceful strolls and recreational amenities in Holstein Park, Churchill Park, and Ehrler Park when living in Bucktown. They’ll also have access to the Bloomingdale Trail, also known as “The 606,” which spans three miles of the abandoned elevated rail line on Bucktown’s south end.

O'Hare

O’Hare is a great neighborhood option if you value safety. However, it’s most notably recognized as a transportation hub. The area neighbors the O’Hare National Airport and is perfect for frequent travelers. However, it’s also great for those who stay close to home, being just 15 miles northwest of Downtown and offering quick interstate routes to other parts of Chicago.

From a safety standpoint, O’Hare boasts an A- Overall Crime Grade™. The area offers decent walkability, with a WalkScore® of 65, and an array of entertainment/dining options to explore. Here, you’ll find theaters, restaurants, and an abundance of outlet stores. You’ll also discover recreational opportunities at the nearby Catherine Chevalier Woods.

Explore Apartments for Rent in Chicago on Apartments.com

Like any big city, Chicago experiences crime to some degree. And while nowhere is necessarily invincible, there are pockets of the Windy City that are safer than others. If safety is a top consideration for your next move, it’s wise to consult reliable resources, like Apartments.com, to discover these safe neighborhoods.

Apartments.com allows you to filter your search by neighborhood, price range, square footage, and more, to ensure you find exactly what you’re looking for. If you have a particular neighborhood in mind,  you can easily narrow your search to those areas. So, what are you waiting for? Start searching for Chicago rentals on Apartments.com and find a safe and comfortable place to call home in the Windy City.