When you mention living in Chicago, there are always people who say something like, "Isn't that where there are a lot of gun incidents?"

I also thought that the entire city of Chicago was scary to walk around at night. However, like most American cities, the atmosphere in Chicago varies greatly depending on the neighborhood.

It's hard to generalize and say 'Chicago is dangerous' just because of a street or a few blocks.

First, Streeterville, located northeast of downtown, is known to be relatively safe. It has many upscale condos and hotels, and it's close to tourist attractions like Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier, making it a busy area. It's also a convenient neighborhood for tourists to find accommodations.

River North is also a popular spot. With restaurants, bars, galleries, and hotels clustered together, it tends to be quite lively in the evenings. However, since it's an area with many bars, it's not guaranteed to be safe late at night. In crowded places, you should always be cautious of petty crimes like pickpocketing or car theft.

If I were to consider a place to live in Chicago with my family, I would look at Lincoln Park. As the name suggests, it has a large park and the Lincoln Park Zoo. The residential atmosphere is nice, and due to the presence of schools, it's known to be a preferred area for young professionals and families with children. However, the downside is that housing prices and rents are quite high. It's really hard to find a place that is affordable, nice, and safe all at once.

Lakeview, located just north of that, is also a popular area. With many restaurants and shops, and convenient public transportation, it attracts a lot of young people. This neighborhood is also home to Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs' stadium.

Gold Coast has a name that suggests wealth. It's one of Chicago's representative affluent neighborhoods, featuring old luxury homes, condos, and high-end stores. With good access to downtown, it's consistently mentioned as a residential area if you have the financial means.

However, entering these neighborhoods doesn't mean that crime worries disappear. Chicago is a big city, and issues like car theft, robbery, and property crimes can occur even in safe areas. It's especially advisable to avoid leaving your phone or bag unattended in crowded tourist spots or leaving a laptop bag visible in your car.

There's no need to walk alone in deserted alleys late at night. It's more comfortable to use transportation options like Uber or taxis that can take you directly to your destination.

Ultimately, what's important in Chicago is to look at the neighborhoods rather than just the city name. The atmosphere you feel in Streeterville can be quite different from that in other areas of Chicago. If you're looking for a place to live, it's best to visit during the day and not sign a lease without checking it out on weekday evenings and weekend nights. See where the grocery stores are, how many people are out at night, and what the parking situation is like. While internet crime statistics are important, experiencing the living environment firsthand is much more telling.

Chicago is not a city to be feared and avoided at all costs.

Instead, think of it as a city where your sense of safety can vary significantly depending on where you live, what time you go out, and how you generally behave, just like any major American city.