Originally Posted by flying junkie
But that being said, normal precautions you would take in any major city of course would apply, such as not flashing cash or leaving purses unzipped in crowds, or wandering too far outside of your comfort zone, which is of course more restricted than for a resident like myself. Like another poster mentioned, it would be very unlikely that any tourists would really wander that far off the beaten path.
Good advice. My sister, from smalltown Michigan, had her wallet stolen from her purse while shopping near Water Tower. I am certain she was a good mark because she was preoccupied with three small children.
Even in the nice parts of town where you are staying, you will see homeless people panhandling outside the convenience stores and drug stores. They are relatively harmless but annoying.
Every once in a while a tourist gets himself in serious trouble by wandering into the seedy areas to score some drugs.
It's a very segregated city in many neighborhoods, but the area you are staying in is integrated. Anybody will fit in.
Rule of thumb in any large US city: if the neighborhood starts to look bad and you are uncomfortable, turn around. Don't keep going forward hoping it will get better because it usually doesn't....
If you travel alot, I think you'll find it comfortable and enjoyable. Most Chicagoans have that "midwestern" friendliness.
Steve