When moving to a new area, you want to make sure it fits your criteria. You need a place with enough space and at a good price, and it has to be safe.

IS HYDE PARK, CHICAGO SAFE?

That’s really up to you. Your definition of safety may differ from someone else’s. I like spicy food, and you may not. So if I tell you that the jerk chicken at Ja’Grill is the best thing ever, you might not feel the same. A similar concept can be applied to thoughts on safety.

And to be compliant with Fair Housing, we at Ivy Residences can’t tell you a yes or no answer. What we can do is provide you with the tools and information necessary to make your own decision based on your definition.

Read on to see the facts on safety and security measures in place in Hyde Park.

Is Hyde Park Chicago Safe? Heatmap of the City of Chicago crime displayed on a geographic map.

Image Courtesy of City of Chicago

REVIEW THE STATISTICS

One way to find out about an area is to review crime statistics. Crime happens anywhere, but what you feel comfortable with us up to personal preference. These maps can show what crimes happen in what areas:

Trulia
ADT
City of Chicago

University of Chicago police car driving through Jackson Park

Image courtesy of Daniel X. O’Neil via Flickr

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Hyde Park, home of The University of Chicago, means our neighborhood is patrolled by both the Chicago Police Department (CPD) and The University of Chicago Police Department (UCPD). UCPD services are for all who live within their beat (which all Ivy Residences communities lie within), not just those associated with The University.

bluelight tower outside of Ivy at Carlson - Ivy Residences

Pictured here: Ivy at Carlson, 1401 E. Hyde Park Blvd.

BLUELIGHT TOWERS

For those unfamiliar with these, BlueLight towers look like white pillars with blue lights on top. Often found on college campuses, these towers act as a  24-hour security system and connection to UCPD. At the press of a button, you instantly connect with UCPD to report an emergency or get immediate assistance.

All blue light towers attached to or on Ivy Residences properties are fully functional. While we are not student housing, we found this to be a value that all of our residents could benefit from. When purchasing our communities from The University of Chicago, we made sure that all BlueLight Towers would stay operational for our current and future residents’ peace of mind.

is hyde park chicago safe? use the uchicago safe app to keep upated.

PHONE ALERTS

UCPD offers a free app called UChicago Safe for Android and Apple technology. This app helps you quickly access safety information with just the tap of an icon and is available to any Hyde Parker, not just students or UChicago staff.

With the UChicago Safe app, you can find tons of great resources, such as:

  • all local emergency and non-emergency numbers.
  • a mobile BlueLight, keeping you connected anywhere at any time.
  • Friend Walk, where you can share your real-time location with a friend as you walk to your destination.
  • Emergency procedures to guide you on what to do in the event of an emergency
  • Information on campus bus (UGo Shuttle) and CTA routes.

The cAlert System acts as UChicago’s electronic emergency mass notification system, giving all Hyde Parkers notification and informational updates prior to, during, or after local emergencies. Simply text “calert” to 226787 to enroll. Message and data rates may apply.

The exterior of UCPD Headquarters in Hyde Park, Chicago

Exterior of the UCPD’s headquarters, located at the University of Chicago’s campus. (Photo by Ryan McDonald)

SAFE ZONE

Did you know our neighborhood has a designated safe zone to exchange items purchased through online marketplaces? It’s at UCPD Headquarters (850 E. 61st St.) and available from 7 AM to 10 PM daily. Use of the safe zone is totally free, and no appointment is necessary.

This is a great option for picking up items you bought on Maroon Marketplace (UChicago marketplace), Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. Co-parents also may use this space for custodial exchanges, if desired.

The Safe Zone’s interior and exterior areas are monitored for suspicious activity over security cameras. They do not have UCPD personnel physically present at all times.

police officer talks to a female on the sidewalk of UChicago campus on an autumn day

Image courtesy of UCPD

SAFETY ESCORT

Members of the UChicago community may request a safety escort as they walk within the UCPD patrol area. Escorts are on a first-come, first-serve basis and do not take appointments. Keep in mind that you may have to wait a bit until someone is available to meet and usher you to your destination.

students stand in a defensive stance during a self-defense class

Original image courtesy of Roanoke via Flickr.

SELF-DEFENSE CLASSES

UCPD offers free self-defense programming throughout the year. Anyone can enroll in classes and programs, but priority is given to students, faculty, and staff of UChicago. You must enroll ahead of time in order to participate, though.

For more information, click here.

Other options for self-defense classes include 606 Karate on S. Hyde Park Blvd. or through Chicago Park Districts.

hand locking a door inside an apartment

PROTECTING YOUR ITEMS

There are many things any person can do to keep their personal items safe and protected:

  • Invest in renter’s insurance to protect your items.
  • Make it a habit to lock your door every time you come home and leave your apartment, even if just for a moment.
  • Keep your windows closed and locked when you are not home.
  • Refrain from propping doors open, and don’t admit anyone you do not know into your apartment community.
  • Never leave your personal items unattended, and keep all belongings inside your apartment. If you leave any items in an authorized shared space, such as a bike rack, be sure to properly lock up your items.
  • Register your bike with Ivy Residences and UCPD.
  • UChicago students – register your laptop with UCPD.
  • Don’t carry unnecessary items with you. If you don’t need to have your expensive headphones with you, leave them at home. This lessens your risk of losing them or having them stolen.
  • Do not allow anyone into your apartment home that you did not invite. Ivy Residences will contact you prior to entering your apartment home at least 48 hours ahead of time. In an emergency situation, we will contact you immediately before entering.

two friends using the buddy system while walking the city streets during the daytime

PROTECTING YOURSELF

Regardless of where you go, it’s important to be making wise choices. To help ensure your safety as you travel outside of your apartment home, keep in mind the following tips:

  • Stay alert. Avoid taking phone calls or using headphones so you can hear what’s going on around you.
  • Focus on your surroundings.
  • Keep your personal items close to you, and avoid leaving them unattended.
  • Don’t let a stranger use your cell phone.
  • Opt to take more populated routes, avoiding the use of alleys when walking.
  • If possible, try to do your running around during daylight hours.
  • If out at night, avoid wearing dark colors from head to toe. Wearing bright colors and/or reflective gear can help others see you from farther away.
  • Use the buddy system and walk in groups, if possible. When not possible, use tools found in the UChicago Safe app to inform others of your whereabouts.
  • Utilize the city’s excellent public transit. Take the UGo shuttle, CTA bus, or rideshare.
an alley in Hyde Park, Chicago during summertime

Image courtesy of Paul Sableman via Flickr

MAKE THE BEST CHOICE FOR YOU

So, is Hyde Park, Chicago safe? Ultimately, that must be determined by your own personal feelings and preferences.

Aside from the recommendations given, the best way to determine if Hyde Park is right for you is to visit for yourself. We’d be happy to show you around if you’re looking for an apartment! Contact us today to start your apartment search in Hyde Park.