Chatham, Chicago

Chatham is a predominantly African American neighborhood with a strong base of families in the residences, with many locally owned businesses in the area. Home prices are at what I would consider the best range for the city, as it is an affordable area without being so cheap that it brings in the wrong crowd. The lowest priced areas of the city tend to also be the highest in crime, but Chatham doesn't have that problem. No doubt you could have a problem here with some relatively unsafe times, but not so bad that you really need to worry about it.

Dining tends to be American and laid back. There are a few good Barbeque places to have dinner, and I tend to like the atmosphere. I'm a big fan of good old-fashioned cooking, and you can find plenty of that in Chatham.

Nightlife isn't the best, but there are a few places to get a drink.

Retail is a bright spot for Chatham. While not a tourist destination, the shops are a nice mix of bigger chains like Target and smaller locally owned businesses. It certainly seems the residents take pride in their community and their commercial success.

79th street in Chatham is filled with shops and businesses owned by local individuals. One amazing restaurant is Yassa- in moments you feel you have left the Southside and traveled to West Africa. You can also find a incredible Caribbean chicken in this area.

It is a solid middle class area who can claim one of its current notable residents is Senator Roland Burris.