Douglas
Ranked 53rd best neighborhood in Chicago
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Great for
- Medical Facilities
- Parks & Recreation
- Cost of Living
- Schools
- Gym & Fitness
Not great for
- Nightlife
- Resale or Rental Value
Who lives here?
- Singles
- Professionals
- Families with kids
- Retirees
Got a burning question? Why not ask the locals! Simply ask your question below
Reviews
Douglas
"Great Sites, but Far From a Grand Place to Call Home"
Douglas is an area that has struggled with it's identity. It has a low median income and the housing options are relatively cheap, but there are some crime issues to deal with. Douglas, however, is home to the Institute of Technology which has an amazing architecture program. The buildings in Douglas speak volumes of that program and several of the Institutes halls and buildings are designated landmarks. There isn't much to do in the area, but for people who are architecture buffs or simply enjoy the beauty of an amazing building Douglas might be worth a stop when visiting.
As for calling it home, eh, there are better neighborhoods to scoop up in Chicago and Douglas faces some serious issues with lack of accessibility and businesses willing to settle in the predominantly lower-class area, however it's affordable and not as bad as some of the most hardened Chicago neighborhoods.
As for calling it home, eh, there are better neighborhoods to scoop up in Chicago and Douglas faces some serious issues with lack of accessibility and businesses willing to settle in the predominantly lower-class area, however it's affordable and not as bad as some of the most hardened Chicago neighborhoods.
Douglas
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Not safe enough for me to call home."
Douglas is a predominantly African American neighborhood whose residents make well below the average for Chicago. This makes for a neighborhood without as many retail or dining options. The low income also means that the average price for housing isn't too bad, but that is also because the area isn't the safest to be around.
I haven't spent a lot of time in Douglas primarily because of the crime. I wouldn't say it's the most dangerous part of the city, but there are certainly problems which would make an evening stroll hazardous. I'm a 25 year old guy, and I wouldn't feel comfortable there, and I hardly ever think about safety when I'm walking around, so for a younger woman, it could be terrifying to live there.
Like most of the run down areas of Chicago, there are always plans in place to make improvement, and while these could help, I think it'll be a while before any significant changes are made. One benefit would have to be the close proximity to downtown, so the changes could come sooner than some of the outlying areas.
Cross your fingers, but don't hold your breath.
I haven't spent a lot of time in Douglas primarily because of the crime. I wouldn't say it's the most dangerous part of the city, but there are certainly problems which would make an evening stroll hazardous. I'm a 25 year old guy, and I wouldn't feel comfortable there, and I hardly ever think about safety when I'm walking around, so for a younger woman, it could be terrifying to live there.
Like most of the run down areas of Chicago, there are always plans in place to make improvement, and while these could help, I think it'll be a while before any significant changes are made. One benefit would have to be the close proximity to downtown, so the changes could come sooner than some of the outlying areas.
Cross your fingers, but don't hold your breath.
Pros
- Possible rejuvenation in the works
- affordable
- It isn't terribly busy
Cons
- Not much for bars
- Not the safest neighborhood in the city...
- Somewhat poor
Recommended for
- Singles
Douglas
"Burnham Park for an outdoor experience"
This is an area that includes the famous neighborhood of Bronzeville, and whose Burnham Park is an incredible place to be all year round. If you can stand the icy wind, you will be impressed with the icy mounds that form on Lake Michigan during the winter. During the summer, the park’s lawns burst into greens once again and the view across the lake of the city skyline is an extra breath of fresh air. There is a skate park as well as bike paths here – making the recreational experience that much more enjoyable.
Then again, don’t hang around here at night – Douglas is not known for being the safest place in the city, and a certain amount of propriety and back-watching is required. In any case, it’s generally not a good idea to be hanging around city parks after dark anyway.
The residential homes in the neighborhood (of which there are many) tend to be charming and often vary greatly from their neighbors, making for an interesting architectural sight. The neighborhood is an appealing one, even if you hear varying opinions on just how safe it is.
Then again, don’t hang around here at night – Douglas is not known for being the safest place in the city, and a certain amount of propriety and back-watching is required. In any case, it’s generally not a good idea to be hanging around city parks after dark anyway.
The residential homes in the neighborhood (of which there are many) tend to be charming and often vary greatly from their neighbors, making for an interesting architectural sight. The neighborhood is an appealing one, even if you hear varying opinions on just how safe it is.
