<p>Agree, that’s total BS. My family’s been in Hyde Park since the '40s, strongly involved with the university since 1957. I regularly take the Red Line to the 55 bus in the daytime and have never had a problem. I agree it’s not the best way to get to Hyde Park from the Loop, but it is the best way to get there from a Red Line stop in Lincoln Park or Lakeview.</p>
<p>Don’t forget the Obamas chose to live in Hyde Park (about a mile from the campus). Guess they weren’t too concerned about getting mugged or burglarized.</p>
<p>10 years in HP (admittedly some years ago when things were actually worse I believe) and never mugged/burglarized. Did a lot of stupid things too (walking home alone at 2am kinda stuff). I think my car window was broken once now that I think about it.</p>
<p>We went this fall …and here is what I posted when I got back:</p>
<p>We went in Friday and ate at Potillos - good, nice environment. Dogs and such. Easy walk. That night we went to Navy Pier at Riva’s crabhouse. We booked on open table and asked for a table by the window - and we got it, lovely water view. Food was very good, and priced ok. Service very good. Entree’s came with a side, which as you know, isn’t always the case. The Navy Pier closes down pretty much at night, but a few things open. It’s got an indoor shopping area, some places to see, looked like some outside “shows” etc. We could have killed a couple hours here, but didn’t plan on it.</p>
<p>Did some shopping up and down Michigan Avenue. Bought the $15 Chicago transit pass at the airport - took the train in to the city. Worked fine. Used the heck out of that pass.</p>
<p>Saturday morning, took the subway and bus to University of Chicago. Our student gave us a walking tour - terrific campus. Visited the Oriental Museum as suggested - amazing. Small, but terrific. Then went to the parent’s lunch/picnic … $15 for game and lunch. Not a big stadium, and not a lot of seating. (Our high school is bigger.) Stayed for the first half, nice weather.</p>
<p>Went back to the city - and had dinner at Topolabambo. Quieter than Fronterra, which is next door. Beautifully decorated. Food was beautiful and tasty - but expensive and small portions. Service was excellent. We spent almost $400 for dinner and we were all still hungry. Walked back to the hotel and ordered a deep dish pizza to be delivered to hotel - it was very good. Can’t remember name of pizza place.</p>
<p>The highlight was the brunch at the Hancock tower. Book early. $45 a person. beautiful view, amazing menu, plenty to eat. With four boys - this was a hit. Lots of choices, desserts, breakfast, lunch, seafood …you name. it. Great service. I would highly recommend this - great way to see the view and have lunch. ( Keep in mind, you have to pay to go to the top of the towers and just “look” … so this kind of kills two birds with one stone.)</p>
<p>Our student echoed the advice about keeping phones, etc vested. Said the trick is to knock it out of your hands as the bus/subway door opens and they pick it up and run out the doors. </p>
<p>We felt safe everywhere. </p>
<p>Hope that helps.</p>
<p>Seriously, ppl? yur making chicago out to be like the wild west.</p>
<p>You can walk around with headphones on, I do it all the time. You just have to be aware while you walk. Michigan Avenue has been having problems recently - just stay clear of large groups of teens. Police tend to target them, especially in retail stores. Chicago is an amazing place!</p>
<p>I’ve been to Chicago many times, but I do have to say that I got my wallet pickpocketed out of my purse at the Shedd Aquarium a couple of years ago. First time that has happened to me while traveling. It was pretty traumatic, although it could happen anywhere.</p>