<p>Not to dis Chicago at all, but the map linked below explains graphically why people have concerns about the University's neighborhood:</p>
<p> <a href="http://www.lib.uchicago.edu/e/su/maps/neighborhoodtypescity2000.html">http://www.lib.uchicago.edu/e/su/maps/neighborhoodtypescity2000.html</a> </p>
<p>Hint: Red and pink are urban/affluent, dark blue is urban/very poor. The island of red and pink on the south side surrounded by dark blue -- that's Hyde Park/Kenwood. The immediate neighborhood is lovely and charming, but you're never far from some very challenged neighborhoods.</p>