Palos Hills and general Chicago safety

Question

I'm considering attending a conference in Chicago and extending my stay to play tourist (single female) since I've only experienced the airport (which was very stressful both times). Chicago has more than its share of violent crime if I am to believe the news... Is Palos Hills a safe area? What about general areas where tourists explore? There was old info on this, but I'd like to know about the current situation.

Answer

Chicago often gets a reputation for high crime, but it’s important to understand that crime is very concentrated in certain neighborhoods and most tourist areas are generally safe, especially during the day. Palos Hills is a suburban community about 20 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. It is considered a relatively safe suburb, with low violent crime rates compared to the city itself, making it a reasonable choice for accommodations if you don’t mind commuting into the city for your conference or sightseeing.

When exploring Chicago as a single female tourist, it’s helpful to know which areas are generally safe and which ones are best to be cautious in. Most of the downtown tourist areas, including the Magnificent Mile, River North, Streeterville, the Loop, Navy Pier, Lincoln Park, and the Museum Campus, are heavily patrolled, busy, and generally safe for walking during the day and early evening.

Some general safety tips:

Stick to well-populated, well-lit areas, especially at night.
Use rideshares, taxis, or public transit cautiously. The CTA trains and buses are generally safe, but try to avoid empty cars or stations late at night.
Keep personal belongings secure, as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
Check current news or city resources for any alerts or unusual activity in the areas you plan to visit.

Areas in Chicago that are best avoided, particularly for walking alone at night, tend to be on the South and West Sides of the city, where violent crime is higher. These are usually outside the typical tourist circuit, so as long as your sightseeing stays within the main tourist neighborhoods, you are likely to be safe.

For Palos Hills visitors planning to come into the city:

Expect a 30–45 minute drive into downtown, depending on traffic. Public transit options exist but can be slower.
Stay aware of peak travel times to avoid traffic stress, especially if returning late in the evening.
Suburban hotels in Palos Hills are often quieter and more relaxed than downtown, but you’ll lose the immediate walkability and nightlife of central Chicago.

In summary, Palos Hills is a safe suburban option, and Chicago’s main tourist areas remain reasonably safe if standard precautions are followed. Plan your itinerary to focus on downtown, North Side, and lakefront areas for sightseeing, dining, and shopping, and avoid venturing into less familiar neighborhoods after dark.

Palos Hills and general Chicago safety

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