If you’ve been dreaming of visiting the Windy City, chances are it has crossed your mind to wonder, “Is Chicago safe?”

I’m from Chicago, and I have to acknowledge that this is a tough question to answer. The reality is that Chicago’s overall violent crime statistics are relatively high compared to other US cities and even other countries.

Most of these crimes happen in specific parts of the city, usually on the South and West Sides. Although Chicago is my hometown, I don’t feel qualified to dive into specifics, because that would require a full discussion of the city’s complex history and social and cultural dynamics.

However, I can say that Chicago remains a safe place for solo female travelers, especially with these safety tips in mind:

1. Get familiar with Chicago’s neighborhoods

Chicago has over 77 unique neighborhoods, many of which make an excellent base for getting the most