I've always known there were shitty areas of Chicago that you didn't go to. But now people are telling me downtown is also a no go. (like the touristy areas) Seen a few shootings the last few days. Is this normal everywhere now?
Shootings happen anywhere there are assholes i guess.
My oldest brother is a lifelong Chicago resident. I lived near him for a couple years when I was young and visit him frequently.
I can honestly say that I have never once seen random violence occur, nor have I ever felt in danger.
From my experience over the years, do what you do, and don't worry about it.
Every time I have seen fights or whatnot they all start exactly like they do in the burbs or the boonies.
Couple of assholes being assholes and escalating shit.
I imagine if you were drunk out of your mind waiting at an l stop you might have to worry about getting rolled, but otherwise I don't see the city as any more or less dangerous than the burbs for an average and mildly intelligent person.