Frequently Asked Questions about Burnside
What is it like to live in Burnside, Chicago, IL?
Burnside is a small, predominantly residential community on Chicago’s Far South Side and is one of the city’s smallest community areas by population and land area. Housing consists mainly of single-family homes with several vacant lots and limited commercial amenities, and local incomes and employment indicators are below Chicago averages. Public transit and retail options are more limited than in many other Chicago neighborhoods, and the area has higher crime and poverty rates than the city average; industrial corridors and rail lines border parts of the community.
Is Burnside, Chicago, IL expensive?
No — Burnside is generally one of the more affordable Chicago community areas, with housing prices and rents below citywide medians. Median household income and home values are lower than Chicago averages, reflecting long-term disinvestment and higher vacancy rates. Limited local amenities and higher crime statistics accompany the lower cost of living.
What is the weather of Burnside, Chicago, IL?
Burnside has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons: cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. Winters commonly see temperatures below freezing with regular snowfall, while summer highs often reach the 80s°F (about 27–32°C) with high humidity. Precipitation is distributed year-round and occasional strong storms affect the area, with only modest lake-effect moderation given its south-side location.
How safe is Burnside, Chicago, IL?
Burnside has one of the highest per-capita violent and property crime rates in Chicago, with elevated incidents of shootings and homicides compared with city averages. Crime levels are strongly correlated with high poverty, vacancy, and limited local services, making public safety a persistent concern for residents. As of 2024, official Chicago Police Department statistics and public data continue to show substantially higher risk in this community area than in most other parts of the city.