I was at a joint assignment at USMEPCOM there from 92-95. Much of the criminal element had moved north into North Chicago and Waukegan by then. Those who value their safety avoid the Amstutz Expressway at night. It truly is a jungle out there.
I recall driving by Cabrini Green back in the late 80’s. You don’t stop for red lights. While doing genealogy back in the early 2000’s, I visited my family’s home church on Ashland Ave, just North of Roosevelt Rd (now part of Chicago Circle Campus area). I was greeted and given a tour by a very personable black gentleman, then drove through the old family area (they lived there back in the late 1800’s). Housing developments, and run down two-story homes, now, much of it torn down and un-developed. I saw what I wanted to see, and got out of there. I live 80 miles West of Chicago, and have no intention of returning.
Speaking of Milwaukee, sure, it’s a liberal government-run city like Chicago, but we’ve always enjoyed visits there and plan another later this summer. I want to have lunch at Mader’s Restaurant. Haven’t been there in decades...