Indeed, when I first arrived in Chicago in 1962, one could take public transportation after midnight, as I often did, and did not fear getting mugged. I found a job in Chicago within a week, even though economy was on slow side. Left Chicago area in 1988. Only things I miss are Chicago style thick crust pizza at Uno’s and Italian beef sandwiches at Portillo’s.
BTW Portillo’s is now in Tampa, Brandon and growing.
I make occasional "Pilgrimages" there.