54 Women Who Live Alone Share The Smartest Ways They Keep Themselves Safe

Get out and about as much as you can. Even alone I feel less lonely walking around and going places.

I recommend trying to go out to 1-2 events by yourself a week within the hobbies you like. It’s helped my social life tremendously because eventually you start to make friends with people. Whether it’s free jazz at the MCA, free house music at a street fest, a bike ride with a local group, anything your heart desires, there’s probably something you can do to participate in it!

Try to avoid living in a basement, garden or first floor apartment, I feel like you have a better chance of not having your apartment broken into if you live on the second floor or higher. Other than that, just be vigilant and use common sense. Chicago really isn't as dangerous as it's made out to be.

I genuinely think I do not need them but I have door security bars (those poles you put under your doorknob) for peace of mind. I like them also when I know a maintenance person might be coming and I have an irrational fear of them coming in while I’m in the shower or asleep. Be aware of your surroundings, I know the neighbors in my building and the closest large intersections and cross streets. I love living alone.

Not really woman-specific advice but leave a copy of your keys with a friend. You can get a copy made of the fobs at a hardware store (tho it’s expensive af.) Leave your apartment at least once a day, even if it’s just for a little errand like getting your coffee, mani/pedi, or just puttering around. My sister and I both live alone in different parts of the country and we call it taking “enrichment walks” and text each other pics of things we find interesting. We also do a lot of coordinating watching movies/TV and chatting over text.

Be prepared for a lot of inconvenience in acquiring or assembling furniture if you need to, I usually just hire someone (and then hire a second someone to fix it if necessary 🙃).

Here’s what I wish I’d known: You need to commit to making friends and being involved in Chicago. Join stuff, attend stuff, volunteer, etc. You can’t just be The Remote Friend in your old life. Really though, living alone rocks and is highly addictive because you get to do absolutely everything your own way, it’s just the loneliness of being distant from friends and family is horrible.

And yes, you deserve to get excited! Chicago is my favorite city in the world, I hope you will be very happy here. Welcome ❤️.

Make your apartment into your oasis.

There's always free things to do in Chicago, especially in the summer. Get out and walk around!

You do not have to be polite to men on the street who try to stop and talk to you. It took me until I was 17 to learn this, and now I am way more insistent that they don't stop me, and we don't need to talk.

Go for a walk on your neighborhoods garbage day, that's when I find all my best second-hand finds. I once found a velvet chesterfield couch...just on the side of the road. It had two broken feet. I just replaced them and now it's my favorite piece.

Friend of mine has a giant dog (100lb+ pyrenees). he's the most gentle thing, but when he barks, it scares the poo out of people lol.

she has no problem walking out and about at odd hours of the night as long as the dog is with her.

I lived alone in NYC, everyone gave good recommendations but one of the things that helped me feel safe is that I got to know my neighbors. Of course use your best judgment, but having a small close community can be a life saver.

I’ve been living on my own for about two months in the city. If you can find a building that is locked front and back, basically only the people that live there can access inside of the building, that’s made me feel so safe. My front and back door both have dead bolt locks so that helps too. Also I second getting out - go for walks, volunteer, or join an activity.

I lived alone in the city for over 10 years and it was the BEST time of my life. Do you. Work out at home. Do arts and crafts. Decorate how you wish. Host dinner parties. Host girls nights. Game nights. Cook and cook for yourself. Learn to be comfortable on your own, in silence. Sleep in. Enjoy the silences. Enjoy you. Go out when you need connection or invite those closest to you into your beautiful nest. Kick them out when you want too!

I live alone but it's in a small studio apartment in a secured building. Even though the building is secured, I lock my front door no matter how long I'm gone for. That means taking out the trash, going down the hall to pick up my laundry, etc. Door is always locked.

Something I also do that I noticed my guy friends don't do is I check the peephole before opening the door at all times.

I’m just the person to answer this! Born and raised here. I’m a single woman with no kids so keep this in mind as I’m explaining living alone from that perspective. I would aim for your rent being no less than $1200-$1500 in today’s market even if it’s a studio. This will reflect the area. You don’t want to live somewhere where you’re scared to walk the neighborhood (I’ve experienced this for the sake of saving on rent and it wasn’t worth it). Besides rent, your other bills are what you make it. I also went without a car for years, which is definitely do-able in Chicago especially if you’re close to downtown. Don’t offer the fact that you live alone to people because they will always find an excuse to TRY to come over unannounced. Only tell people you’re comfortable with telling. The less the better. For loneliness I have a cat lol but when I don’t want to be a homebody I go out to different events, get togethers etc. I’m at Target is definitely one of my guilty pleasures. Don’t be afraid to check out things on your own. You may discover new interests, hobbies or cool people. As a lady currently living alone I wish you best darling. Just by saying you’re EXCITED you are ready. I was so afraid I couldn’t sleep my first night alone years ago but I warmed up to it and wouldn’t have it any other way. At least for my lifestyle now. Good luck.

I had a really bad cab experience here before moving here, so when I did live alone, I always let a friend know when I was in a cab or Uber by sending a pic of the cab # or the Uber driver info via screenshot. It was probably overkill, but I found it was good for me and gave me a safer feeling.

If you have a sliding glass door, get a dowel to put in the track. If your windows open make sure to lock them when you leave. Take a self defense class. Ring or Blink doorbell and maybe cameras. Libraries are more than books. Park district has lots of affordable classes too. There are so many free things to do here. Get outside!

I always felt the safest in buildings with a doorman, if you can swing it. Otherwise just be alert! I noticed a guy following me and my friends after a concert - we were able to talk to the worker directing traffic at a brightly lit intersection until the creep gave up and took off.

Welcome to Chicago! I’ve lived alone most of the 24 years I’ve lived here, and it can be great—the freedom is fantastic!

Get to know your neighbors. I live in a pretty close-knit neighborhood, and it definitely helps you feel safe (and obviously more connected) when you’re part a group of people who watch out for each other.

Don’t mess around with your phone while you’re walking (especially while crossing the street or at night) or on the El platform.

If you love dogs and have the time and finances for it, get a dog! Even the little ones will make you feel safer—they’re great burglar alarms.

I don’t technically live alone anymore but am home alone more often than not. I have a few rules that verge on paranoia, but they make me feel a little safer.

If possible, try to avoid going into or out of your house while there are other people around. One of my apartments was right on the stairwell and I wouldn’t open the door if I heard people coming.

Be aware of your surroundings. Working from home has turned me into the unofficial neighborhood watch because I notice new cars or new people walking dogs. Someone who doesn’t belong would stand out right away.

As others have said, a dog is wonderful if you have a lifestyle that allows for it.

This is another weird one, but learn the noises that your house makes. Doors and windows opening, loud appliances, creaky floors - my house makes a lot of noises but I can tell exactly what’s happening or hear if something doesn’t sound normal.

Only safety thing I’ll suggest is not tell random guys you meet (whether it be at a bar, at a concert, or on a first date off a dating app) your cross street or worse your address. Just tell them your neighborhood. You never know who’s going to be “that guy” that lingers around your area.

Find a call activity or hobby that makes it easy to meet people - Chicago has tons of things designed to show up alone like girls who walk, Trivias, run clubs, performance classes… it also helps with a routine

Safety wise - I use door jam! Pushes up against the door handle so if someone even had a key they couldn’t come in.

Most important thing, I've lived alone since I was 17 and am now 44, is your windows. Have net curtains up so people can't see in during the day and have curtains or blinds drawn at night.

I've listened to a lot of interrogations and true crime documentaries and it's always about what they can see when you don't know they are watching. Don't let them see in.

Living alone is the best. I love it so much. Don't be held back from it, just be smart. I also walk my dog a different times and don't stick to a strict routine. I also change where we walk.