East Side Chicago [please answer!] ?

As you can tell from the wide variety of answers others have posted, the East Side is actually quite diverse. You don't say what your race is, but chances are you won't be an "outcast". The area is fairly suburban in feel, as city neighborhoods go. You won't find mansions there, but I wouldn't call it a ghetto. Metra Electric serves the area, as do CTA buses. It's not a particularly dangerous area, but of course you'll want to use common sense. Nearby is the historic Pullman area. Be sure to have Sunday brunch at the Hotel Florence sometime.