Rogers Park has a decidedly boho charm. Nonetheless, it is undoubtedly one of the ten worst neighborhoods in Chicago, though this applies mostly to the North and East portions. Enrollment at Loyola has been sharply dropping because of recent serial rapists and general sketchiness. I say this to you: do not get off at the Morse stop after 10 at night. You'd probably be fine, but I've had more than a few friends who've had unpleasant incidents.
On the other hand, if you're thinking of buying a condo, Rogers Park is a good bet. They're going for a song, and it's only a matter of time until the neighborhoods get cleaned up.
Visit Cafe Ennui, Don's Coffee Shop and the afore mentioned Heartland Cafe.