Last Updated on: 7th September 2024, 01:42 pm
When it comes to finding the best Chicago neighborhoods, the Windy City offers a diverse range of options that cater to all lifestyles. Whether you’re moving to Chicago for its vibrant music venues, picturesque views of Lake Michigan, or the convenience of a short commute to downtown, there’s a neighborhood that perfectly suits your needs. From cool and trendy areas teeming with culture and nightlife to quiet, family-friendly communities, Chicago, IL, has it all. Join us as we explore the best neighborhoods in Chicago IL, helping you discover the best spot to call home.
Table of Contents
Lincoln Park | One of the Most Walkable Neighborhoods in Chicago
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The Lincoln Park neighborhood is a vibrant area known for its cultural institutions and scenic beauty. Anchored by the largest park in the city, Lincoln Park, it offers residents and visitors alike a plethora of activities and sights to see. Key attractions include the Lincoln Park Conservatory, a lush botanical garden, and the Chicago History Museum, where the city’s past comes to life.
Situated along Lake Michigan, the neighborhood provides amazing waterfront views and ample recreational opportunities. Nearby areas like Logan Square and Old Town add to the charm, offering trendy eateries and historic architecture. No matter what you are looking for, Lincoln Park proves to be one of the best Chicago neighborhoods.
- Population: 68,697
- Average rent: $2,173
- Median home price: $677,000
- Lincoln Park crime: 2,930 crimes per 100,000 people (22.5% lower than Chicago average)
Hyde Park | Hip Neighborhood Full of Art
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Hyde Park is easily one of the best places to live in Chicago and is home to numerous art galleries and historic mansions. Nestled alongside Jackson Park, this city neighborhood offers residents ample green space. Hyde Park is also conveniently located near renowned music venues like The Promontory and Reggies, providing vibrant nightlife and live entertainment.
One of the most appealing aspects of Hyde Park is its affordability. With a median home price of only $203,000, it stands out as one of the most budget-friendly neighborhoods in the city. Home prices are down 17.2% compared to last year, and this median home price is well below the Chicago average of $385,000.
- Population: 27,517
- Average rent: $1,698
- Median home price: $203,000
- Hyde Park crime: 2,591 crimes per 100,000 people (34.5% lower than Chicago average)
Wicker Park | One of the Best Neighborhoods in Chicago
If you’re looking to experience the vibrant city of Chicago in all its glory, then Wicker Park is a great place to settle down. This bustling neighborhood is known for its vibrant nightlife scene along Milwaukee Avenue, with trendy clubs such as Double Door and Subterranean calling the area home. There’s no shortage of things to do in this cool neighborhood, with cozy bars and eateries on every corner.
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Although Wicker Park is popular for nightlife, it is still a very livable area. The neighborhood is very walkable, and you can easily access grocery stores, post offices, and other everyday necessities in just a few minutes. Wicker Park is also home to Ascension Saint Mary, which is one of the most well-known hospitals in the city.
- Population: 24,115
- Average rent: $2,714
- Median home price: $647,000
- Wicker Park crime: 3,869 crimes per 100,000 people (5.1% higher than Chicago average)
West Loop | One of the Best Chicago Neighborhoods for Young Professionals
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When searching for the best Chicago neighborhoods, you can’t skip out on the West Loop. This bustling neighborhood is known for its buildings with exposed brick walls and close proximity to the Chicago River. The West Loop is close to the downtown area and therefore consists of mostly apartment living options at places like Parq Fulton and Union West.
Once a former industrial zone, it has transformed into one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago for young professionals. Its easy access to Downtown Chicago and iconic landmarks like the Willis Tower makes it an ideal place for those seeking both work and play. The West Loop is home to several top employers, including Google, McDonald’s, and Uber, providing ample job opportunities for those moving to the Chicago area.
- Population: 27,507
- Average rent: $2,602
- Median home price: $457,000
- West Loop crime: 5,681 crimes per 100,000 people (42.9% higher than Chicago average)
West Town | Fantastic Chicago Neighborhood Close to Downtown Chicago
Just 4.3 miles from the downtown area sits West Town Chicago. West Town is very popular among families in the Chicago area, with several top-rated schools in the neighborhood, including West Town Academy and Jonathan Burr Elementary School. West Town is made up of a few smaller neighborhoods, including the East Village, the Ukrainian Village, and Noble Square.
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When living in the area, you will be close to many parks, including Humboldt Park, Garfield Park Conservatory, and Smith Park. In addition to these lush outdoor spaces, you’ll find some of the most amazing restaurants in the city, such as Sushi Taku and Kasama. Additionally, you’ll find entertainment options, cool taprooms, and cozy cafes scattered along the neighborhood’s busy streets.
- Population: 87,942
- Average rent: $2,494
- Median home price: $627,000
- West Town crime: 3,869 crimes per 100,000 people (5.1% higher than Chicago average)
Lincoln Square | Fun Neighborhood Close to Major Attractions
Lincoln Square, located on the North Side of Chicago, is one of the best Chicago neighborhoods. This hip area offers a variety of entertainment venues, including the iconic Old Town School of Folk Music, which hosts live performances and music classes. The neighborhood’s close proximity to Clark Street means residents are just a short distance away from Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, adding a lively sports culture to the mix.
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Public transit is easily accessible in Lincoln Square, with multiple CTA bus lines and the Brown Line providing convenient connections to downtown and other parts of the city. The neighborhood’s mix of quaint shops, diverse dining options, and bustling street fairs creates a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re enjoying a night out at a local pub or exploring the neighborhood’s unique boutiques, Lincoln Square offers an engaging experience for everyone.
- Population: 41,713
- Average rent: $1,477
- Median home price: $550,000
- Lincoln Square crime: 1,871 crimes per 100,000 people (65.0% lower than Chicago average)
River North | One of the Most Lively Chicago Neighborhoods
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Situated on the north side of Chicago, River North is easily one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago. This North Side neighborhood is only 1.9 miles from Downtown Chicago, and you can get to the city center in minutes via public transportation. Located near the Chicago River, River North is close to top attractions like Lakeshore East Park, Maggie Daley Park, and Millennium Park.
When living in this area, you’ll never run out of fun things to do. You can explore nightlife at bars like Rossi’s and 320 River Bar or check out the art galleries at The Art Institute of Chicago. In this area, you’ll find mostly apartment living options. Some of the most popular complexes include Gramercy Row Apartments and River North Park Apartments.
- Population: 37,113
- Average rent: $2,786
- Median home price: $433,000
- River North crime: 5,914 crimes per 100,000 people (46.7% higher than Chicago average)
Gold Coast | Family-Friendly Area With Eclectic Mix of Residents
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Once the second-most affluent area in the United States behind Manhattan’s Upper East Side in the late 1980s, Gold Coast continues to be one of the best Chicago neighborhoods. This prestigious area in the Windy City features a mix of opulent mansions, charming row houses, and sleek high-rise apartments.
Notable highlights in this Chicago neighborhood include the historic Astor Street District and the James Charnley House, both listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, the neighborhood is close to the Museum of Contemporary Art. Gold Coast is also one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago IL, with a crime rate that is 54% lower than the city average.
- Population: 14,193
- Average rent: $2,718
- Median home price: $525,000
- Gold Coast crime: 2,111 crimes per 100,000 people (54.0% lower than Chicago average)
South Loop | Bustling Neighborhood Home to Students and Contemporary Art Lovers
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The South Loop neighborhood is known for its mix of historic charm and modern apartment buildings, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago IL. In this vibrant district, you’ll find a wealth of cultural attractions in the nearby Museum Campus, including the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and the Adler Planetarium, making the neighborhood popular among both residents and tourists.
The South Loop is also a foodie’s paradise, home to trendy restaurants like The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant, Yolk, and Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria. South Loop is also one of the best Chicago neighborhoods for students, as it is close to many of the city’s major universities. In this area, you’ll find Generations College, DeVry University, and Columbia College.
- Population: 23,377
- Average rent: $2,494
- Median home price: $370,000
- South Loop crime: 13,591 (114.0% higher than Chicago average)
Ukrainian Village | Easily One of the Best Places to Live in Chicago
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The Ukrainian Village neighborhood is steeped in history and is known for its historic architecture and serene, tree-lined streets. The area is dotted with beautifully preserved historic homes that showcase its rich heritage. Key cultural landmarks in the neighborhood include the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture and the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art. The neighborhood borders Noble Square, where you’ll find attractions like the Polish Museum of America and eateries like Frontier and El Barco Mariscos.
This neighborhood has deep roots in Chicago’s Ukrainian community, which began to establish itself in the area in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This influx brought with it many diverse establishments, including Ukrainian churches, businesses, and cultural institutions that continue to thrive today.
- Population: 10,003
- Average rent: $2,714
- Median home price: $623,000
- Ukrainian Village crime: 3,869 crimes per 100,000 people (5.1% higher than Chicago average)
Best Chicago Neighborhoods Map
Looking for the best place to live in Chicago? Here’s a map of the best Chicago IL neighborhoods.
Now that you know about all of the best neighborhoods in Chicago IL, which one will you call home? Any one of these Chicago neighborhoods would be a great place for you and your family to live. Once you’ve decided on a neighborhood, get in touch with the reliable Chicago movers at Federal Companies. We will do everything we can to get you settled into your new home quickly and safely. Give us a call today at (800) 747-4100 to get started with a free quote.
