Last Updated on: 12th October 2021, 05:23 pm
Chicago is one of the most visited cities in the U.S and home to some of the most well-known tourist attractions in the country, including the Magnificent Mile, Cloud Gate (affectionately dubbed “The Bean” by locals and tourists alike), Wrigley Field, and the Skydeck at the Willis Tower. Beyond the tourist sites, residents and locals love the city for its diverse and delicious global cuisine, easy-to-use public transportation system, well-maintained public parks, and constant buzz of sporting events, concerts, comedy shows, theatres, and more.
With so much going on, it’s no surprise that there are a number of wealthy neighborhoods spread out within the city limits where beautiful homes are walking distance from so much of what Chicago has to offer. Crime rates throughout the city vary greatly, but these wealthier neighborhoods have low-crime and are considered safe by their residents. School districts in Chicago are divided geographically and the schools in these neighborhoods are some of the best and safest public schools in Chicago. Other advantages of living in the richest neighborhoods in Chicago include trendy restaurants and bars, free and paid activities for kids and families, street festivals, and small and intriguing businesses like charming coffee houses and quirky retail shops. Aside from the fun ins and outs of these wealthy Chicago neighborhoods, we have compiled information from the US Census and other data sources so that you can learn all you need to know if you are looking to move to Chicago.
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West Town | Posh Chicago Neighborhood for Young Professionals
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Located northwest of downtown, West Town is a cultural melting pot with an eclectic, artsy vibe. There is no shortage of art galleries and funky coffee shops sprinkled throughout the neighborhood at walking distance from residential buildings. West Town is home to the traditional Ukrainian Village, which has historically attracted Eastern European immigrants to the area.
West Town is known for its microbreweries, including Forbidden Root, which is Chicago’s first botanical brewery. It is also known for its diversity of cuisine and is home to Beatnik, a restaurant-bar made famous for its hobo-chic vibe and globetrotting offerings.
If you enjoy the arts, this is the neighborhood for you. There is a few-block stretch on Chicago Ave. where you will find several galleries a stone’s throw distance from each other, an art aficionado’s dream. There are also many theatres where you can take in live performances, including the historical Chopin Theatre.
West Town Stats:
- West Town Population: 84,698
- West Town Zip Codes: parts of 60612, 60622, 60642, 60647
- West Town Median Household Income: $104,639
- West Town Average Home Price: $550,000
- West Town, Chicago Homes For Sale
North Center | Best Affluent Neighborhood in Chicago for Families
North Center has a suburban-urban mix feel to it, making it a great place for families with small kids. More than many other northside neighborhoods, residents here are likely to own their homes and establish long term roots. Its proximity to Wrigley Field makes it a great neighborhood for sports fans. Chicago’s well-known Laugh Out Loud Theatre is also located in North Center and is the perfect place to take in improv comedy. One of the best advantages of living in North Center is the abundance of kid-friendly places to take your family. Aside from places geared towards kid activities like Ultimate Ninjas and Pearachute, there are plenty of kid-friendly restaurants and breweries. Among local favorites is The Bad Apple, which offers craft brews from around the United States and has a room dedicated to families with small children. Also noteworthy are the Chicago public schools here which are some of the best in the city. With so many upsides for kids, it’s no wonder that North Center is one of Chicago’s most desired luxury neighborhoods for families.
North Center Stats:
- North Center Population: 35,543
- North Center Zip Codes: parts of 60613, 60618, 60657
- North Center Median Household Income: $125,033
- North Center Average Home Price: $600,000
- North Center, Chicago Homes For Sale
Mount Greenwood | Wealthy Chicago Neighborhood With Suburban Feel
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Located about 14 miles southwest of downtown, Mount Greenwood is about as far out as you can get without actually living in the suburbs. For this reason, the neighborhood has a distinctly suburban feel. Residents here can enjoy a little more space in a quiet and safe location which has great schools. In fact, Keller Regional Gifted Center, one of Chicago’s most reputable public schools, is located in Mount Greenwood. Students must test in to be accepted and families who are able to afford it often move here once their kid has been accepted. While not as trendy as some of its other wealthy counterparts, Mount Greenwood still has its share of advantages. It’s proximity to the suburbs makes it easy to access less busy activities for families such as The Children’s Museum in neighboring Oak Lawn. It is also a quick drive to the very famous Museum of Science and Industry where you could spend the whole day exploring their various permanent and rotating exhibits. If you are looking for a little more space and a family friendly location, Mount Greenwood may just be the neighborhood for you.
Mount Greenwood Stats:
- Mount Greenwood Population: 19,190
- Mount Greenwood Zip Codes: 60655
- Mount Greenwood Median Household Income: $102.256
- Mount Greenwood Average Home Price: $328,250
- Mount Greenwood, Chicago Homes For Sale
The Near North Side | Upmarket Chicago Neighborhood Near Downtown
Located directly north of downtown, The Near North Side oozes with Chicago Landmarks. The famed Tribune Tower, the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, and the Museum of Contemporary Art are just some of the tourist spots you’ll find in this neighborhood. The Near North Side also includes Navy Pier and The Magnificent Mile so it is always bustling with residents and tourists shopping, eating, and enjoying the outdoors. You won’t find large, sprawling family homes here, but if you are looking for a posh apartment in a high-rise, you are sure to find your perfect set-up here in The Near North Side.
The Near North Side Stats:
- Near North Side Population: 93,318
- Near North Side Zip Codes: 60611, most of 60610, parts of 60654 and 60642 Near North Side Median Household Income: $106,026
- Near North Side Average Home Price: $406,000
- Near North Side, Chicago Homes For Sale
Near South Side | Safest Rich Chicago Neighborhood
Home to Museum Campus, which includes the Shedd Aquarium, the Field Museum, and the Adler Planetarium, The Near South Side is another one of Chicago’s most visited neighborhoods. People travel from all over the world to take in American football and international soccer games at Soldier Field.
The housing market has exponentially boomed in the Near South Side over the last decade with family homes being especially coveted. This is no surprise as you will find many of Chicago’s best public parks here, such as Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens, and many thriving public and private schools. If you like to be close to the hustle and bustle of downtown but are also raising a young family, the Near South Side is a great option for you.
Near South Side Stats:
- Near South Side Population: 24,729
- Near South Side Zip Codes: parts of 60605, 60607, 60616
- Near South Side Median Household Income: $110,120
- Near South Side Average Home Price: $400,000
- Near South Side, Chicago Homes For Sale
The Loop | Wealthy Professional Neighborhood in Chicago
What most people would consider downtown is what local residents refer to as the Chicago Loop. Named for the “L” Train forming a literal loop around this neighborhood, it is located between the Near North Side and the Near South Side. You will find some of Chicago’s most famous parks here like Millenium Park, which is the location of the iconic Cloud Gate and Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Also located in the Loop is Grant Park, made famous for its outdoor events and political rallies. All you have to do is walk outside for one minute before you find a delicious eatery. If you’re in the mood for some fast and local cuisine, you can visit the expansive Revival Food Hall or you’re in the mood for a fancier, slower time, check out The Gage, located almost directly across from The Art Institute of Chicago. Much like the neighboring Near North SIde, you will find plenty of high-end apartments and condos in high rises here making it a popular address for those who can spend the money to be close to their corporate jobs and endless food and entertainment choices.
The Loop Stats:
- The Loop Population: 38,655
- The Loop Zip Codes: parts of 60601, 60602, 60603, 60604, and parts of 60605. 60606, and 60607
- The Loop Median Household Income: $108,676
- The Loop Average Home Price: $377,500
- The Loop, Chicago Homes For Sale
Lincoln Park | Chicago Neighborhood for Rich Professionals
Lincoln Park is another northside neighborhood populated with professionals with young families. Located just north of the Near Northside, it has one of the highest median incomes of all the neighborhoods in the city at $115,389. The Lincoln Park Zoo is among one of the best places for a family outing with its long list of animal habitats and free admission. Lincoln Park is also home to some of Chicago’s most famous restaurants such as the world-renounced modernist Alinea. If you’re looking for something a bit less fancy, you can visit Pequod’s, which is hailed by many as the best place for pizza in the city. Lincoln Park has a vibrant nightlight and you can find any number of trendy restaurants, microbreweries, and late-night bars nestled in-between residential buildings. This is one neighborhood that truly has just about everything you need a few blocks away.
Lincoln Park Stats:
- Lincoln Park Population: 69,465
- Lincoln Park Zip Codes: parts of 60614
- Lincoln Park Median Household Income: $115,389
- Lincoln Park Average Home Price: $593,750
- Lincoln Park Homes For Sale
Forest Glen | Ritzy Chicago Neighborhood for Families
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Forest Glen is located in northwestern Chicago. It has a stereotypically suburban feel and contains the prestigious sub-neighborhoods of Saunagash and Edgebrook. Many politicians, city officials, and upper-echelon police call this ritzy neighborhood home. The public schools in Forest Glen are considered to be above average. It is also considered to be one of the safest neighborhoods in the city. All this combined with the ample city lots make Forest Glen a popular choice for families.
Forest Glen Stats:
- Forest Glen Population: 19,405
- Forest Glen Zip Codes: parts of 60630 and 60646
- Forest Glen Median Household Income: $123,85
- Forest Glen Average Home Price: $528,000
- Forest Glen Homes For Sale
Edison Park | Great Neighborhood on the Rich Side of Chicago
Located northwest of Forest Glen, about 13 miles from the Loop, is Edison Park. It is known citywide for its safety and stability and is regarded as one of the more affluent neighborhoods in Chicago. This is another neighborhood that is home to a large population of police officers and it is not unusual to see a police squad car every few blocks. Even though this neighborhood is far northwest of the city center, it is accessible through the city’s Blue Line “L” Train. It also has its own reputation for having a variety of cuisine. Moretti’s Restaurant is well known for its pizza and friendly atmosphere, while the Firewater Salon is known for its country-western music and setting.
Edison Park Stats:
- Edison Park Population: 11,112
- Edison Park Zip Codes: parts of 60631
- Edison Park Median Household Income: $105,233
- Edison Park Average Home Price: $366,000
- Edison Park Homes For Sale
Beverly | Diverse Wealthy Chicago Neighborhood
Known for its strong Irish roots and attractive architecture, Beverly sits on the southwest corner of Chicago. The buildings here are largely inspired by famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright and his contemporaries. The Beverly Art Center draws in people from all over the city with its art exhibitions, fine arts classes, and a wide range of performance arts. Beverly residents brag about the local The Original Rainbow Cone, The eponymous treat served here boasts five ice cream flavors in one cone, and getting to savor one is often considered crossing off a Chicago bucket list item. Like many of the neighborhoods on this list, the public schools here are considered both academically challenging and safe, making Beverly an appealing place for families with kids.
Beverly Stats:
- Beverly Population: 19,791
- Beverly Zip Codes: parts of 60620, 60643, 60655
- Beverly Median Household Income: $98,636
- Beverly Average Home Price: $384,000
- Beverly Homes For Sale
Map of Richest Neighborhoods in Chicago
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