It’s impossible to describe Chicago in just a few words. While tourists recognize the Windy City for its deep-dish pizza, striking architecture, vibrant sports scene, and welcoming Midwest charm, Chicago is a patchwork of diverse neighborhoods, each with a character of its own.
In fact, Chicago boasts more than 200 distinct neighborhoods. Pride flags and rainbow sidewalks await in parts of Lakeview while towering office buildings and high-rises make up River North. Wicker Park is home to thrift shops and quirky bookstores, while Hyde Park is the place for academics.
Whether you’re planning a move to Chicago, or are simply curious about the city’s many communities, these are the 10 best neighborhoods in Chicago.
Lincoln Park
Image courtesy of Choose Chicago
Lincoln Park is a lively and walkable neighborhood on the North Side of Chicago, nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan. It is home to the Lincoln Park Zoo, DePaul University, and one of Chicago’s largest public parks. While parts of Lincoln Park boast lively nightlife and trendy dining spots, you’ll also find quiet residential areas with tree-lined streets and playgrounds.
The neighborhood also boasts convenient proximity to downtown Chicago. The skyscrapers and tourist attractions you’ll find in the Loop neighborhood are only a 20-minute train ride away. Unfortunately, Lincoln Park’s convenience and comfort come with a cost.
The average Lincoln Park home value is $555,736, according to Zillow.
Lakeview
Image courtesy of Choose Chicago
As its name implies, Lakeview promises breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. This lively neighborhood in the North Side encompasses several different areas, including East Lakeview, Central Lakeview, Northalsted, and Wrigleyville, and is a melting pot of diverse residents, from young professionals to elderly folks.
Here, you’ll find a thriving LGBTQ+ community, vibrant bars, the Second City comedy club, and easy access to both the Red and Brown Line CTA. If you prefer quieter nights, however, stay away from areas like Boystown and Wrigleyville, which come alive after dark.
With an average home cost of $371,389, Lakeview is a more affordable living option than other Chicago neighborhoods.
Logan Square
Image courtesy of TimeOut
Logan Square is the place for artists and young professionals. Located on the North Side of Chicago, this neighborhood is home to coffee shops, weekly farmers markets, historic Greystone buildings, art galleries, and tranquil green spaces.
The neighborhood also houses a large Latino population, with Hispanic residents making up about 43 percent of the local population.
With an average home value of $451,743, Logan Square is a little on the pricey side.
Pilsen
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Image courtesy of Curbed Chicago
Located on the city’s Lower West Side, Pilsen is another neighborhood that draws a diverse and artistic crowd. The neighborhood boasts attractions like a monthly art walk, the Museum of Mexican Art, and lots of colorful murals.
Like Logan Square, Pilsen also has a large Hispanic community, evident in the neighborhood’s authentic Mexican restaurants and bakeries. There is a vibrant and eclectic nightlife scene where music lovers will enjoy Pilsen Yards and Thalia Hall.
At $398,195, the average home value is a little lower here than in other Chicago neighborhoods.
Andersonville
Image courtesy of Chicago Magazine
Andersonville is packed with local businesses, historic architecture, and trendy restaurants and cafes. This small North Side neighborhood has Swedish roots, evident in its annual Swedish-inspired events, such as the St. Lucia Festival of Lights. You’ll also see blue and yellow flags waving throughout the city.
In addition to its Swedish population, Andersonville boasts a large LGBTQ+ population. Recent years have seen an influx of new residents, including young professionals, artists, and families, which has created a fusion of cultures.
The average home cost in Andersonville is $481,538.
River North
Image courtesy of WTTW
River North is a bustling and cosmopolitan district that stretches along North Michigan Ave in the heart of downtown Chicago. Here, sleek skyscrapers house boutiques, upscale restaurants, chic bars, and high-end nightclubs.
River North is also heaven for foodies, who will enjoy its many upscale and award-winning eateries. After dinner, residents and locals from across the city flock to River North for its music venues and clubs.
The home value in the neighborhood has recently decreased to $321,491.
Hyde Park
Image courtesy of Choose Chicago
Home to the University of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Smart Museum of Art, Hyde Park is a South Side neighborhood known for its academic distinction and cultural wealth.
Hyde Park also boasts stunning architecture, including majestic Gothic buildings, elegant mansions, and well-preserved landmarks. Visitors can explore historic sites like the Robie House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, or take a stroll through the picturesque University of Chicago campus.
Despite its prestige, the neighborhood is quite affordable, with an average home value of $228,254.
Wicker Park
Image courtesy of Conde Nast Traveler
You’ll never be bored in Wicker Park. This lively and artistic neighborhood northwest of the Loop is sometimes referred to as the Brooklyn of Chicago, and it’s easy to see why. Used bookstores, thrift shops, lively bars, music venues, bohemian cafes, and record shops line North Milwaukee Avenue, a large street that cuts through the middle of Wicker Park.
Artists, young professionals, families, and longtime locals all call Wicker Park home. Residents also often participate in community-driven initiatives, neighborhood events, and local activism that create a tight-knit community.
The average home value is on the pricer side, at $611,122.
Rogers Park
Image courtesy of Caffeinated Excursions
Rogers Park sits on the city’s North Side along Lake Michigan. With more than 60 languages spoken, this is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Chicago. As a result, this neighborhood boasts cuisine from all over the world, including Mexico, Cambodia, Peru, and Ethiopia.
Rogers Park also boasts a dynamic arts scene with theaters, galleries, and live music venues hosting frequent performances and concerts. The neighborhood attracts families as well as students, who attend the nearby Loyola University campus.
At Rogers Park, the average home will ring in at $211,856.
Gold Coast
Image courtesy of Choose Chicago
Located just north of downtown Chicago, the Gold Coast is a must-see spot if you’re visiting Chicago for the first time, but it could also make a picturesque home. The area houses the beautiful Oak Street Beach, the Drake Hotel, and lots of historic mansions and upscale restaurants.
This neighborhood is also close to popular museums and attractions, such as the Willis Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Newberry Library.
The Gold Coast has an average home value of $332,239 and is favored by retirees, affluent professionals, and some college students and faculty from nearby universities.
Tips for A Life in Chicago
If one of these Chicago neighborhoods calls your name and you’re gearing up for a move, here are some tips that will help you begin your new life in Chicago:
- Be ready for Chicago’s weather extremes: Chicago experiences both stifling hot summers and frigid winters. Invest in appropriate clothing to handle the cold winters and take advantage of the beautiful summers.
- Learn about the CTA: Get acquainted with Chicago’s public transportation system, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). Understand the routes, bus and train schedules, and the Ventra card system to navigate the city efficiently.
- Downsize to save money: Chicago isn’t cheap, but you can save money by opting for a smaller apartment or home. Embrace a more minimalist life or consider alternative storage options, like renting a storage unit or taking advantage of peer-to-peer storage marketplaces, like Neighbor.
- Prepare for Traffic and Commuting: Traffic in Chicago can get heavy, especially during rush hours, so plan your commuting routes and timings accordingly. Consider alternative transportation methods like biking or public transportation.
Here are some other helpful moving-related links:
- How to Properly Seal and Tape Boxes for Moving and Storage
- The Ultimate Moving Checklist
- How to Move Heavy Furniture by Yourself: A Complete Guide
- First Apartment Checklist: Top 11 Apartment Essentials
- The Security Deposit Return Process and How to Get Your Full Deposit Back
- The Ultimate Guide to DIY Moving
Summary
It’s easy to call Chicago home. Locals exude Midwest hospitality, and newcomers are quickly swept into their new lives in the Windy City. If you’re worried about finding community here, consider attending local block parties, joining neighborhood-specific Facebook groups, or volunteering at nonprofits in your area to connect with others.
