Did you know there are 100 neighborhoods in Chicago?
If you want to move to the Windy City, you’ll have no shortage of choices. Which are the best, though? How do you know if it’s a good fit for you?
Luckily, our guide is here to help. Read on to learn about the best places to live in Chicago.
Lincoln Park
If you’re looking for a blend of semi-suburb and city living, Lincoln Park is a great place to start.
The neighborhood borders Lincoln Park, which is home to both Knox College and DePaul University. It’s a great place for students and staff to make their home, or even young adults. Lincoln Park is known for its tree-lined streets and brick rowhouses, making it the perfect place to stroll no matter the time of day.
Whether you want to be closer to the classroom or you’d like to stay within walking distance of your favorite restaurants, Lincoln Park is perfect. Getting to the city is also as easy as jumping on the Red or Brown CTA lines, meaning you’re a stop away from any tourist destination you’d like to visit.
The Loop
The Loop is the heart of Chicago’s city center. With plenty of fine dining, theatre, nightlife, and even art museum or gallery options, you’ll never run out of things to do in this neighborhood.
You’ll have close access to famous sites like Millennium Park, Lake Michigan, and even Grant Park. If you’re a student, you’ll also have close access to both East-West University and Columbia College Chicago. After you graduate, you’ll be able to find jobs at the headquarters of famous companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield or GrubHub.
While most of the properties you’ll find in The Loop are apartments or condos, you’ll have access to either vintage finds or brand-new builds. With this popular area of Chicago, you’ll also certainly be able to find movers to help you get settled in.
Ukrainian Village
This neighborhood is an area settled by both Ukrainian and Polish immigrants. It’s filled to the brim with bookstores and antique shops, small music venues, and plenty of restored warehouses and brick buildings.
Here, you’ll be able to take advantage of close access to an arts education, with both the International School of Comics and the Wright College Humboldt Park nearby. If you’re a commuter, though, you can hop the CTA’s Blue and Green L lines to travel.
Another neighborhood rich in art, you can experience exhibits at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, or find Mid-Century Modern pieces at Velvet Goldmine. Search your next favorite indie act at The Empty Bottle or the Wild Prairie. If you’d like to try Ukrainian eats like Paprikash or Pierogis, head over to Tryzub Ukrainian Kitchen.
If you’d rather stick with Chicago classics, though, you can chow down on a Chicago hot dog or the baked potato mac and cheese at Joey G’s Mac n’ Cheese.
Lake View
If you’re on the hunt for an active nightlife, Lake View is a great spot for you. With close access to downtown and easy public transportation, this north Chicago neighborhood is perfect. You’ll also have access to views of Lake Michigan if you need a quiet moment away.
Whether you’re a sports fanatic or a drag show lover, Lake View has it all. With quick access to Wrigley Field and plenty of bars to catch a game, Wrigleyville is a great place to live and work. If you’d rather have dinner and a drag show, head over to Boystown, one of the country’s most vibrant LGBTQIA+ communities.
Even with all the hustle and bustle of tourism and out-of-towners, this is still one of the safest and most affordable neighborhoods in Chicago. It’s a walkable part of town, and there are plenty of neighborhoods to stroll through and find a place to call your own.
Whether you’re looking for a solo apartment to rent or a condo to own, you’ll be able to find something quiet and tucked away in Lake View. You’ll also have plenty of access to nearby CTA lines and grocery stores or restaurants to explore.
West Town
Both the West Town and Wicker Park neighborhoods are the perfect place to find one-of-a-kind art galleries, record stores, boutiques, bookstores, and even a thriving craft cocktail scene. You’ll find a great mix of young professionals and working artists both in galleries and on the streets. So, if you’re a patron of the arts or an artist yourself, this is definitely a neighborhood you’ll want to check out.
West Town is made up in part by Ukrainian Village, but you can also find other museums like the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture. While separate from any major Chicago attractions, like those found in The Loop, you’ll still never find yourself short on things to do and places to see.
These Aren’t the Only Places to Live in Chicago
While these areas are our top places to live in Chicago, they might not be yours. Remember, there are dozens of neighborhoods you can choose from, and there’s sure to be one out there for you. If you’re having trouble deciding, try making a wishlist for yourself.
From there, you’re likely to find that it’s a lot easier to narrow down your choices than you originally thought.
Once your decision has been made, don’t forget moving help! Contact us when you’re ready and we’ll have you on your way.