Whether you already live in the Windy City or are thinking of relocating, it’s crucial to choose the right community for your profession and lifestyle.
Comparing The Best Chicago Neighborhoods
Every neighborhood in Chicago has something for everyone. So if you need help deciding the best spot for you, let the Luxury Living Chicago Realty team show you the way home. We’ll start by taking a look at how some of the most popular communities compare.
Old Town vs. Lakeshore East
The location of these two hot areas significantly influences how the Old Town and Lakeshore East neighborhoods compare. While both offer killer spots in the city, Lakeshore East provides more direct access to the water and downtown ‘Loop,’ while Old Town sits a few miles north of the heart of downtown a few blocks in from the water.
Lakeshore East may be more suitable for an urban lifestyle, but it still offers a unique city experience. This popular neighborhood is tucked away into an enclave adjacent to Michigan Avenue and west of Lakeshore Drive, where the river meets the lake.
The Lakeshore East community provides a unique opportunity to live in the heart of a city surrounded by greenery. Forty percent of the neighborhood is green, providing more open space than other downtown communities.
This area is excellent for someone looking for scenic outdoor space but doesn’t want to forfeit the convenience of city living. This neighborhood is minutes from some of the most popular Chicago attractions, including Navy Pier and Millennium Park.
Old Town provides a more residential feel and may be a better option for someone who isn’t looking to live so close to the downtown area yet still wants a great social scene.
The Old Town community is between Chicago’s Gold Coast and Lincoln Park neighborhoods and offers a great blend of historic and modern, with a nice combination of Victorian-style buildings and modern high-rise apartments. Old Town provides a charming youthful atmosphere and plenty of fantastic restaurants, bars, and retail options.
Streeterville vs. Gold Coast
Many people looking to live close to downtown Chicago may go back and forth between Streeterville and Gold Coast.
Bounded by the Chicago River, the Magnificent Mile, and Lake Michigan, Streeterville finds itself smack dab in the middle of Chicago’s hottest landmarks. The area provides exceptional walkability to fantastic shopping, dining, nightlife, and popular attractions.
Living in Streeterville means you have Navy Pier, Centennial Wheel and the Shakespeare Theatre in your backyard. With the Magnificent Mile located right along the West edge of the neighborhood, the area offers some of the most high-end retail in the city, from Saks Fifth Avenue to Gucci.
The affluent Gold Coast also provides a phenomenal location with tranquility and history. This upscale neighborhood also nestles up against Lake Michigan and is directly north of Streeterville. Gold Coast is commonly known for its overgrown trees and beautiful Victorian mansions. Some of the city’s best shopping, dining, nightlife, and pet-friendly parks are also situated in this posh area.
Both areas offer rich history and luxury living, so deciding between the two may be a difficult choice.
Streeterville vs. River North
While Streeterville and River North are side-by-side, each neighborhood offers slightly different lifestyles.
As mentioned, Streeterville offers impressive walkability to popular attractions and the lakefront. While River North does not have as many iconic tourist destinations, this neighborhood is still known for great walkability, nightlife and more public transit options. Those who plan to travel regularly by train or bus may find River North more convenient.
While some like the idea of living near the hottest Chicago entertainment options, others may feel like Streeterville feels more of a tourist spot compared to River North.
Both areas provide an excellent selection of modern, luxury high rises and urban living.
River North vs. West Loop
Deciding between River North and West Loop is a tough choice. Both remain hot spots to live, boasting fantastic living options and convenient lifestyles.
River North is great for those wanting to live a bit closer to the Loop and the lake. This area also provides easy access to other surrounding neighborhoods.
West Loop is a popular place to call home for many young professionals and families. In fact, the neighborhood is known for having the highest percentage of millennials in the nation. This influx of young people has attracted many new bars, dog-friendly restaurants, and boutique shops to the area.
As this neighborhood progressively transformed from a meatpacking district to a hip neighborhood over the past decade, West Loop still maintains an urban and industrial feel. Prospective residents can find a nice mix of brand new high rises and historic refurbished lofts.
River North has less of the historic charm and more of the big city vibe. However, both offer excellent transit and convenience. Both are also considered highly walkable according to Walk Score.
South Loop vs. the Loop
The Loop is considered the heart of downtown Chicago. It is more business-centric when compared to South Loop, which feels a bit more residential.
As its name implies, South Loop is located directly south of the Loop. Because the Chicago neighborhood is considered more residential, there is a larger selection of apartments and condos in the South Loop neighborhood.
Both communities sit right next to the lake front and house different popular Chicago attractions. In the Loop you can find Millennium Park, Maggie Daley Park, the Art Institute, and more. Soldier Field, Shedd Aquarium, and the Field Aquarium are also nearby but technically located in South Loop.
Folks interested in living in South Loop can choose between two distinct areas: Museum Park and Printer’s Row. While Museum Park is a sprawling lakefront community of brand-new high-rise buildings with popular venues and museums, Printer’s Row offers a bit more character featuring former printing plants and publishing houses converted into contemporary lofts and condos.
South Loop vs. Wicker Park
It’s easier to notice the contrast between South Loop and Wicker Park.
South Loop undoubtedly feels more like a downtown Chicago neighborhood, with plenty of high rises and popular attractions.
Wicker Park, on the other hand, provides a slower lifestyle with more of a hipster vibe. Although Wicker Park is further from the Loop, it boasts excellent public transit to get to the city and surrounding neighborhoods.
The Wicker Park community is home to fantastic local coffee shops, retail shops, dining, and nightlife. Many popular venues run along Milwaukee Avenue, which cuts transversely through the heart of the neighborhood.
While Wicker Park doesn’t have direct access to the water, it does offer an impressive amount of green space, including the infamous Wicker Park and few smaller parks. This family-friendly neighborhood is ideal for all types of people looking for a vibrant lifestyle but at a slower pace than what South Loop may offer.
Narrowing down the best Chicago neighborhood may feel overwhelming with so many wonderful options. If you need more guidance in this selection or want help touring properties, be sure to connect with one of our experienced brokers today.
Our team would love to help you find your dream home in the perfect neighborhood!
