Comparing River North vs. Streeterville is tough. Both neighborhoods provide phenomenal urban experiences in the heart of the Windy City. Let’s walk through the similarities and distinctions to understand better which community is the best fit for you.
River North vs. Streeterville
River North is a bustling area with rich history and activities, attracting plenty of young professionals, artists, and foodies. The neighborhood is bounded by Chicago Ave to the north, Michigan Ave to the east, and the Chicago River to the south and west. It is currently ranked as the fastest and largest growing neighborhood in Chicago.
Streeterville neighbors River North directly to the east and is bounded by the river on the south, the Magnificent Mile portion of Michigan Avenue on the west, and Lake Michigan on the north and east. Streeterville offers impressive walkability to popular attractions and the lakefront, making it a hot spot for tourists and residents. However, those who work outside the neighborhood may find the public transit options more limited than River North.
History
Both River North and Streeterville have colorful pasts.
River North truly began to evolve into the neighborhood it is today after the 1871 Chicago Fire. Afterward, it quickly rebuilt and introduced municipal buildings, housing for workers, warehouses, shipping facilities, and railroad tracks. Eventually, the industrial area became a warehouse district, with the construction of the Merchandise Mart, a 25-story building storing many of the city’s goods. While it struggled through the Great Depression, in 1945, Joseph P. Kennedy revitalized and re-opened Merchandise Mart to the public. It’s been a thriving spot since.
From the 1920s to the 1960s, River North lost many of its residents to the Chicago Suburbs. However, things turned around in the 1970s when artists reclaimed the area when they discovered low real estate prices and large spaces, beginning the River North Gallery District. Old abandoned buildings were repurposed into galleries, studios, offices, apartments, shops, and restaurants.
Streeterville’s name comes from the infamous Captain George Streeter, a man whose crazy life directly shaped the outcome of the Streeterville neighborhood we know today. Over a decade after the Great Fire, the area known as Streeterville was still recovering, and Lake Michigan became a dumping ground for contractors trying to clean up.
Around this time, Streeter used some of the “waste” to set up a sand bar Shanty in Lake Michigan. For 40-years, a dramatic battle unfolded among Streeter, the City of Chicago, and the actual owner of the land, millionaire Kellogg Fairbank, for the rights of the land.
In the end, Captain Streeter’s efforts to keep the land were unsuccessful, but his legacy remains in the neighborhood’s name.
Activities
The River North gallery district attracts plenty of creative residents and tourists alike. This district is centered around the intersection of Franklin and Superior Streets and bounded by Wells, Chicago, Orleans, and Huron Streets. Around these streets, you can find plenty of unique and imaginative art galleries.
River North also offers some of the city’s best restaurants and bars scattered throughout the area.
Both River North and Streeterville put residents next to Michigan Avenue, opening the door to some of the country’s top-notch shopping, from Saks Fifth Avenue to Gucci.
Living in Streeterville also puts Lake Michigan, Navy Pier, Centennial Wheel and the Shakespeare Theatre in residents’ backyard, making the area a fun spot to call home. Not only are there plenty of things to do and see in this neighborhood, but there are also several fantastic restaurants and cocktail bars to try out as well.
Available Properties
You can’t go wrong choosing River North vs. Streeterville. Here are some properties in both neighborhoods that are worth checking out.
One Bennett Park – 451 E. Grand – These ultra-luxe Streeterville homes offer two to four-bedroom residences with custom interiors and sweeping views of Lake Michigan and the city skyline.
One Chicago – 1 W Chicago – This brand-new River North development is currently under construction, but will house 77 elegant condo residences just blocks from the Chicago lakefront.
Renelle on the River – 403 N. Wabash – Situated in a prime River North Location, these sleek homes offer impeccable amenities, including an outdoor terrace with fire place, private screening room, yoga room, and more.
If you’re ready to find your dream home, connect with a Luxury Living Chicago Realty expert who can match your goals to the right neighborhood or follow the link below to compare them for yourself!
