As a full-service real estate brokerage, the Luxury Living Chicago Realty team has been helping people make Chicago their home for over 10 years. We’re often asked what are the best neighborhoods to live in Chicago, a topic we talk at length about. In this post, we’re honing in on which neighborhoods are the best for a family to settle down.
City living isn’t just for young professionals. With a wide range of activities, family-friendly restaurants, and top schools, Chicago is the perfect place for a family to find a home.
Select a Chicago Neighborhood You Can Trust
Living in the city of Chicago with a family is a big deal. When looking for a new family home, it’s important to take a neighborhood’s safety into consideration.
According to Niche.com, which ranked Chicago’s safest neighborhoods with data from the FBI and U.S. Census, the Gold Coast, Andersonville, and Streeterville neighborhoods made the top 10.
Gold Coast
Niche.com ranked the Gold Coast #4 out 94 safest neighborhoods in the Chicago area and gave it a combined A+ rating, with a B on “Crime & Safety.”
Andersonville
Niche.com ranked Andersonville #15 out 94 for best neighborhoods to raise a family in Chicago. This neighborhood has a combined A+ rating, with a B- on “Crime & Safety.”
Streetrville
Niche.com ranked Streeterville as #13 out 94 for best neighborhoods to buy a house in Chicago. This neighborhood has a combined A+ rating, with a B- on “Crime & Safety.”
Chicago Neighborhoods with Fun for the Whole Family
It’s also important to think about where to live in Chicago that offers access to parks, grocery stores, and kid-friendly entertainment. Lincoln Park, River North, West Loop, and Lakeshore East neighborhoods feature great parks, family-friendly restaurants, amazing grocery stores and endless entertainment options for families.
Lincoln Park
In addition to a high level of safety, Lincoln Park’s sprawling park landscapes provide a huge outdoor playground for families. Home to the Lincoln Park Zoo, there are many other family attractions and activities that make this neighborhood perfect for raising a family. Bubble’s Academy is one of Chicago’s premier preschools with an arts-integrated curriculum. Check out the Little Beans Cafe for lunch with a large play space or RJ Grunts a classic burger joint voted the most kid-friendly restaurant in Chicago.
River North
The River North neighborhood has many great options for families looking to live in a vibrant family neighborhood. For the kids, Sprouts Academy is a unique preschool with a green focus. Weekends are best spent at The East Bank Club, the perfect place for a family fitness membership with tennis, golf, swimming, and a kid’s activity center. Plus, there are endless amounts of family-friendly restaurant options.
West Loop
A trendy, rapidly-growing neighborhood, West Loop has many activities and restaurants perfect for city-living families. Green Beginnings is an award-winning preschool that focuses on teaching children skills to be lifelong learners. If you’re looking for fun ways to keep your kids active, POW! Kids offers martial arts and self-defense class, while Brooklyn Boulders is an ideal place to try out rock climbing. Stop by the Little Goat Diner after class for classic comfort food and a milkshake.
Lakeshore East
Lakeshore East is a safe, quiet neighborhood that sits where the river meets the lake. At the heart of this family neighborhood is a botanic garden with a gated children’s play park with interactive splash features and a dog and owner friendly dog park. Bright Horizons is a reputable preschool in the area and the Village Market includes easy grocery shopping and great dining options. There is also GEMS World Academy, a leader among private schools in Chicago with a day school for kindergarteners through high schoolers.
If you’re thinking about purchasing a home in Chicago, Luxury Living Chicago Realty is a great resource. Click the button below to read our Chicago condo buying guide.
