Moving to a new city, or even a completely new neighborhood can often feel intimidating and daunting for a large number of reasons. Looking for the perfect neighborhood can seem like an endless job, but when moving to a city like Chicago, you can put your worries to rest. This diverse city has a neighborhood for everyone, from tranquil, family-oriented residential neighborhoods to upscale neighborhoods for young professionals – art lovers, nature lovers and history enthusiasts will easily find their place in one of the amazing neighborhoods Chicago offers. We want to make your decision a bit easier, which is why we have gathered the top 10 neighborhoods in Chicago for you to take a look at, and hopefully fall in love with as much as we are.
Edgewater
If you are looking for a neighborhood in which you will be able to find a home with some of the best waterfront views of Lake Michigan – and that won’t hurt your pockets – Edgewater is a neighborhood you should definitely consider. This family-oriented community offers well-preserved 1920’s architecture and historic malls that are tough to find nowadays. The Broadway Antique Market is a place to lose yourself while shopping for hours, and if you need to stop and grab a bite or drink – here you will find a large selection of options to do so. As a culturally diverse neighborhood, you will love the authentic cuisine that can easily be found, scattered around the neighborhood. The perfect lively neighborhood that offers both a city and suburban feel, you will be able to enjoy the beach and city living with your family simultaneously on a daily basis.
Lincoln Park
A neighborhood that is the example of a beautiful, well-kept, scenic suburb is most definitely Lincoln Park. Surrounded by some of the most breathtaking historic botanical gardens, parks and lily ponds, you will easily be able to lose yourself in the picturesque nature that this neighborhood offers. Most residences have access to the lake and amazing views of the city, but what makes Lincoln Park stand out from every other neighborhood is the infamous park that contains one of the oldest free zoos – Lincoln Park Zoo, along with the Lakefront Trail and Theatre at the park. Also known as a paradise for chocolate lovers, you will love Lincoln Park’s Alinea for its world renown tasting menu and other Michelin star-rated restaurants. The nightlife is not lacking either, so you are definitely in for a treat when living in this tranquil yet bustling neighborhood at the same time.
Avondale
Considered to be a hidden gem, a lot of people are starting to realize the amazing potential this neighborhood is boasting. This urban neighborhood is receiving immense, rapid growth – and the mix of old and new architecture that you will be able to scan around the neighborhood is truly one of a kind. Avondale boasts a handful of historical sights, and more to do than you could ever imagine. This neighborhood is unique and known for its pop-up shops that can make your entire shopping experience exciting and fresh every single time you take a stroll around town. When it comes to grabbing a bite, Avondale always has you covered. Not only does Avondale boast some of the best old-world buffets and infamous burger joints, but by living here you will also have award-winning beer just outside your front door. It might be smart to grab a good deal in this neighborhood before everyone finds out about its potential.
River North
This wealthy, urban community known as River North will provide you with the authentic Chicago city living lifestyle – filled with art galleries, and some of the best nightlife options in the city. The options are endless in River North – from exclusive clubs to modern bars, River North is the hotspot for art lovers and party animals. Home to theMART that stretches on the Chicago Riverwalk, it is famous for producing the largest video production art installation. If you love spending your days enjoying art, you’ll find tons of specialized art galleries that feature everything your heart desires. The architecture in the entire neighborhood is truly one of a kind, and when you get tired from the fast-paced lifestyle River North delivers to its community, you will easily be able to find an eatery that will satisfy your tastes.
Bucktown
Packed with some of the best record shops, vintage thrift shops, noodle joints and exquisite coffee spots, Bucktown is known as the neighborhood where the perfect dating spot is around every single corner. Book stores and classy restaurants galore, Bucktown is the center of the excitement when it comes to the city of Chicago, and you will never have trouble meeting new people in this friendly community while enjoying a new place every single day. Offering a bustling nightlife and tons of recreational opportunities set outdoors, Bucktown represents the perfect mix of everything you could need to keep your quality of life high and your stress levels low.
Logan Square
People looking for an urban lifestyle in the middle of everything happening in the city will love calling Logan Square home. This hotspot among the community offers different opportunities for everyone, is filled with tons of things to do on a daily basis, and everything you could possibly need. Taking a stroll along Logan Boulevard during the day is where you will find regal homes lining the street. If you want to catch a movie with some friends, you will fall in love with the famous vintage 1915 Logan Theater that shows everything your heart could desire – from classics to indie films. Here you will also find the Chicago Underground Film Festival, which is also the longest ever. If you are wondering about grabbing a bite somewhere, you won’t have much trouble finding something to suit your taste. From fine dining to unique local eateries, this neighborhood could satisfy just about anyone’s palette. As the fun lasts through the entire day, it continues even during the night, when you will have trouble picking a place to go to – as there are so many. Packed with unique bars and interesting hotspots – Logan Square really is the epicenter of excitement.
Lakeview
Connecting four Chicago party towns – each unique on its own – East and Central Lakeview, Boystown and Wrigleyville, Lakeview is a quaint neighborhood during the day, but bustles with nightlife as soon as the sun sets. During the day, you can take a stroll around town for some of the best shopping opportunities, local boutiques, quirky shops and vintage record shops. If you love spending time outdoors, you’re in luck. When the weather is serving you, the Lakefront Trail is the perfect way to spend the day or visit for an afternoon picnic with family and friends. Once the sun sets, the options are truly endless in Lakeview. No matter what you prefer – Lakeview has you covered. Whether you prefer catching a live show at the Music Box Theatre, or visit some of the best music venues, Lakeview is booming with comedy, dance and a thriving theater community during the entire year. If you want to live in a neighborhood that will never have you sitting bored inside your home – Lakeview has your name written all around it.
West Loop
If you consider yourself a foodie, then moving to West Loop is simply a no brainer. This old neighborhood is a foodie paradise, offering something for everyone’s taste and preference, hands down. Enjoy some of the best tastes in the nation on Randolph Street, specifically on Restaurant Row, where you will find some of the best high-end tasting menus, infamous sandwich shops and ramen joints, along with some of the best, authentic Greek restaurants, delicious bakeries and delis. Bursting with history, you will love spending time at the famous National Hellenic Museum, and if you are more than just a food lover, don’t fret. Exploring this neighborhood, you will realize that it is packed with boutiques, unique vintage shops, and art galleries. There is a spot for everyone in this neighborhood, and if you are looking for some excitement along the way, you can visit the Randolph Street Market which is hosted during the summer and is filled with pop-up bars and live music. The fun never comes to an end at West Loop.
Pilsen
Considered to be one of the coolest neighborhoods to live in, Pilsen is a community that bursts with Latino culture. By taking a stroll around the neighborhood, you will easily find numerous music venues, a large selection of award-winning restaurants and vibrant murals that bring life to this part of the city – and make Pilsen truly one of a kind. Once you see colorful street art, you’ll know that you are in Pilsen as it does stand out from just about every other neighborhood in Chicago. It’s not a surprise that the art scene is bustling in Pilsen, as here you will find some of the best artists on the rise at the Gallery Nights hosted bi-weekly. If you are craving for some authentic Mexican cuisine, you won’t have any trouble finding a place to grab a bite and feel satisfied. Not only does Pilsen have a bursting arts and food scene, but it is also home to one of the best music venues in Chicago – Thalia Hall. Here you will be able to catch any show your heart could desire, from world renowned DJs to live comedy – and you will never be disappointed.
Lincoln Square
One of the best spots for shopping in locally-owned shops, while feeling like you are in Germany, Lincoln Square offers some of the most seamless blends of old and new that truly make this neighborhood unique among the others. If you are a foodie, you’ll love grabbing bites on a daily at the Chopping Block, and your kids will definitely appreciate the regular visits to Timeless Toys. Diverse, authentic cuisine from around the world can be found around every corner, and as the entire neighborhood is quite family-oriented, you will never experience trouble with finding a place to take your kids and have some fun while you’re at it. Not only is Lincoln Square fun for your kids, but nights without your kids can also be filled with excitement – check out the famous Old Town School of Folk Music.
