9 Best Neighborhoods in Chicago
- Printers Row
- Greektown
- West Loop
- River North
- The Loop
- Streeterville
- Near South Side
- Gold Coast
- Lakeview
1. Printers Row
The best neighborhood in Chicago is Printers Row. Located on the city’s South Side, this neighborhood is situated along the Chicago River and is best known for its stunning historic architecture. While it was once an epicenter for printing in the Midwest, Printers Row has since had its buildings repurposed into beautiful residential lofts.
The streets are lined with lush greenery, which adds to the neighborhood’s tranquil atmosphere and family-friendly nature. Printers Row is also one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago. There's also plenty to do, with the Loop only minutes away. Printers Row residents are never far from all of Chicago’s best food, entertainment, and nightlife.
Overall, Printers Row is the perfect area to find quiet living in the big city.
2. Greektown
Greektown is the second-best neighborhood in Chicago. This smaller neighborhood is located on the city’s Near West Side, and it holds convenient access to both I-90 and I-290. Best known as a social and dining district, Greektown is home to an abundance of delicious food spots and consists of a combination of both local restaurants and businesses.
Other amenities in this area include the National Museum of Mexican Art, the National Hellenic Museum, Athenian Candle Co., and Skydeck Chicago. Ultimately, Greektown is one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago for foodies and those who prefer an area rich in culture.
3. West Loop
West Loop is another of Chicago’s best neighborhoods. This neighborhood was once a bustling meatpacking district but has since become a dynamic destination for corporate headquarters, music venues, and world-class dining. A particular favorite is Randolph Street, which is the best place to find the neighborhood’s most beloved restaurants and other eateries. This street is often referred to as “Restaurant Row” for its diverse food options, including ramen bars, delis, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Other fun local amenities in West Loop include art galleries, boutiques, and the Fulton and Randolph Street Markets. With so much to taste and try, West Loop is another great area for foodies.
4. River North
River North is one of the best places to live in Chicago for artists. This bustling area is full of sleek art galleries, unique studios, and some of the hottest nightlife in the city. With its emphasis on style, River North is also a go-to district for those who prefer life on the trendier side. Daytime amenities in this neighborhood include The Chopping Block, theMART, and several other museums and art installations. At night, residents can dance to the beat of local nightclubs, bars, and other music venues. It is this penchant for entertainment that makes River North the perfect home for those who prefer a more bohemian lifestyle.
5. The Loop
Located in the heart of the city is the The Loop, another one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods. This area is considered Chicago’s official downtown area and is home to some of the Windy City’s most iconic attractions. These include Cloud Gate, Millenium Park, the Chicago Riverwalk, and the Chicago Blues Festival. Residents of this thriving area can also enjoy its historic architecture, river cruises, delicious dining options, and shopping along the infamous State Street.
This neighborhood’s abundance of local family-friendly entertainment and urban amenities make it the best option in Chicago for those who prefer to live in the heart of everything the city has to offer.
6. Streeterville
Streeterville is one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago for families. This buzzing area is located right on the shores of Lake Michigan and is a favorite neighborhood among Chicago families for its abundance of shops, restaurants, bars, beaches, parks, and local entertainment. Local attractions in this area include the Navy Pier, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Oak Street Beach, and the Magnificent Mile.
Additionally, this neighborhood is home to some of the safest streets in the city and has above-average ratings for its public school districts. Both its location and its overall livability keep Streeterville an attractive part of the Chicago landscape.
7. Near South Side
Another neighborhood bordering Lake Michigan, Near South Side, is also considered one of the best places to live in Chicago. This neighborhood is situated at the heart of Chicago’s most diverse urban neighborhoods and is a great area to experience the best of the city’s urban living. Residents in this area are a mixed bag of working professionals, many of whom belong to the medical field due to the local Mercy Hospital.
The neighborhood itself is also surrounded by a network of highways, making it accessible to other parts of the city. Overall, Near South Side is an excellent choice among business professionals and commuters.
8. Gold Coast
Gold Coast is the best neighborhood in Chicago for those who prefer a more luxurious lifestyle. As one of the richest neighborhoods in Chicago, the streets of Gold Coast are lined with historic mansions, designer homes, and luxury hotels. An architectural gold mine, the neighborhood is also home to rows of 19th-century residences featuring an assortment of historical revival styles.
Notable attractions in this area include the Charnley-Persky House and the Former Playboy Mansion, and local amenities include the best of everything Rush Street has to offer. With a stunning variety of beautiful homes, Gold Coast is sure to impress Chicago’s upper echelon.
9. Lakeview
As its name implies, Lakeview is another great Chicago neighborhood for anyone interested in being close to the lakefront. This neighborhood is tucked along Lake Michigan’s shores and comprises East Lakeview, Central Lakeview, Northalsted, and Wrigleyville. The area is known for its laid-back atmosphere and convenient walkability, giving its residents a well-needed respite from the bustle of daily life.
Those who live in this neighborhood can also benefit from its abundance of shopping districts, high-end restaurants, and thriving art scene. Overall, Lakeview is a well-rounded area with plenty to give to those who move here.