16 Best Neighborhoods in Chicago Ranked and Reviewed

Chicago’s a city of architectural grandeur and relentless energy. It’s also a patchwork of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own personality.

Downtown has soaring skyscrapers. The waterfront stretches for miles. Historic areas hide tree-lined streets. Every corner offers a different world.

This guide covers 16 of Chicago’s best neighborhoods. Maybe you’re visiting for the first time. Or considering a move. Or just looking for a temporary home. We’ll help you find the right spot.

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Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Chicago

For tourists, location matters. The best neighborhoods give you easy access to major attractions, great dining and nightlife, good public transportation, and a real taste of Chicago. These spots put you right in the action.

1. The Loop

The Loop is Chicago’s official downtown. It’s the pulsating heart of everything—commerce, culture, architecture.

The name comes from the elevated ‘L’ train tracks that circle the area. Those tracks make getting around incredibly easy.

What you’ll find here:

• Millennium Park with the famous Cloud Gate sculpture (the “Bean”)
• Art Institute of Chicago and the Theater District with Broadway shows
• Chicago River architectural boat tours
• Everything from upscale restaurants to casual food halls

Nightlife here is sophisticated. Rooftop bars. Classic cocktail lounges. Not really the place for dive bars.

Hotels range from luxury to budget chains. Prices sit in the mid-to-high range. But the location? Unbeatable. Especially for first-timers.

2. River North

River North sits just north of The Loop. It’s chic. Stylish. A former industrial warehouse district that’s now completely transformed.

This neighborhood has the highest concentration of art galleries in the country outside Manhattan. That’s not an exaggeration.

You’ll also find theMART here—a massive design and merchandise center.

The dining scene is incredible. Classic deep-dish pizza joints. Michelin-starred restaurants. Everything in between.

When the sun goes down, Hubbard Street comes alive. Bars and clubs everywhere. The energy is electric.

Hotels are mostly boutique and luxury. Multiple ‘L’ train lines run through the area. It’s perfect if you want sophisticated and lively.

3. West Loop

The West Loop went from gritty industrial area to one of Chicago’s most dynamic neighborhoods. Industrial-chic aesthetic everywhere. Converted lofts. A real sense of innovation.

The main draw? The food scene.

“Restaurant Row” on Randolph Street is where you’ll find some of the city’s most acclaimed chefs. Innovative concepts. James Beard award winners. It’s a foodie paradise.

Hotels are stylish and modern. Prices run mid-to-upper range. Public transportation is good—you can get anywhere easily.

4. Wicker Park

Wicker Park is hip. Eclectic. Bohemian.

Artists and musicians have been coming here for decades. The creative community is strong. Street art covers the walls.

The heart of the neighborhood is where North, Damen, and Milwaukee Avenues intersect. This six-corner spot is packed with vintage stores, independent boutiques, record shops, and art galleries.

The dining scene matches the creative vibe. Trendy brunch spots. Acclaimed international cuisine. Everything feels original.

Live music venues host both local and national acts. Nightlife is unpretentious—dive bars, craft cocktail lounges, breweries.

Accommodation options are limited. Mostly smaller boutique hotels and short-term rentals. Moderate prices. The Blue Line gives you direct access to downtown and O’Hare Airport.

5. Streeterville

Streeterville is stunning. High-energy. Sandwiched between the Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan.

The vibe is upscale and busy. It attracts tourists who want immediate access to premier shopping, iconic attractions, and lake views.

Major attractions include the John Hancock Center (now 875 North Michigan Avenue) with 360 Chicago observation deck, Navy Pier with family activities, the Magnificent Mile for shopping, and classic Chicago steakhouses everywhere.

You can ride the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier or catch a show at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

Hotels are primarily high-end. Premium prices. But excellent bus service and proximity to the Red Line make getting around easy.

Best Neighborhoods to Live in Chicago

Choosing where to live is different from choosing where to visit. The best residential neighborhoods offer safety, strong community, good schools, and convenient access to what you need.

These areas provide quality of life.

6. Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park blends natural beauty with urban sophistication. It’s upscale but relaxed. Beautiful streets. Historic architecture.

The community feel is strong. Professionals and families love it here.

Quality of life is exceptional. The neighborhood balances residential calm with commercial energy. Clark and Halsted streets offer local boutiques, national retailers, great restaurants, and cafe culture.

Cultural attractions include the Chicago History Museum, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and the actual Lincoln Park—2.5 miles of green space along the lake.

Public transportation is excellent. The area is walkable. Top healthcare facilities are nearby.

The cost of living is among the highest in the city. But for many, the quality makes it worth it.

7. Logan Square

Logan Square is vibrant and diverse. Creative. Bohemian spirit with a strong sense of community.

You’ll see historic boulevards, stately greystone mansions, and a thriving arts scene. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming. Artists, young families, and long-time residents all mix together.

What enhances quality of life:

• Beautiful tree-lined streets and numerous parks
• Logan Square Farmers Market (one of the best in the city)
• Local businesses everywhere: vintage stores, artisanal bakeries, craft cocktail bars
• Almost no chain stores

The dining scene is exceptionally innovative. The historic Logan Theatre and numerous art galleries add cultural life. The Blue Line connects you to downtown.

Cost of living has been rising, but it’s still more affordable than many North Side neighborhoods.

8. Andersonville

Andersonville is charming. Inclusive. Celebrated for Swedish heritage, progressive values, and fierce independence.

The atmosphere is friendly and laid-back. There’s strong support for local businesses and a large, vibrant LGBTQ+ community.

The main street, Clark Street, is delightful. Unique shops, cozy cafes, diverse restaurants, and almost no chain stores.

The Swedish American Museum honors the neighborhood’s roots. The community hosts numerous events year-round. Midsommarfest is the big summer street festival.

Andersonville is a bit farther north. But it’s accessible via the Red Line and several bus routes. Cost of living is moderate for the North Side—good balance of affordability and quality.

9. Hyde Park

Hyde Park sits on the South Side. It’s historic and culturally rich. Home to the University of Chicago.

The atmosphere is intellectual and diverse. Students, academics, families. Everyone’s engaged. The architecture is stunning—grand historic homes mixed with modern masterpieces.

The area is highly walkable with abundant green space. Promontory Point offers breathtaking lakefront views of the skyline.

Cultural attractions worth visiting:

• Museum of Science and Industry
• DuSable Museum of African American History
• Hyde Park Art Center

Good mix of local shops and restaurants on 53rd and 57th Streets. Metra trains and buses connect you to downtown.

Cost of living is generally more affordable than comparable North Side neighborhoods.

10. Lakeview

Lakeview is large, vibrant, diverse. This North Side neighborhood truly offers something for everyone.

The atmosphere is energetic and welcoming. Quiet residential streets exist alongside bustling commercial districts. It’s one of the most popular places to live in the city.

Quality of life is superb. Easy access to the lakefront trail, parks, beaches. The neighborhood includes smaller enclaves like Wrigleyville—home to iconic Wrigley Field—and Northalsted (formerly Boystown), the historic LGBTQ+ hub.

Shopping and dining options are endless. Boutiques on the Southport Corridor. Countless restaurants and bars along Broadway and Halsted.

Community events happen frequently. Chicago Pride Parade. Various street festivals.

Multiple ‘L’ stops on the Red, Brown, and Purple lines. Cost of living is moderate to high, with varied housing types.

Best Neighborhoods in Chicago for Families

Families need specific things: safety, strong community, good schools, parks, family-friendly activities. These neighborhoods provide that balance of urban convenience and suburban comfort.

11. North Center

North Center is charming and down-to-earth. It’s become a haven for families seeking strong community and excellent schools.

The big draw? Highly-rated public schools like Coonley and Bell Elementary—both selective-enrollment schools that parents compete to get into.

The neighborhood offers a more relaxed and affordable alternative to pricier neighbors.

Hamlin Park features a pool, sports fields, and playground. Waveland Bowl offers bowling. The Old Town School of Folk Music runs classes. Street festivals like Ribfest Chicago bring the community together.

Mix of single-family homes, two-flats, and condos. Prices are more accessible than surrounding areas. The Brown Line provides convenient downtown access.

12. Roscoe Village

Roscoe Village is often called a “village within the city.” It’s quaint. Charming. Incredibly family-friendly.

Quiet, tree-lined streets. Beautiful single-family homes. A relaxed atmosphere that feels worlds away from downtown.

The main commercial street (Roscoe Street) is lined with independent boutiques, kid-friendly restaurants, ice cream shops. Small-town feel right in the city.

Parks and playgrounds like Fellger Park are well-maintained. The community is very active with events like Roscoe Village Burger Fest and Retro on Roscoe.

Housing is primarily single-family homes and multi-unit buildings. Moderate-to-high price range. No direct ‘L’ stop, but it’s within walking distance of the Brown Line.

13. Beverly

Beverly sits on the far South Side. It’s picturesque. Historic. Known for spacious homes, rolling hills, and strong Irish heritage.

It has a distinctly suburban feel within city limits. Perfect for families wanting quiet, safe, community-oriented living with more green space.

Why families love Beverly:

• Low crime rates and excellent public and private schools
• Beautiful parks everywhere
• Beverly Arts Center with classes, exhibitions, and performances
• Tight-knit community where generations of families stay
• The beloved South Side Irish Parade

Housing stock is remarkable. Large single-family homes in stunning architectural styles at more affordable prices compared to North Side neighborhoods. The Metra Rock Island line provides direct Loop access.

Best Neighborhoods in Chicago for Young Professionals

Young professionals want neighborhoods that blend work and play. Easy commutes. Vibrant nightlife. Trendy dining. Networking opportunities.

14. Old Town

Old Town offers young professionals something different. It blends historic character—Victorian architecture, tree-lined streets—with a lively contemporary social scene.

Prime location between Lincoln Park and the Gold Coast. Incredibly convenient. Quick commute downtown via the Brown and Purple lines.

Old Town is famous for Second City comedy club. Wells Street bustles with restaurants, bars, boutiques. The social scene is lively and welcoming—recent graduates and established professionals mix easily.

Housing options are diverse. Historic walk-up apartments to modern high-rises. Moderate-to-high price range.

15. South Loop

The South Loop has become a magnet for young professionals. Modern. Convenient. Amenity-rich.

Proximity to downtown and a boom in new residential high-rises have transformed it into one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods.

The commute is one of the easiest in the city. Many people walk to work in the Loop. The neighborhood is packed with fitness centers, large grocery stores, and trendy restaurants and bars.

Unparalleled access to Grant Park, the Museum Campus, and the lakefront. The social scene is vibrant and diverse.

Housing is dominated by modern apartments and condos in high-rises. Stunning city views. Moderate-to-high rental prices. Excellent Red, Green, and Orange ‘L’ line access.

16. Bucktown

Bucktown sits just north of Wicker Park. Slightly more relaxed but equally trendy. Perfect for young professionals.

Known for artistic roots, historic three-flat homes, and a vibrant scene centered around Damen Avenue.

Convenient Blue Line commute to the Loop. Direct access to O’Hare too. Art galleries, independent boutiques, live music venues everywhere.

Dining and nightlife are exceptional. Acclaimed restaurants. Cozy cafes. Laid-back bars. The 606 (an elevated recreational trail) runs along the southern border—great for running and biking.

The social scene is creative and energetic. Housing includes new construction and classic Chicago brick buildings. Moderate-to-high rents.