The Ultimate Chicago Neighborhood Guide

by AptAmigo | Mar 5, 2019 | Chicago, Chicago Apartment Search

What Chicago Neighborhood Should I Live In?

If you’re moving to Chicago and asking yourself this question, look no further— we compiled the best Chicago neighborhood guide on the web. A myriad of neighborhoods, each with a distinct character, define Chicago’s landscape, so performing your research before you move will ensure that you love where you live. If you want to talk to a local about which Chicago neighborhood is perfect for you, or would like help finding your ideal Chicago apartment, reach out to AptAmigo!

Related: Best Chicago Apartments with Lake Views & Skyline Views

River North

River North | South Loop | Streeterville | West Loop | Old Town | The Loop | Gold Coast | Lincoln Park

If you’re an early riser, a stop at the famed Doughnut Vault is a neighborhood rite of passage. If weekend brunch sounds more like your scene, River North has you covered with local favorites like GT Fish & Oyster. If you want more variety, lunchtime in River North will fill your rumbling belly.

Tourists flock to Chicago staples, such as Portillo’s and Gino’s East for dogs and deep dish, while locals can find everything from an iconic McDonald’s to a 6-course meal prepared by Top Chef Masters’ winner Rick Bayless. After work and on weekends, Chicagoans from all over the city flood the neighborhood to take advantage of the best concentration of nightlife and dining in downtown.

River North serves up excellent seafood at Joe’s Stone Crab, ribs at Carson’s, old-school steaks at Gene & Georgetti, and Asian Fusion at Sunda, among countless others. If you live in Chicago and like to stay out late, River North is probably where you’ll end up. With clubs like Tao, bars like Bub City and Three Dots and Dash, and music venues like Howl at the Moon and The Readhead Piano Bar, River North puts on a party every night of the week.

Residents of River North love to workout at the famous East Bank Club. If you’re lucky, you might work out next to Oprah, Mayor Rahm Emmanuel, or former President Obama! After a quick workout, River North residents head to work. Chicago’s vibrant tech community flourishes in the high-rise co-working spaces and at companies like Salesforce, Trunk Club, and Yelp.

Right outside the office, dozens of hotels make River North a destination for out-of-towners. Tourists take advantage of Magnificent Mile shopping between tours at the Driehaus Museum or kayak excursions down the Chicago River. Tourists and residents alike benefit from daily views of some of the most iconic architecture in Chicago, including 875 North Michigan Avenue (formerly The John Hancock Center), Wrigley Building, and Merchandise Mart.

For locals, River North doesn’t offer as much communal or park space as other neighborhoods, but pet lovers still take advantage of the neighborhood’s pet-friendly buildings and river views.

Neighborhood Vibe

Situated west of Streeterville, adjacent to Gold Coast and the Magnificent Mile, this lively and posh area serves as a prime location for new Chicagoans looking for a full-value introduction to the city. Home to numerous art galleries and studios, River North is an artists’ haven and then some. Numerous bars, clubs, and top-rated restaurants dot the streets— their age marked by Chicago’s varied architecture.

Things to Know

Live here if you crave fascinating culture, beautiful aesthetics, and a vibrant atmosphere. River North pulsates with creative energy around every bend. 3 Greens Market hosts Chicago’s artists and professionals alike; it’s where eclectic people mix and mingle at stylish hangouts and bump elbows at the communal tables.

Pros:

  • Center of Chicago urban life
  • Breadth and concentration of dining and nightlife
  • Close proximity to the Loop, CTA Red and Brown lines, and Highways

Cons:

  • Noise/traffic
  • Lack of green or open space
  • High cost of living

If River North sounds like your kind of neighborhood, check out its best-rated buildings below:

Hubbard221

Address: 221 W Hubbard St

  • A modern high-rise, Hubbard 221 is located by the Brown Line in the heart of River North.
  • It has an industrial feel, with exposed concrete and floor-to-ceiling windows.

See available units at Hubbard221.

Gallery On Wells

Address: 637 N Wells Street

  • Inspired by the arts, resident artists host classes and display artwork in the lobby.
  • The pool deck scene is “to die for.”
  • A recently-opened cafe connects to the lobby and offers coffee & drinks.

See available units at Gallery On Wells.

Wolf Point West

Address: 343 W Wolf Point Plz

  • A view you can’t beat: watch the boats go by through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
  • Located at the intersection of two rivers, you get an unobstructed view of the water that will never be obstructed by future construction.
  • It can be difficult to get to because it’s in the heart of downtown, but tucked away from the action.

See available units at Wolf Point West.

South Loop

River North | South Loop | Streeterville | West Loop | Old Town | The Loop | Gold Coast | Lincoln Park

The South Loop has been the center of new apartment construction in Chicago for well over a decade as people came to realize the convenience of its location. South Loop boasts a ton of green space at Grant Park, Soldier Field, and an easy commute to The Loop. While brand new high-rises dominate the South Loop apartment scene, the rent remains comparably more affordable than the trendy neighborhoods nearby.

Taking a lakeshore stroll or run is easy for South Loopers, given its shoreline location. Residents of South Loop apartments can be spotted dining outside at a cafe or taking advantage of their building’s ample amenities on weeknights. The locals spend their weekends in South Loop walking to the Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium, or using the money saved on rent to attend Lollapalooza and go shopping downtown. Forget paying for parking at any Bears’ games since most South Loopers can walk to the field in a few minutes. If you like to listen to smooth jazz while enjoying a cocktail, residents love frequenting Buddy Guy’s Legends to get their groove on. With all of the festivals and concerts that take place at the close by Grant and Millennium Parks, South Loop residents get a front row view for free.

Because South Loop is mostly residential, the nightlife options here lean toward slim to none. Most people head downtown for their nighttime entertainment, which makes this neighborhood a quieter place to settle down.

Neighborhood Vibe

South Loop offers a classical and creative feel to Chicago residents, with a glimpse at historic Chicago as it looked during the boom of the Industrial Revolution. Walk along Motor Row or Prairie Avenue District to witness the Windy City through the ages. It is even home to Printer’s Row, a mini-neighborhood comprised of repurposed printing houses. Architecture lovers rejoice in the building structures here: while most people in Chicago pay for an architecture tour, South Loopers (also known as Sloopers) live in the middle of it.

South Loop stands out as one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago because it gives residents convenient access to Chicago’s business district, while also providing easy entry to the city’s calmer eastern locales.

Things to Know

Live here if you crave a big city feel without big city stressors. South Loop’s convenient location between the Magnificent Mile and South Commons strikes the perfect balance between urban dwelling and small town charm. Opt to stay in South Loop for an authentic Chicago experience and backdoor access to world-famous attractions.

Pros:

  • Proximity to Lake Shore Drive (views) and Museum Campus (entertainment)
  • Expansive dining options
  • Large population of families, quiet and laid-back

Cons:

  • Limited nearby nightlife options
  • Long commutes to the grocery store
  • Due to its size, some residents experience long commute times

If this neighborhood sounds like your kind of place, check out the best-rated buildings in South Loop below:

The Elle

Address: 801 S Financial Pl

  • The Elle represents an Instagrammer’s dream, with 3 floors of amenities.
  • The decor is the perfect mix of chic and cozy.
  • There’s a walkway from the building to The Shops at Roosevelt Collection.

See available units at Alta Roosevelt.

1000 South Clark

Address: 1000 South Clark

  • This building has one of the few year-round pools in Chicago. The doors to the deck remain open in the summer.
  • It contains one of the nicest gyms in Chicago, with a whopping 10,000 square feet, including racquetball, basketball, a golf simulator, indoor/outdoor pool, neighborhood bar, library, and more. You hardly need to leave the building.
  • It’s located a block away from Wabash Avenue and Roosevelt Road.

See available units at 1000 South Clark.

1001 S State

Address: 1001 S State Street

  • This building is really on top of technology. They provide a 3D printer for residents and are always updating the elevators to run more efficiently.
  • The rooftop has a nearly 360-degree view, with amazing South Loop views that you can’t get in the downtown buildings.

See available units at 1001 S State.

Streeterville

River North | South Loop | Streeterville | West Loop | Old Town | The Loop | Gold Coast | Lincoln Park

Streeterville is a lively neighborhood on the shores of Lake Michigan. It combines tourism, residential living, and a culture unlike any other Chicago neighborhood. Every day, thousands of tourists flock to Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile, and the Museum of Contemporary Art to experience some of Chicago’s most iconic attractions. Playgoers can watch a rendition of a Shakespeare play at Chicago’s Shakespeare Theater, and adventurers of any age can take a spin on the Ferris Wheel. Northwestern’s Chicago campus and Memorial Hospital contribute to Streeterville’s cultural presence as well.

Residents here typically live in high-rise condos or apartments, where they can enjoy beautiful lake views and easy access to nearby dining and nightlife options. With many lush parks in the neighborhood, and Gold Coast to the North, locals can access ample outdoor space to take dogs for weekend walks, including easy access to the Lakefront Trail. Nearby grocery stores make it convenient for residents to prepare dinners at night. Alternatively, Streeterville locals can order takeout or stop by one of the neighborhood’s many quick service restaurants.

Commuting via Lake Shore Drive is supremely convenient for Streeterville residents as long as you own a car or can walk to the red line or Michigan Ave buses. Depending on your location within the neighborhood, access to other highways, public transportation, and the Loop can be slightly limited. If you’d like easier access to the Loop, check out New East Side.

Some of Chicago’s best restaurants, bars, and clubs call Streeterville home. Fans of the Chicago Bears indulge in Mafia-sized steaks at Mike Ditka’s steakhouse. Popular brunch spots include Yolk and Do-Rite Donuts for delicious chicken sandwiches and donuts. Although it offers plenty of nightlife options, Streeterville is not considered a nightlife capital of Chicago. People often head to other neighborhoods, like River North, to take part in a more lively nightlife scene.

Neighborhood Vibe

Life bursts from its seams in this relatively small neighborhood due to increased development since the 2000s began. Streeterville is both beautiful to look at and interesting to dive into head first. It contains some of the city’s tallest buildings and most iconic landmarks, such as the Historic Water Tower that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. With a mix of professional and residential spaces, this little neighborhood with a big personality sits smack dab in the heart of one of America’s biggest cities.

Things to Know

Live here if you enjoy living in the heart of the action, but want to join a caring community, become a familiar face at Streeterville’s cool coffee shops, and get to know the bartender at your local watering hole. When you need a break from the small town vibe, you can walk a few blocks west to join River North’s nightlife scene.

Pros:

  • Proximity to the Lake Michigan (views) and Lake Shore Drive (commute)
  • Northwestern University and Northwestern Hospital
  • Access to River North for dining and nightlife

Cons:

  • Difficult to access public transportation in certain parts of the neighborhood
  • Heavy tourist presence
  • Expensive real estate and difficult parking

If this neighborhood sounds like your kind of place, check out the best-rated buildings in Streeterville below:

Moment

Address: 545 North McClurg Court

  • Always a favorite among our clients, this building is the definition of luxury.
  • It has a sauna and a steam room, ample outdoor space, greenery, fire pits, and a hot tub with doors that open to a lake view.
  • The friendly staff go above and beyond for their residents.

See available units at Moment.

Aston Chicago

Address: 200 East Illinois Street

  • Located on upper Illinois Street, you can literally walk outside and take an elevator to Whole Foods.
  • It offers unique floor plans with great square footage at a pleasing price for Streeterville.

See available units at Aston Chicago.

Atwater Chicago

Address: 355 East Ohio Street

  • It’s on the pricier side of the spectrum, but the location is phenomenal.
  • There’s a brunch and mimosa joint in the space downstairs.
  • It’s a modern building with Container Store closets and Nest thermostats.

See available units at Atwater Chicago.

West Loop

River North | South Loop | Streeterville | West Loop | Old Town | The Loop | Gold Coast | Lincoln Park

It’s safe to say that the West Loop has probably changed more than any other neighborhood in Chicago since the turn of the century. Historic meat and fish warehouses made way for Google’s Chicago campus, the McDonald’s global headquarters, Time Out Market, and an amazing array of Michelin-starred restaurants and bars on Randolph Street. For any New Yorkers out there, West Loop has become the Soho of Chicago. Fittingly, it boasts our city’s only Soho House.

Because of West Loop’s growth over the last decade, real estate development has concentrated heavily on the neighborhood. Apartment buildings here blend seamlessly with brick and timber lofts, all of which overlook the highway and the beautiful Chicago skyline. Amenities, both in apartment buildings and at businesses, emphasize accessibility and convenience. With over 560 acres of medical facilities located in West Loop, it has also become a popular spot for healthcare professionals who live in Medical District apartments.

There’s always something to do here, whether it’s bowling at Punch Bowl Social, grabbing the ‘best burger in Chicago’ at the original Au Cheval, or toasting an incredible cocktail at The Aviary. Around lunchtime, West Loopers and other downtown workers come back to West Loop to enjoy the ample gourmet dining options, like Girl and the Goat, or travel to the southeast corner of West Loop, known as Greektown, to enjoy the most authentic Greek cuisine in the city. In the evenings, the neighborhood’s expansive nightlife options, such as Lone Wolf and City Winery, fill up with people enjoying live music and one another’s company. Residents can take a stroll through Union Park, which also hosts the Pitchfork Music Festival, enjoy the amenities inside the many West Loop high-rises, or travel a little farther west to watch a Blackhawks or Bulls game at the United Center.

West Loop now ranks among the pricier neighborhoods in Chicago, but can still provide a great value for anyone moving to Chicago from New York, San Francisco, Boston, or Washington D.C.

Neighborhood Vibe

West Loop has become the destination for fast-growing businesses and inspiring restaurants and nightlife. The neighborhood’s development centers around walkability, convenience, and fun. It only takes 5 minutes to get from work or home to some of the most inspiring hotels (The Hoxton, Soho House), restaurants, bars, and shops. If you want to stay even closer to the center of the city, West Loop Gate and Fulton River District, both districts within West Loop, are worth exploring.

Things to Know

West Loop benefits tremendously from its access to the I-90/94, the Union and Ogilvie train stations, and the CTA Green and Pink Lines. If you don’t need to commute outside of Chicago, a car is definitely not required. It’s extremely easy to grocery shop (or deliver) thanks to the large Whole Foods and Mariano’s within a block of one another on Halsted Street. A short walk gets you from quiet, residential streets to exciting dining and nightlife.

Pros:

  • One of Chicago’s best neighborhood dining scenes
  • Easy access to the Loop and I-90/94
  • Rapid recent construction and development

Cons:

  • Rising cost of living
  • Certain pockets of the neighborhood lack convenience

If West Loop sounds like your kind of neighborhood, check out its best-rated buildings below:

Arkadia Tower

Address: 765 West Adams Street

  • Arkadia Tower comes with some of the best amenities in West Loop.
  • It’s conveniently located off Adams, near the highway, and a short walk up Halsted will take you to Restaurant Row.

See available units at Arkadia Tower.

727 West Madison

Address: 727 West Madison

  • Amenities here include a private rooftop, sky lounge with skyline views, club room with billiards, and co-working space.

See available units at 727 West Madison.

The Parker Fulton Market

Address: 730 W Couch Place

  • This building’s industrial vibe, with exposed concrete and neat artwork, reveals a moody, artsy side.
  • It’s less than a five-minute walk to the world’s best burger, SoHo House, Girl and the Goat.
  • The apartments are loft-style in design, but still part of a high-rise.

See available units at The Parker Fulton Market.

Old Town

River North | South Loop | Streeterville | West Loop | Old Town | The Loop | Gold Coast | Lincoln Park

Old Town, nestled between Gold Coast and Lincoln Park, takes on the attributes of these two neighborhoods and blends them seamlessly. The affluent nature of Gold Coast’s high-rises merges with the tree-lined streets and boutiques of Lincoln Park.

As one of Chicago’s oldest neighborhoods, Old Town is steeped in history. Residents live primarily in townhomes, 3-flats, or single family homes. However, multiple new construction high-rises have been built in the last 10 years, including Old Town Park. Old Town’s connection to The Loop arrives via the brown line at the Sedgwick stop.

On weekday mornings, Old Towners sip on espresso at Elaine’s Coffee Call. To celebrate its rich art culture, they gaze at the latest art pieces hanging in the contemporary art studio, or attend the annual arts festival in June with hundreds of vendors and live music. Even the cooking shops in Old Town are artisan, and Old Town Oil is the poster child. Old Town loves its comedy acts at theaters like Second City and Zanies, where many now-famous comedians got their start. Kamehachi, eight turtles in Japanese, has been an Old Town tradition for 40 years now, honing their sushi making skills throughout the years. And, Old Town Ale House takes the usual bar atmosphere and throws an Old Town artsy spin on it.

Neighborhood Vibe

Old Town is a peaceful, quaint, and historical neighborhood filled with a mix of brownstone walk-ups and glassy high-rises. You’ll find tree-lined roads and a friendly, laid back neighborhood vibe. Look around and you’ll see residents walking dogs, stopping by their local coffee shops, and meeting friends at their favorite neighborhood bars and restaurants. Since Old Town sits a little north of The Loop, it appeals to residents who enjoy a friendly, residential vibe with a short commute to work.

Things to Know

Old Town provides a good mix of entertainment and residential options near the heart of downtown Chicago. It’s an easy commute to River North and the Loop with several transit options, including multiple CTA bus lines and the purple and brown lines. It situates you in between Gold Coast and Lincoln Park, so you get the best of both neighborhoods when it comes to shopping, dining, and other entertainment options. Most housing options are historical and updated brownstone walk ups with a mix of mid-rises and high-rises.

Pros:

  • Great small business access
  • Art and comedy scene
  • Expansive dining and nightlife options
  • Unique, artisan storefronts

Cons:

  • Limited access to public transportation
  • Parking can be a challenge

If this place sounds like your kind of neighborhood, check out the best-rated buildings in Old Town below:

1225 Old Town Apts.

Address: 1225 North Wells Street

  • Amenities here include a private conference room, an outdoor heated pool, and an outdoor dog walk.
  • A gourmet grocery store, Dom’s Kitchen and Market, anchors the building.

See available units at 1225 Old Town Apts.

Old Town Park

Address: 1140 N Wells Street

  • Apartment units here come with stunning, European flat panel cabinetry in all the kitchens, glass-encased showers that complement the elevated aesthetic, and expansive windows with roller shades that frame stunning views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.
  • The pet-friendly building features a dog spa and an outdoor heated dog run.

See available units at Old Town Park.

The Loop

River North | South Loop | Streeterville | West Loop | Old Town | The Loop | Gold Coast | Lincoln Park

The Loop is the heart of downtown Chicago and gets its name from the loop that the El trains form before jetting off on their respective paths out of the city. This heavily commercial neighborhood houses companies like United Airways, Northern Trust, and Boeing. Weekdays get busy as Chicagoans from every neighborhood do business in its central location. Coffee shops and breakfast spots become packed with business people in the morning and lunch spots fill up in the afternoons.

After work and on the weekends, businesses shut down, but tourists continue to bustle around the city’s iconic attractions. Millennium Park, with its famous, mirrored Bean sculpture (officially titled Cloud Gate), sees over 25 million visitors a year. Here, people take photos, enjoy open air concerts, wander Maggie Daley Park, and observe the lake views. Although highly commercial, The Loop still contains historical buildings, such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Cultural Center, and the Harold Washington Public Library.

Locals don’t normally think of The Loop when they decide where to eat, but a few exceptional restaurants do exist there for those times when you want stay close by. You can head to Italian Village, quite possibly Chicago’s oldest Italian restaurant, or The Purple Pig for a more modern take on Mediterranean fare. To really avoid the tourist traps though, consider trotting a few blocks up to River North for food and nightlife. For breakfast on the weekend, we recommend carb loading on pancakes at Wildberry Cafe.

If you love city life and plan to live in The Loop, expect a high-rise lifestyle in a concrete jungle. The main differences in housing options boil down to whether a building is an old, new, or glass construction. OneEleven is one of the newer glass constructions in the city, while The Fisher is steeped in history. (If you’d like to stay central, but the Loop sounds a bit too hectic, you might like New East Side or South Loop.)

Neighborhood Vibe

If you live in the Loop, prepare for busy streets and easy public transit options. Every El train makes several stops in The Loop, making travel to anywhere in Chicago a breeze. Here, you can walk to everything you need, from grocery stores to entertainment, so a car is unnecessary. Expect a fast-paced lifestyle; the streets bustle with professionals heading to work, tourists taking in the sights, and locals grabbing a coffee or a quick bite to eat.

Things to Know

While you’ll live in the center of it all, many of the shops, bars, and restaurants close after 5pm and on the weekend, except for those near tourist locations. The Loop is home to the majority of Chicago’s office space and caters to this professional crowd. You will pay a pretty penny for housing in this area (location, location, location).

Pros:

  • Walk to work
  • Easy access to all public transportation
  • Awesome energy from the Theater District

Cons:

  • Commercial and touristy
  • Quieter on the weekends, with limited nightlife and dining options
  • Access to grocery stores

If The Loop sounds like your kind of neighborhood, check out its best-rated buildings below:

MILA

Address: 201 N Garland Court

  • You’ll feel like you live in a luxury hotel due to MILA’s boutique style.
  • The resident only, state-of-the-art fitness center comes with a yoga studio and on-demand cardio and weight training workouts.
  • A spacious Social Lounge with quiet work-friendly areas keeps residents focused.

See available units at MILA.

Marquee at Block 37

Address: 25 W Randolph St

  • It sits right above great shopping.
  • You can take the elevator to the Blue Line, which runs directly to the O’Hare airport.
  • You get great views of historic Art Deco theaters and an obstructed view of stunning architecture.
  • It has great rooftop amenities, and sits right across the street from Millennium Park.

See available units at Marquee on Block 37.

73 East Lake Street

Address: 73 E Lake Street

  • It’s one of the rare places with an indoor/outdoor pool open year round.
  • This building comes with a sauna, a rooftop deck with amazing two-story floor-to-ceiling windows, and an outdoor space (if you’re not afraid of heights).
  • It’s located right by the Virgin Hotel, which is a great spot for rooftop DJs in the summer, and also houses Miss Ricky’s, where you can get the best chicken and waffles in Chicago.

See available units at 73 East Lake.

Gold Coast

River North | South Loop | Streeterville | West Loop | Old Town | The Loop | Gold Coast | Lincoln Park

Gold Coast is a historic, luxurious neighborhood undergoing significant development over the last decade. Within Gold Coast, you’ll find a blend of residences, restaurants, shopping, convenient access to Lake Michigan, and boisterous nightlife, which makes it an exceptional Chicago neighborhood.

Gold Coast Chicago apartments consist of mostly high-rises, both old and new, that house many of its residents. The commonality between all Gold Coast apartments, however, is that they almost always overlook spectacular views of Lake Michigan. Despite high prices, good deals can be found in older, but well-kept buildings.

Tourists and residents frequent the area’s quaint parks, high-end shops, and restaurants, which offer some of the best socializing and people watching in the city. After hours, Division Street becomes a hub for anyone who doesn’t want the party to stop. The outdoor space at Oak Street Beach and Lake Shore Drive are where Gold Coast really shines. Gold Coasters enjoy the ability to walk, jog, or bike along Lake Michigan via quick access to the Lakefront trail. And, the open green spaces of Washington Square Park entertain children and dogs alike. For groceries, stop by the weekly Division St. farmer’s market to purchase the freshest ingredients, and for brunch, 3rd Coast serves up a tasty meal that will get you ready for your weekend activities.

Neighborhood Vibe

Consider moving to Gold Coast if you enjoy premier boutique shopping and upscale dining options. Frequented by residents and tourists alike, it’s a vibrant community filled with plenty of entertainment. Lake Michigan sits right next door, giving residents easy access to the beach and various walking and biking trails. Gold Coast is also known for its charming, historic brownstone homes on tree-lined streets. The upscale housing options make it the perfect neighborhood for people who seek an elevated living experience. (If you like this neighborhood, but want to live a bit further from downtown, check out Old Town or Lincoln Park.)

Things to Know

If you commute to or from Gold Coast, you’ll see professionals in tailored suits and shoppers flaunting this season’s Prada. During rush hour, the Division and Chicago red line stops are packed with commuters making the 15-minute trip down to River North or the Loop. Cubs games also cause train crowds, so pay attention to those event schedules as you make plans. However, the easy access to public transportation makes owning a car optional.

Pros:

  • Proximity to River North (nightlife) and Lake Michigan (views)
  • Center of Chicago’s high-end shopping options
  • Expansive and tasty nearby dining options

Cons:

  • Expensive real estate and parking
  • Limited number of quick-service dining options
  • High-end shopping options attract tourists

 

If Gold Coast sounds like your kind of neighborhood, check out its best-rated buildings below:

The Sinclair

Address: 1201 N LaSalle Dr

  • We love the chic and ultra-modern aesthetic.
  • It’s rooftop pool is to die for.

See available units at The Sinclair.

Eight O Five

Address: 805 N LaSalle Dr

  • You get amazing views of downtown & Chicago Avenue from all units.
  • The rooftop pool and well-kept, spacious amenity floor keep you busy.
  • Apartments come with good closet space.

See available units at Eight O Five.

Chestnut Tower

Address: 121 W Chestnut St

  • Chestnut Tower is an older building with a homier vibe.
  • Apartment units boast amazing views and spacious floor plans.

See available units at Chestnut Tower.

Lincoln Park

River North | South Loop | Streeterville | West Loop | Old Town | The Loop | Gold Coast | Lincoln Park

Located just north of Old Town, Lincoln Park is one of the largest and most popular Chicago neighborhoods – and for good reason. Most residents live a short distance from some of the best nightlife, dining, lakefront parks, shopping, and tree-lined streets in the entire city. It combines the best characteristics of a close-knit community with the appeal of the big city, which means, however, that apartment prices can be high.

Residents live mostly in walk-ups, but quite a few high-rises dot the landscape, especially near the lake. Lincoln Parkers luck out with their close proximity to the lake and ample running and biking trails. This neighborhood also contains the second largest shopping concentration in the city, ranging from high-end boutiques to secondhand resale shops. It offers public tennis and basketball courts, baseball and softball diamonds, and soccer fields used both recreationally and by intramural leagues. Locals spend their weekends strolling through the admission-free Lincoln Park Zoo, hitting a bucket of golf balls at the Diversey Driving Range, or heading to Lakeview or The Loop via the Brown Line.

Lincoln Park houses the entire DePaul University campus. On weekdays, elementary and college students shuttle off to their respective schools, while professionals with extra time take to the Lakefront trail to get in a morning run. In the evening, restaurants, such as North Pond, Kingston Mines Blues Bar, and Summer House Santa Monica fill up. And, Delilah’s provides the nightlife sought after by DePaul’s students.

Things to Know

Lincoln Parkers don’t need to walk far to get to grocery stores like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. Because of its size, the Brown, Red and Purple El lines run through it, which makes commuting a breeze. This neighborhood offers an extensive amount of green space and water to relax and unwind.

Pros:

  • Proximity to Lake Michigan (views) and Lake Shore Drive (work)
  • Expansive dining, nightlife and shopping options

Cons:

  • Houses DePaul University and its 3,000 students
  • Expensive rent due to popularity

If this place sounds like your kind of neighborhood, check out the best-rated buildings in Lincoln Park below:

Elevate Lincoln Park

Address: 930 W Altgeld St

  • Elegant hallways and front door entries set the tone for the building.
  • Smart phone locking & entry system keeps your apartment secure.
  • Terrazzo-based showers with frameless glass enclosures will elevate your morning routine.

See available units at Elevate Lincoln Park.

The Kent

Address: 2625 N Clark St

  • It’s one of the few residential high-rises in Lincoln Park.
  • It offers great square footage and unique layouts.
  • The lively coffee shops on Clark Street are within walking distance.
  • It’s close to Wrigleyville’s nightlife, but still removed from the bustle.

See available units at The Kent.

2950 North Sheridan

Address: 2950 N Sheridan Rd

  • Private, temperature controlled parking is attached to the building.
  • It provides green living with LEED Silver certification.
  • A 20th-floor resident lounge and terrace with expansive views offers an escape from any stress you might feel.
  • The urban garden with outdoor kitchens and fire features on the 6th floor work great for hosting friends.

See available units at 2950 North Sheridan.

Find Your Dream Chicago Apartment

Thank you for taking the time to read our Chicago neighborhood guide. If you’re moving to or within Chicago and don’t want to waste 30+ hours searching for an apartment, reach out to AptAmigo. We specialize in helping busy people like you find their dream apartment. If you’re moving from out-of-state, we’ll even tour buildings in your place and send videos.

* The original version of this article was first published on March 5, 2019.

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Sentral Michigan Avenue invites you to “experience the heart of vibrant Chicago” as a resident of this ideally located building. Views of Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago place this urban landscape at your fingertips, and a design that blends industrial and natural textures with modern geometric patterns creates an upscale metropolitan vibe throughout the building. 

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Chicago Apartment Spotlight: Sage West Loop

Chicago Apartment Spotlight: Sage West Loop

Sage West Loop describes itself as a “boutique high-rise” where you can “find all the elements for a life well-lived” in the thriving West Loop neighborhood, located a short walk away from Greektown and the University of Illinois Chicago. With a semi-industrial feel that matches the neighborhood’s history, this building balances loft-like, concrete ceilings and pillars with warmer, light-colored wood flooring and cabinets. Luxury rooftop amenities with striking city views entice residents into the welcoming, but urban spaces that define the West Loop lifestyle.

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Chicago Apartment Spotlight: 1001 S State

Chicago Apartment Spotlight: 1001 S State

1001 S State gives residents access to “ trendsetting amenities that blend style with technology” and “scene-stealing views of Chicago’s skyline” in a neighborhood close to many of the city’s biggest attractions. High-rise living close to public transportation means that residents can take advantage of Chicago’s urban lifestyle and rich culture.

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