What Makes Chicago a Good Place to Live for Young Professionals?

Known for its world class food scene, vibrant art world, colorful history, and beer, Chicago is the third largest city in the United States. With 77 distinct neighborhoods, there is no shortage of interesting things to do in the Windy City, no matter your interests.

With a growing job market, Chicago is home to a variety of industries, including finance, aviation, publishing, tech, and everything in between. If you’re looking to move to this Midwest Mecca, check out these hot neighborhoods for young professionals.

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Where Do Young Professionals Live in Chicago?

Logan Square

This northwest neighborhood is known for its coffee shops, vintage stores, and award-winning farmers’ market. Many unique dining options, such as Lula Cafe, an early example of the farm-to-table movement, also call Logan Square home. Or, check out the neighborhood’s array of flavors from British pubs and handmade pasta joints, to Greek food and more. It’s impossible to not find something that will tickle your tastebuds. Logan Square is accessible by train, and near the Kennedy Expressway, making it easy to navigate wherever you need to go for work or for play.

The housing options in Logan Square are as varied as the food scene. Apartments range from historic greystones and vintage buildings of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, to newly constructed condos and apartments that cater to young professionals. The diversity in housing types allows for a variety of budgets, including luxury buildings.

The Loop

Located at the heart of Chicago, this neighborhood bursts with things to do. The Loop sits right along Lake Michigan and the Chicago Riverwalk. Residents can get a front row seat to outdoor film and music events at Millennium Park, or get their fill of culture at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Cultural Center. The Loop also contains tons of shopping options as well as a diverse food scene. Due to its central location, a number of train lines and bus routes serve The Loop, making it easy to travel throughout the city.

Recent years have seen an influx of young professionals looking to take advantage of the close proximity to businesses and cultural centers that have long called this neighborhood home. Because of its location, most housing options are high-rise apartments and condos with breathtaking views and modern amenities that cater to young professionals. Residents of The Loop are squarely situated within the vibrant energy of downtown Chicago.

Wicker Park/Ukrainian Village

Young artists and business professionals seeking an eclectic environment will love this community. There is always something to do in Wicker Park. This northwest neighborhood delivers a bit of everything, from art galleries, music venues, and boutiques, to a thriving food and craft beverage scene that includes places like Lost Larson and Dove’s Luncheonette. Wicker Park hosts a number of outdoor festivals that celebrate its community and culture, such as Wicker Park Fest.

The neighborhood is known for its mix of historic architecture, including renovated industrial buildings, and modern, urban developments. Tree-lined streets and plenty of green spaces add to the residential appeal of Wicker Park. Young professionals can find a variety of both vintage and newly built townhomes, condos, lofts, and apartments. Such variety provides affordable housing to many young professionals, with some great luxury loft-style apartments available to rent.

Ukrainian Village is a bonus subset of Wicker Park. This area is known for its rich Ukrainian culture, and also boasts a number of independent bookstores, antiques shops, and indie music venues like The Empty Bottle.

Lakeview

Lakeview is a major entertainment hub, offering a wide variety of comedy, music, and theater options, from the Blue Man Group to the Belmont Theater District. Residents can also enjoy the outdoors by walking along Chicago’s Lakefront Trail, an 18-mile stretch that connects Lakeview to other neighborhoods along Lake Michigan. This neighborhood is also home to the famous Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, making it perfect for sports lovers. In addition to the culture and entertainment scene, there are plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars all within walking distance.

In an effort to cater to a variety of young professionals, Lakeview offers numerous housing options. There are condos with modern amenities, cozy vintage apartments, luxury modern apartments, historic greystones, and everything in between. The neighborhood incorporates a number of green spaces that offer opportunities for outdoor activities and provide beautiful views. Plenty of upscale apartment buildings fill the streets of this quintessential Chicago destination, and AptAmigo will gladly locate the best ones for you.

West Loop

A former industrial zone, this centrally located neighborhood serves as the city’s premier foodie heaven for residents and tourists alike. West Loop is the culinary destination in Chicago, home to Michelin starred restaurants and a wide range of international cuisines, such as the Mediterranean meets Midwest flavors of Avec. Additionally, it ranks as one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Chicago, so you can explore it all on foot. Due to its recent development, many tech companies call West Loop home, including Google’s Chicago headquarters. And, its central location makes it easy to get where you need to go by car or public transportation.

Though still evolving as a residential hub, the neighborhood embraces its vintage and industrial aesthetic and blends it with contemporary luxury. Much of the housing in West Loop is high-rise condo and apartment buildings, offering spectacular views of downtown Chicago. Developers have also made good use of the area’s industrial past, converting former warehouses into lofts that feature exposed brick, open layouts, high ceilings, and many windows. Young professionals looking to be a part of something new will love this area.

Explore more of the best neighborhoods in Chicago for young professionals with our handy guides. For more information about Chicago life, check out all of our Chicago articles.

How to Find the Best Apartment Buildings for Young Professionals

No matter your interests and hobbies, Chicago has something for you. When you work with an AptAmigo apartment locator, they will curate a list of places to check out based on your needs and priorities. We will even arrange tours and provide assistance at every step along the way to finding you your perfect apartment. Make apartment hunting in the best neighborhoods in Chicago for young professionals easy with AptAmigo’s help.

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