The Complete Chicago Neighborhood Guide

Your Chicago Neighborhood Guide

Chicago is made up of so many different neighborhoods for various cultures and lifestyles. If you are looking to live in one of Chicago’s neighborhoods, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for our complete Chicago neighborhood guide.

Pet-Friendly Chicago Neighborhoods

When comparing some of the top pet-friendly neighborhoods in Chicago, there are quite a few options to choose from. We suggest weighing out the pros and cons between two popular neighborhoods for you and your furry friend — Lincoln Park vs. West Loop.

Lincoln Park – This pet-friendly Chicago neighborhood is home to the city’s largest park, making it a great option for you and your pet to go on a walk or run. In addition to the park, you can also enjoy the Wiggly Field dog park or take a stroll along the lakefront during the warmer months. Lincoln Park also offers many pet-friendly restaurants for you and your furry companion to dine at as well, including the patio at Broken English Taco Pub, GEMINI, or Ranalli’s pizza. If you’re low on dog food, treats, or toys, you can also head to local Lincoln Park pet shops like Kriser’s Natural Pet or Bark by the Park.

West Loop – A prime Chicago neighborhood for you and your furry friend, Wicker Park is home to various different dog parks sprinkled throughout the neighborhood. Take your pets to Skinner Bark Park or Mary Bartelme Park to let them roam free or play catch. In addition to West Loop’s extensive list of popular dining spots, this neighborhood is also home to many dog-friendly restaurants including Bar Siena, Jefferson Tap, and Lou’s Backyard. When living in West Loop, you can also grab your pet supplies at Paw Naturals or Wigglyville Pet Boutique.

Pretty Chicago Neighborhoods

Every neighborhood in Chicago has something that makes it truly special. When looking for a pretty spot to live in one of Chicago’s neighborhoods, be sure to weigh out River North v. Old Town.

River North – This beautiful neighborhood gets its name from its location, just north of the river. With it comes the extensive views of both the river, Lake Michigan, and city. When you live in River North, you can experience all the shiny skyscrapers, restful riverwalk, bustling Michigan Avenue, boutique storefronts, and many other architectural structures that make this neighborhood one of the prettiest in the city.

Old Town – Rich with vintage charm and tree-lined streets, Old Town is another great pick when looking for a pretty Chicago neighborhood to live in. Stroll along the streets of Old Town and you will find a mix of old Victorian homes, historic walk ups, and sleek high-rise buildings giving you that warm neighborhood feel. In addition to the extensive history of Old Town, this Chicago neighborhood is also home to many pretty storefronts, patios, and green space.

Hipster Neighborhoods in Chicago

In order to really experience the city, you should get out and explore some of Chicago’s coolest hipster neighborhoods — Wicker Park v. Logan Square.

Wicker Park – Ranked among the top 5 most hipster neighborhoods in the nation, Wicker Park is one of the most happening places to be. With excellent walkability, coffee shops galore, plenty of local food trucks, dive bars, farmers markets, record shops, and art galleries, this neighborhood is the definition of hipster.

Logan Square – From craft breweries to thrift shops, Logan Square is another popular spot if you’re looking to live in a hipster Chicago neighborhood. Many of the trendy attractions are located along Milwaukee Avenue, but you can also find local shops scattered around the neighborhood as well. If you’re looking to spend a weekend exploring more of Logan Square, be sure to check out a good coffee shop, farm-to-table restaurant, or peruse their popular Sunday farmers market.

Chicago Neighborhoods for Young Professionals

If you’re a young professional who just moved to the city and are debating which neighborhood to live in, be sure to run a comparison of Lincoln Park v. Old Town.

Lincoln Park – This Chicago neighborhood is known for their crowds of both young families and professionals. Relax on North Ave beach in the summer, take a stroll along Lincoln Park, explore the Lincoln Park Zoo, try a few popular restaurants in the area, or peruse a few Lincoln Park boutiques. This area is also home to DePaul University and has many transit options to the city for work.

Old Town – If you’re looking for a short commute to downtown for work, Old Town is a fantastic place to be. Just a few miles north of the Loop, Old Town is the perfect area just outside all the hustle and bustle of the city. This historic neighborhood is also close to Lake Michigan, plenty of entertainment, delicious restaurants, and bustling nightlife. 

Quieter Neighborhoods Further From Downtown, Chicago

Looking to be in close proximity to all the city has to offer but don’t want to live in it? Check out Lakeview or Uptown.

Lakeview – Just 6 miles north of downtown Chicago, Lakeview is a great option for those looking to be a bit more removed from city living. This neighborhood borders Lake Michigan for prime access to the lakefront trail. Lakeview also has plenty of green space for picnicking, niche boutiques to peruse, and local pubs to enjoy if you’re looking for more of a laid-back vibe.

Uptown – Just a few miles north of Lakeview, Uptown is even further from downtown Chicago with plenty of neighborhood charm and a little extra space to get some peace and quiet. Uptown is known for their cozy cafes and music lounges, as well as the beautiful Graceland Cemetery, Aragon Ballroom, and Montrose beach.

Looking for a Chicago Apartment with Views?

If you’re on the hunt for a Chicago apartment with stunning views, you have to compare River North v. Chicago Loop.

River North – This Chicago area is one of the largest neighborhoods offering some of the best apartment buildings with jaw-dropping views. River North is the perfect blend of your social and professional life with its close proximity to the Loop, as well as plenty of world class dining options, nightlife, and shopping.

Chicago Loop – Nicknamed the “L” for the train tracks surrounding the Loop’s business district, this area is an excellent spot for professionals looking to live close to work in an apartment with incredible city views. Close to Willis Tower, some of the city’s largest company headquarters, and countless dining and shopping options, the Loop is a great place to live.

• Wolf Point East – 313 W Wolf Point Plaza – Featuring unobstructed views of the city and river, Wolf Point East offers top-notch River North living. Situated in a convenient location directly along the riverwalk, Wolf Point East residents can enjoy the glistening cityscape from 60 floors high.
• OneEleven – 111 W Wacker Drive – This stunning building delivers a high quality of living experience with premier amenities, exquisite design, and impeccable views in River North. Located right along the Chicago River, residents can enjoy endless panoramic views of the city and river from way high up.
• Parkline – 60 E Randolph – Parkline apartments offer a tremendous downtown living experience in the Loop. The views from their penthouse collection is unmatched, with Lake Michigan and the city as a backdrop in every direction. Take in the views from your own apartment or admire the views from one of the many outdoor amenity spots.

Now that you’re well versed in Chicago’s top neighborhoods, it’s time to start your hunt for the apartment of your dreams. Our experienced experts live, work, and play in the Chicago neighborhoods, so let us assist you in navigating your Windy City apartment search, or continue exploring Chicago’s many neighborhoods below!