Chicago – as a whole – is wonderful, but there are some neighborhoods in the city that are better than others. From low crime rates to good schools and well-kept infrastructure, these places are the best in which to find a home. Popular for good reasons, these are the 10 best places to live in all of Chicago. Keep scrolling for details about these lovely neighborhoods.
- Lincoln Square
Flickr/Andrew Seaman Full of beautiful, historic homes, this neighborhood has many gardens, nature trails, and charming streets to traverse. It is home to many breweries and bars, as well as the Old Town School of Folk Music where locals can take classes.
- Edgewater
Wikimedia Commons/Alanscottwalker Locals love this place for its Lake Michigan beaches, tree-lined streets, and boutique shops and restaurants. Visitors enjoy gawking at the 19th century houses and other incredible architecture in this part of the city. It is also easily accessible to downtown via the Red line or LSD (Lake Shore Drive).
- Lincoln Park
Wikimedia Commons/Alanscottwalker As one of the most popular places to live in Chicago, the schools and attractions here are great, but the cost of living is high. This is due to the many fun things to do in the neighborhood, such as the Lincoln Park Zoo, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, North Avenue Beach, Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, and more. Visitors have a hard time not falling in love with this gorgeous place.
- Portage Park
Wikimedia Commons/Orestek Nature lovers rejoice in this historically Polish neighborhood known for the park from which it gets its name. The 36-acre green park includes a playground and paths for walking. Locals can be found at one of many delicious restaurants or checking out an art deco film at The Patio.
- Edison Park
Wikimedia Commons/Smallbones On the west side of the city sits a more budget-friendly pocket that is lovely and charming. Many police and firemen live here, making it a safe place. Nightlife here is mostly for dining or grabbing a drink at a family-friendly bar or restaurant.
- Near South Side
Wikimedia Commons/Steve Browne & John Verkleir For a neighborhood that’s as close to downtown as you can get, you’ll want to live here. This neighborhood is just south of the Loop, Printer’s Row, and Grant Park, giving you access to all the best things to do in the city. Most locals live in high rise condos with lakefront views.
- Logan Square
Wikimedia Commons/Thshriver For a vibrant, yet peaceful atmosphere, you’ll love this younger, artsy community. Known for its bars and restaurants, it even has a jazz bar and all-vegetarian restaurant that locals love. Visitors should take a drive or stroll around historic Palmer Square for a look at beautiful stone and brick houses.
- Hyde Park
Wikimedia Commons/Urbanrules Home to the University of Chicago, the Smart Art Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Oriental Institute, and more, locals are never at a loss of things to do here. You’ll enjoy lovely views of the skyline as you roam through two large parks that grace the neighborhood.
- Bridgeport
Wikimedia Commons/Victor Grigas Historically a neighborhood for working class families, this section of the city is home to Chinatown. It is known for being ethnically diverse both in population and culture. There are many Mexican and Chinese restaurants to enjoy as well as specialty shops to spruce up your personal kitchen supply stock.
- Wicker Park
Wikipedia/Nitram242 Just west of the Kennedy Expressway, this neighborhood has a hipster vibe and youthful culture. Located in the West Town community, it is popular for its indie food scene and nightlife. Locals also enjoy the vintage district, which has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
If you’re looking for more great places to live, check out 10 towns in Illinois you’ll want to move to ASAP.
Flickr/Andrew Seaman
Full of beautiful, historic homes, this neighborhood has many gardens, nature trails, and charming streets to traverse. It is home to many breweries and bars, as well as the Old Town School of Folk Music where locals can take classes.
Wikimedia Commons/Alanscottwalker
Locals love this place for its Lake Michigan beaches, tree-lined streets, and boutique shops and restaurants. Visitors enjoy gawking at the 19th century houses and other incredible architecture in this part of the city. It is also easily accessible to downtown via the Red line or LSD (Lake Shore Drive).
As one of the most popular places to live in Chicago, the schools and attractions here are great, but the cost of living is high. This is due to the many fun things to do in the neighborhood, such as the Lincoln Park Zoo, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, North Avenue Beach, Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, and more. Visitors have a hard time not falling in love with this gorgeous place.
Wikimedia Commons/Orestek
Nature lovers rejoice in this historically Polish neighborhood known for the park from which it gets its name. The 36-acre green park includes a playground and paths for walking. Locals can be found at one of many delicious restaurants or checking out an art deco film at The Patio.
Wikimedia Commons/Smallbones
On the west side of the city sits a more budget-friendly pocket that is lovely and charming. Many police and firemen live here, making it a safe place. Nightlife here is mostly for dining or grabbing a drink at a family-friendly bar or restaurant.
Wikimedia Commons/Steve Browne & John Verkleir
For a neighborhood that’s as close to downtown as you can get, you’ll want to live here. This neighborhood is just south of the Loop, Printer’s Row, and Grant Park, giving you access to all the best things to do in the city. Most locals live in high rise condos with lakefront views.
Wikimedia Commons/Thshriver
For a vibrant, yet peaceful atmosphere, you’ll love this younger, artsy community. Known for its bars and restaurants, it even has a jazz bar and all-vegetarian restaurant that locals love. Visitors should take a drive or stroll around historic Palmer Square for a look at beautiful stone and brick houses.
Wikimedia Commons/Urbanrules
Home to the University of Chicago, the Smart Art Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Oriental Institute, and more, locals are never at a loss of things to do here. You’ll enjoy lovely views of the skyline as you roam through two large parks that grace the neighborhood.
Wikimedia Commons/Victor Grigas
Historically a neighborhood for working class families, this section of the city is home to Chinatown. It is known for being ethnically diverse both in population and culture. There are many Mexican and Chinese restaurants to enjoy as well as specialty shops to spruce up your personal kitchen supply stock.
Wikipedia/Nitram242
Just west of the Kennedy Expressway, this neighborhood has a hipster vibe and youthful culture. Located in the West Town community, it is popular for its indie food scene and nightlife. Locals also enjoy the vintage district, which has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Which Chicago neighborhood do you live in? Share with us why you think it’s the best place in the city!
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