Best Chicago Neighborhoods: Where to Live Based on Your Personality
You can be up to date with the hottest home decor trends and know all the tricks to make your apartment look social media worthy. But if aren’t happy with your location, even the best decor will struggle to make it feel like the perfect home. Every neighborhood has a different vibe and a unique set of offerings—especially when it comes to Chicago and its 77 distinct community areas. Therefore, it is best to find one that matches your personality to support and enhance your lifestyle.
This guide will get you started by directing you toward some of the best neighborhoods that Chicago has to offer. Each section contains a neighborhood, suggestions on who it is well-suited for, the attractions and features it offers, and common living options in the area.
River North
Who will love it? The design lover, the socialite, the historian
River North is an art and design lover’s paradise with the second-largest concentration of art galleries in the United States. There is also plenty of opportunity for shopping with boutiques and theMart. Plus, the fun doesn’t stop when the sun sets as nightlife is abundant in this area with a selection of restaurants, bars, and clubs to choose from. Want a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city? The famous Chicago Riverwalk is the ideal place for a stroll by the water.
In this upscale neighborhood you can find many apartment buildings that have been artfully converted from unused industrial buildings. This gives many River North apartments a potent blend of old-world charm and modern comforts—a combo that will provide a unique edge to your décor. Of course, this area also has newer developments as well, but older buildings offer a unique living experience.
Humboldt Park
Who will love it? Growing families, space seekers, art enthusiasts
Recreation and space are abundant in this neighborhood. It has a 207-acre park of the same name that offers plenty of greenspace to play and frolic. Art is also never far away with the multiple murals found through the area.
As far as living goes, Humboldt Park offers some of the more spacious apartments in Chicago with many older greystones. It is also worth noting that there are more two-bedrooms in this area than anywhere else in the city
Wicker Park
Who will love it? The entrepreneur, the creative, the explorer
Whether you love to relax in cozy coffee houses or dance at trendy bars, Wicker Park is a neighborhood to consider. This area is overflowing with artistic flair and inspiration thanks to the abundance of galleries, classes, and small businesses found throughout. The 606 is also in this neighborhood for those who love to walk, run, or rollerblade. Looking for a day of relaxation? Head to Wicker Park to indulge in a book while soaking up some sunshine.
Options for apartments in this area range from quaint studios perched over boutiques to larger skyscrapers that feature contemporary flats. No matter where you choose to live, though, hidden gems will be a few blocks away from you in Wicker Park. This is also a popular area for downtown commuters as it is just a short CTA ride away.
Oak Park
Who will love it? The home buyer, the architecture buff, families with children
While this suburb is technically just outside of Chicago, it made our since it is perfect for those who prefer to buy instead of rent with its buyer’s market. It also has a very active art and theatre community that welcomes people of all ages.
Oak Park is located 10 miles from The Loop has some of the most stunning mid-century modern homes that Chicago has to offer, including 25 designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. This makes it the largest concentration of Prairie Style homes in the United States.
Lincoln Park
Who will love it? The jogger, the nature lover, the foodie
There is nothing like taking a stroll around Lincoln Park on a lazy Sunday afternoon. This neighborhood is home to its namesake—a 7-mile park located on the shore of Lake Michigan. There you can find everything from iconic statues to nature conservatories. This iconic area also houses a beach, nature boardwalk, and a zoo, making it an excellent escape for the entire family. If nature isn’t your jam, you may want to check out the more urban side of this area, which features various shopping boutiques and world-class restaurants. On weekends, this neighborhood also hosts events that continually change week-to-week.
Living in Lincoln Park means that most of the city will be within your reach, with several CTA lines running close to this neighborhood. Apartments range from newly built luxury buildings to older complexes that showcase some of Chicago’s most stunning historic architecture.
The foundation for being a happy Chicagoan is finding the right neighborhood for you. Luckily, The Windy City has something to offer for introverts, adventurers, and everyone in between.
While the guide above can help you get started, we highly suggest scoping out the neighborhoods in person. Taking a walk around is the best way to get a feel for an area’s vibe and the residents. It may be an extra step in your hunt for the perfect home, but it can make all the difference.