Top 10 Neighborhoods To Move To In Chicago
Being one of the busiest, most populated cities in the U.S., Chicago has always been a perfect place to move to. There are so many things Chicago has to offer to all the people who come here to seek the perfect place to start their career or family at. We know that when people are searching for the best neighborhood they are also looking for things like nice looking homes, great parks, and friendly neighbors. Chicago has it all and even more. However, the biggest cities do tend to have the most problems as well, and while Chicago does have its fair share of problems and some pretty dangerous neighborhoods, it does have some of the best, most unique, neighborhoods to call home.
Since Chicago IL moving companies have been in the business of moving people all around Chicago for eighteen years, we can proudly say that we became the experts who know every inch of this city. That is also why we feel competent to choose the top 10 neighborhoods to move to Chicago.
1. Hyde Park
Without question, one of the most famous residents of this neighborhood is former President Barack Obama. If the Hyde Park neighborhood is good enough for Obama, it might be one of the best, right? Seven miles from the Loop on the South Side of Chicago, you’ll find several of the country’s more prestigious institutions. We’ll mention The University of Chicago, renowned for producing over 87 Nobel Prize laureates, which is why Chicago is in most cases the choice for young adults who are choosing the place to study or work at. Hyde Park is also on the shores of Lake Michigan, giving residents and visitors beautiful views and easy access to the 18-mile lakefront running and biking path. Hyde Park offers everything of all worlds.
2. Bucktown/Wicker Park
In the 1980s Bucktown began to evolve into the artistic community that it is known as today. The lower rents in the undiscovered area and its proximity to downtown made it a natural choice for musicians and artists. As the area became more popular, rents began to climb, pushing people south to Wicker Park. The dividing line between the two is North Avenue, with Bucktown to the north and Wicker Park to the south. Wicker Park has long been known as one of Chicago’s hipster neighborhoods, anchored by unique local bookshops, cafés, art galleries and cocktail bars. Running through this neighborhood is an elevated 2.7-mile running and bike path called the 606 – a converted railroad now brimming with beautiful greenery and public art installations. Wicker Park is a perfect choice for everyone who wants to enjoy the most creative and vibrant part of Chicago.
3. West Loop
The West Loop is an industrial zone turned chic foodie paradise near Chicago’s business district. With larger units, two parks in the area and more parking available than other neighborhoods near the Loop, the West Loop is a draw for young families. Within its borders is the prestigious Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, which consistently ranks as one of the top high schools in Illinois. Not to be missed is the SoHo of the Midwest, the monthly Randolph Street Market, a one-of-its-kind outdoor and indoor arena for the collectors, antique shoppers and flea market lovers.
4. Gold Coast/Old Town
Old Town is a historic district on Chicago’s North Side, home to beautiful buildings and many historic sights. This neighborhood also holds St Michael’s Church, one of only seven buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. If you’re looking for a fancier night out, Old Town offers some great locales. The main commercial center for this neighborhood is Oak Street, where Hermes, Versace and Gucci clothing stores mingle with four-and five-star restaurants offering outdoor seating in the summer. Old Town is a neighborhood that is more suitable for people with deeper pockets, but there are also many old buildings for those who enjoy commune living that can offer lower rents while still allowing you to live in one of the most lively city neighborhoods.
5. Streeterville
In Streeterville is located the most spectacular apartment space in the country. The people who live in Streeterville are moving up, literally, with taller highrises being built every year. Nicknamed the “platinum coast” by some Realtors, apartment buildings and condos in this area come with more than the usual amenities, such as banks, athletic clubs, convenience stores, hotels and in one case even a 21-screen movie theater and bowling alley. This kind of neighborhood comes with a low crime rate, great schools and many opportunities for young people who are just beginning their lives.
6. South Loop
Generally considered a slum, the South Loop was far away from the expensive neighborhood it is today. Now a thriving community where visitors flock to tourist spots like the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and the Field Museum, the South Loop is an area that draws many different kinds of people and it is always vibrant and lively. Nowadays, South Loop is one of the most famous neighborhoods in Chicago with numerous tourist attractions, colleges, and all kinds of places for entertainment, education and art.
7. Lincoln Park/Lakeview
Lincoln Park is a magnet for singles in their 20s and 30s, many of whom stay to start families here. The neighborhood is very convenient for starting a family since it’s home to two private schools with a great reputation. The community is very much like a college town within the big city, with a large variety of shopping, restaurants and nightspots all in close proximity. One of the advantages is also that people who live here don’t really need a car to get around, which is a good thing. Overall, Lincoln Park is a great community to start your family at, enjoy being surrounded by people who are like you and feeling the spirit of a tight community where you can always find people you can count on and seek help and support.
8. River North
The neighborhood of River North is near Chicago’s central business district and a popular location for after-work dinner and drinks. It is bursting with bars, restaurants and nightlife and is also home to several upscale art galleries. River North has the greatest concentration of art galleries in the country – over 100 clustered in the gallery district on Superior and Huron. The world’s largest commercial building, the Merchandise Mart, at 4.2 million square feet, is here, as well as Trump Tower on Wabash, the tallest residential skyscraper in the western hemisphere and popular home for athletes and celebrities. This is a more affluent neighborhood that not everybody will be able to afford, but if you are, we highly recommend you to consider it since it will probably check all the boxes you could probably think of.
9. Pilsen
Located on the city’s Lower West Side, Pilsen is a predominantly Mexican-American community with incredible food and art scenes. Visitors to Pilsen will find street vendors, restaurants with live music and cozy local coffee shops. On the art side, gorgeous murals by famous street artists make buildings all over the neighborhood outstanding in their beauty and uniqueness. Pilsen is also home to the National Museum of Mexican Art, which offers free admission and whose 10,000-piece collection celebrates Mexican art and culture. It is a community that will make you feel warm and welcomed.
10. Rogers Park
Rogers Park is another beautiful lakeside neighborhood. It is also the location of Loyola University which is why it is full of young people and there is always something happening. It is the northernmost neighborhood of the city and feels almost like a delightful little town of its own. Rogers Park has a large immigrant population, which also means it has a vast array of delectable restaurant choices, from Peruvian to Indian to Greek to Korean to Pakistani. It also means that the community is very diverse and good for everyone to feel welcomed and accepted.
Whatever neighborhood in Chicago that you choose or have a question about, you can call Movers in Chicago IL, ask for our advice and talk to us about your future relocation. Get your moving quote today and welcome to Chicago.