Choose the Right Chicago Neighborhood for You

Every Chicago neighborhood has its own unique charm and personality and that’s why it’s one the country’s most livable cities. Choosing the right neighborhood for you depends on your personal preferences. There are several factors to consider when choosing a neighborhood in Chicago. Do you want to be close to work or are you fine with a commute via public transportation? What type or neighbors are you looking and do you want a social scene? Here’s a summary of few popular neighborhoods in Chicago to help you choose what’s right for you:

The Gold Coast Offers Shopping and Luxury

The Gold Coast is home to some of Chicago’s best shopping with iconic stores such as Barney’s and Bloomingdale’s. The neighborhood has a mix of young professionals and affluent residents. It marks a good breaking point between city life and a neighborhood feel. It has everything from high-rises and condos to streets with beautifully lined trees with historical brownstones. The neighborhood has well-know restaurants like Hugo’s Frog Bar and Tavern on Rush with a fun nightlife that caters to an older crowd. The Gold Coast is also close to the Red Line train and has several bus routes that will get you up and downtown easily.

Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville Caters to the Young

Adjacent to each other, these neighborhoods are for young professionals. Known for its influx of college grads each year, it’s a haven for Big 10 college bars and pubs. Both neighborhoods are good for those just stating out or for anyone new to the city looking to meet people. Filled with boutiques, unpretentious restaurants and home to the Chicago Cubs, these neighborhoods are the epitome of Chicago living. Although, it may become a little noisy from the baseball crowd on nights and weekends during the summer.

Bucktown Carries An Eccentric Flair

West of the city is Bucktown. Once known as a Polish neighborhood, it is now gentrified with a mix of artistic types and new families.  Many of the homes have been knocked down and rebuilt with condos. The neighborhood still holds a lot of character with great restaurants and trendy boutiques. A famous intersection is North Avenue and Damen with a mix of eclectic stores and mainstream designers right next to the Blue Line train that can take you out to O’Hare Airport or back downtown.

Be Close to Downtown in River North

Just across the Chicago River is River North. This neighborhood is convenient for those who work downtown. It’s home to East Bank Club, a prestigious fitness and social club and has several new hotels like Trump Towers, fun nightlife options and tourist attractions. It’s more commercial than most neighborhoods as it has a lot art galleries, showrooms and offices. It’s also a hub for the cities “L” train that goes in a loop throughout the downtown area.

There are so many wonderful neighborhoods to choose from in Chicago. Really evaluating what you want out of neighborhood will make your home search easier. Try spending some time in each neighborhood before you decide and even if you don’t live there, you may just visit.