Looking for a neighborhood from which you can venture forth and experience the Windy City’s endless enticements?
Perhaps your career has stabilized to the point that future moves are less likely. Maybe you simply love Chicago and all that it offers. Whatever your reason, you are ready to call Chicago home for the long haul.
As you think about a neighborhood’s potential, consider its vibe and sense of place. Evaluate neighborhoods in terms of parks, dining, entertainment, and culture. Prioritize apartment features like personal outdoor spaces and community amenities.
Here are some neighborhoods you could call home for years to come. These neighborhoods typically deliver the walkability, safety, and quality schools that residents value. All are well-served by the Chicago Transit Authority, a public transportation system ranked among the top 19 in the world.
1. Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is just north of downtown Chicago. Following the Great Fire of 1871, Potter Palmer and other affluent Chicagoans built sprawling mansions here. It is now a National Historic District.
Cultural opportunities abound, and world-class shopping is a short walk away at the Magnificent Mile. Although apartments with coveted lake views command higher rents, all residents enjoy the benefits of an idyllic urban location.
Rush and Division is an epicenter for nightlife. The Original Mother’s (24 W. Division) is but one example. Giordano’s (730 N. Rush) serves up authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza. Eduardo’s Enoteca (1212 N. Dearborn) is a charming wine bar with freshly made pasta and artisanal charcuterie boards. Nearby, Navy Pier offers an extraordinary array of activities.
Luxury apartment options include 61 Banks Street, an ultra-luxury boutique residence. 1420 North Lake Shore Drive honors its 1929 origins with indoor and outdoor historic elements.
2. Lincoln Park & Old Town
Lincoln Park and Old Town offer an abundance of tree-lined streets perfect for an evening stroll. Redfin gives Lincoln Park a walkability score of 94/100. Despite the area’s relative affluence, more than half Lincoln Park residents are renters.
The family-friendly vibe is further accentuated by the 1200-acre Lincoln Park. The sprawling green space bordering Lake Michigan is 50% larger than Manhattan’s Central Park. Escape to the Lincoln Park Zoo, or relax at the Lincoln Park Conservancy. Take in the tropical greenery thriving in a Victorian-era glass house. Hike along the South Pond and enjoy views of the city. The park also offers tennis, beach volleyball, a skate park, archery, a driving range, and much more.
Old Town is home to Second City, the iconic comedy venue that’s launched myriad careers, like those of Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Bill Murray, and Tim Meadows.
The Michelin-starred Boka (1729 N. Halstead) is just north of the Steppenwolf Theater. Dine on dry-aged Rohan duck or black truffle roasted chicken out on the terrace. Topo Gigio (1516 N. Wells) serves Tuscan-style Italian. Just to the south, enjoy the Old World charm at Orso’s (1401 S. Wells).
3. Wrigleyville
Wrigleyville is north of Lincoln Park. This neighborhood offers everything from the bustling to the bucolic. As its name suggests, Wrigleyville includes legendary Wrigley Field, home of Major League Baseball’s Chicago Cubs. Sports bars and eateries abound, especially near the ballpark. The Brickhouse Tavern is in the same building as the Cubs offices.
At Steingold’s (3737 N. Southport), try a “Grandma Rachel,” a sandwich heaped high with turkey pastrami, Havarti, cole slaw, and Challah. Enjoy casual dining at Uncommon Ground (3800 N. Clark) or traditional Vietnamese at Sochi (1358 N. Belmont).
The northern part of Lincoln Park is just to the east. Golfers can tee it up and play nine at the Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course. Montrose Beach attracts swimmers and kiteboarders alike.
The amenity-rich Wrigleyville Lofts is near the Sheridan Red Line station. Its rooftop deck serves up views of Lake Michigan and Wrigley Field.
4. River North
Vibrant River North is for residents who love the arts and architecture, diverse cuisine, and happening nightlife. On America’s list of places with the highest concentration of art galleries, you’ll find Manhattan first and River North second.
Residents stroll along the 1.25-mile-long River Walk. World-class shopping awaits along the Magnificent Mile. The House of Blues Chicago includes a concert venue inspired by Prague’s Estavovski Opera House.
Fans of Hulu’s Emmy Award-winning hit The Bear will know that Chef Carmy and Chef Sydney work their culinary magic in River North. The Bear may be fictional, but the neighborhood’s panoply of popular restaurants is very real. Savor rustic Mediterranean dishes at Avec (141 W. Erie), or head to Tanta (118 W. Grand) for Peruvian. RPM (317 N. Clark) caters to seafood lovers of every kind. Some of the city’s best pizzerias are in River North, including Portofino (317 N. Clark).
Hubbard 221 delivers luxury amenities in the heart of River North. Grand Plaza offers 50,000 square feet of community amenities, including a rooftop pool.
5. South Loop
With its towering skyscrapers and historical landmarks, the South Loop is an enticing blend of the modern and the historic. Residents enjoy easy access to the Museum Complex and historic Soldier Field, the home of pro football’s Chicago Bears.
Roosevelt University is also in the South Loop. Portions of the 26-mile Lakefront Trail are just to the east. Redfin awards the South Loop a walkability score of 91.
Dine on Nepalese and Indian dishes at Chicago Curry House (899 S. Plymouth), including a very creamy chicken tikka masala. Manny’s Deli (1141 S. Jefferson) is due east of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC).
Residents at Eleven Thirty on South Michigan enjoy amenities like a 75-foot outdoor pool and a private dog deck. The Aspire Residences features a fourth-floor suite of amenities complementing a resort-style.
About Draper and Kramer
Draper and Kramer is a full-service real estate firm founded in Chicago in 1893. D&K also manages luxury apartments in Texas, Arizona, Colorado, and Missouri. Check out the luxury apartment communities noted above, or browse our complete selection here.
