2023 Best Neighborhoods to Live in the Chicago Area

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 5 out of 5  11 reviews

Nearby Resident: I live in nearby Dearborn Park and absolutely love being close to Printer's Row. The history of Printer's Row is super cool and not just the printing industry part. There are a ton of great restaurants and bars and an amazing bookstore. It's close to the loop and close to all the lakefront attractions. Public transportation is steps away. It's near the Loop but quiet compared to most downtown locations. For young families, there's a Montessori school nearby and of course we are close to Jones high school, which is nationally recognized for academic excellence, and to South Loop Elementary School, which our friends say is excellent. The neighborhood is diverse, nearby parks are great, we love the farmers market, and the loft condos are all very cool. Overall, it's no surprise that this is the #1 neighborhood in Chicago. For a city neighborhood, you really can't beat it!... Read 11 reviews

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• grade C+

• Population 2,100

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 4.76 out of 5  17 reviews

Current Resident: I love West Loop! It is a very safe and welcoming neighborhood. It is a convenient location in regards to restaurants, grocery stores, coffee shops, fitness studios and so forth. My experience here has been nothing less than perfect!... Read 17 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 27,720

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.78 out of 5  59 reviews

Current Resident: The loop is the downtown area. I like how accessible everything is - all trains and the riverwalk. I think the area is overcrowded with tourists and some of the restaurants appeal more to the work crowd than young adults.... Read 59 reviews

• grade A+

• grade C+

• Population 25,013

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 1,559

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 4.31 out of 5  13 reviews

Current Resident: Streeterville is known for its high rises and living along the lake. There are many restaurants here but lacks a bar and club scene. Crime is getting worse its time to get Lightfoot out of office she is one of the worst mayors in the history of the city.... Read 13 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 23,779

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.69 out of 5  36 reviews

Current Resident: The neighborhood is very centralized in Chicago, about a 10 minutes walk to the loop, and public transportation is close by and accessible. The area is overall pretty safe because it is a slightly more wealthy area.... Read 36 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 33,787

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.81 out of 5  122 reviews

Current Resident: I'm new to Chicago and have been living in East Lakeview for almost a year now. Overall it's very safe, walkable, bikeable, and has enough to do where I rarely ever have to leave unless I really wanted to venture out somewhere else within the city. People here generally keep to themselves but aren't really all that friendly or warm. For newcomers, it's very difficult to make friends as locals all seem to be tightly bound to their already established groups and have little interest in expanding their friend groups. Quality of life here is great but the experience is very lonely unless you already have an established friend group or family in the area.... Read 122 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 87,461

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 4.53 out of 5  15 reviews

Current Resident: Gold Coast is a charming escape in the city. Housing some of the wealthiest individuals, it is a mix or the successful and driven.... Read 15 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 15,176

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 4.19 out of 5  37 reviews

Current Resident: It's safe, it's both off the beaten path and easily accessible to the heart of the city of Chicago. The neighbors are friendly, respectful, and helpful. The fire department is a big plus. There are lots of eateries, and coffee shops, and nice services right here. I love that Gigi's Playhouse has a home in this neighborhood, and so is St. Benedict Catholic Church.... Read 37 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 37,094

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 4.45 out of 5  31 reviews

Current Resident: Old town is a great location. It is right next to Lincoln Park, North Beach, and downtown! It has multiple bus and train stops for ease of commuting around the city. There a number of restaurant and bars for an everyday vibe as well as special occasions. The local business community often works together to create neighborhood events and create a sense of community within the neighborhood. It is a bit expensive considering its location, but to me it's definitely worth it.... Read 31 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 23,009

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 4.36 out of 5  88 reviews

Current Resident: Lincoln Park is a beautiful place to live in - its proximity to the lake and nearby green spaces make it a nature hub within the bustling city of Chicago. It is a cultural hub that offers plenty of opportunities for entertainment and learning. The neighborhood has no shortage of amazing restaurants ranging from small local joints to upscale dining. There is always something to do - attend the farmers market, go thrifting at the many consignment shops, or travel a short distance to the other neighborhoods by foot, bike, or transit. While it is great to live here, it is also wildly expensive. It is classified as one of Chicago's more upscale neighborhoods, and the price reflects this. As does the smaller living spaces for a higher price compared to other neighborhoods. It is also very dense - often creating parking and traffic congestion. Overall, I have loved living here - close to Wiener's Circle and Wrigley field. It has been a great place to live in my 20s!... Read 88 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 45,359

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 4.4 out of 5  10 reviews

Current Resident: I love living in boystown! I am a young professional, moved to the neighborhood about a year ago. I cannot speak to the real estate market or the quality of schools at this time, as I do not have children and am not looking to buy. However, I find my rent is very affordable, I love the neighborhood, there is lots to do, and many grocery stores, gyms, etc nearby! I have found it to be extremely safe, and there seems to be a fair amount of local businesses hiring in the neighborhood (though I will admit that I do not work in boystown). In terms of working elsewhere and commuting, its the best! There are so many buses (some running express downtown) and it is very close to both the Addison and the Belmont stops on the El.... Read 10 reviews

• grade A+

• grade B minus

• Population 4,350

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.96 out of 5  27 reviews

Former Resident: West Town is a lovely neighborhood that's close to downtown, the West Loop, Wicker Park (aka all the happening areas) without feeling too chaotic or overwhelming. There's a variety of people in West Town - families, older folks, people in their mid- to late-20s, so you can find friendly faces all over. Plenty of good food, walkable grocery stores, and parks as well.... Read 27 reviews

• grade A

• grade C+

• Population 30,746

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

• grade A

• grade B minus

• Population 1,521

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 4 out of 5  12 reviews

Current Resident: We live here and we love it! It’s part of downtown but without the heavy tourism. Easy access to the lake, three train lines and many bus routes. Fast travel to both airports as well! Great options for entertainment, shopping and proximity to diverse neighborhoods with excellent food. It’s also very safe!... Read 12 reviews

• grade A

• grade C+

• Population 5,079

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  117 reviews

Current Resident: The neighborhood is culturally diverse. There is a mix of families, students, childless couples, young adults, and retired people. The neighborhood is walkable and there is plenty of green space. Shopping, restaurants, and public transportation are within walking distance. Lake Michigan is accessible to residents and visitors. I would like to see more family owned buildings rather than large management companies for renters.... Read 117 reviews

• grade A

• grade B minus

• Population 27,401

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.95 out of 5  60 reviews

Current Resident: During the time that I have lived in Wicker Park, I have always felt a sense of belonging. When I walk out the door, I am always anticipating the type of interactions that I will have with neighbors around me and visitors passing through. I have had the opportunity to walk through this area with having over a foot of snow outside. I hope once the vaccine is more widely available, I can explore the rest of the options that the community offers within this great city. I also hope to be more involved in community initiatives and programs surrounding me to help better the area.... Read 60 reviews

• grade A

• grade B minus

• Population 24,482

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 4.68 out of 5  25 reviews

Current Resident: We love living here. Andersonville is great, especially if you are starting a family or are looking for a slower paced city life. There is enough stuff to do, good restaurants, and its a super safe neighborhood. I love all the antique shops. The antique shops are actually the main reason I wanted to live in this neighborhood. It can feel a little suffocating though. Before moving here we lived in both Old Town and Printers Row. There is obviously much more to do in the downtown areas. It's a chore (about 45+ minutes) to get downtown. If any of your friends/dates live in the city, there is not much chance of them coming to visit. It can be pretty isolating. The biggest shock for me was the lack of dog parks. I would have never thought that downtown would have had more available dog parks per square mile than up here. Either way, you'll like living here. It's beautiful and quiet, just be prepared for feeling a little out of the loop.... Read 25 reviews

• grade A

• grade B minus

• Population 6,857

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 4.01 out of 5  71 reviews

Current Resident: Beautiful neighborhood, pretty safe for Chicago. Amazing food. I've always found everyone to be very friendly. Shout out to the dude with the Tasmanian Devil car! Neighborhood legend... Read 71 reviews

• grade A

• grade B minus

• Population 42,338

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.83 out of 5  162 reviews

Current Resident: I have been residing in Edgewater for the last 6 years and I have to admit that this is one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city. Only 20 minutes away from Downtown and 10 minutes away from the beautiful Evanston, Edgewater is a precious gem next to Lake Michigan. With pride, I express my gratitude to the community of Edgewater which has been striving to support everyone with local donations, especially during and after the pandemic. The warmth of the people contrasts the chilly winds of the lake which are welcome during the hot summer days but sometimes unbearable during winter. Moreover, the local markets bring a welcoming energy to the community which frequently reminds me of the suburban lifestyle. As an adventurous spirit who loves food and coffee, I am very pleased with the variety of cultures in the area that have introduced me to new flavors such as Indian, Jamaican, and African cuisine. In all honesty, I would not change a thing about Edgewater! I absolutely love it!... Read 162 reviews

• grade A

• grade B minus

• Population 51,227

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.92 out of 5  25 reviews

Current Resident: The neighborhood is a lot of fun, with a lot of restaurants and parks. It is pretty diverse and has a great social scene.... Read 25 reviews

• grade A

• grade B minus

• Population 13,063

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.4 out of 5  15 reviews

Niche User: I am still in Chicago so I never feel 100% safe but I have never needed to call the police or seen any crimes... Read 15 reviews

• grade A

• grade B minus

• Population 11,841

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.33 out of 5  3 reviews

Parent: I could very well never leave this area. Convenience is everything to me and you can get to any service needed with in a 1 mile radius. Clean and well maintained.... Read 3 reviews

• grade A

• grade B minus

• Population 9,427

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 4.14 out of 5  70 reviews

Current Resident: For those looking for big-city excitement, look elsewhere. For those who have had their fill and want to stay in the City, Beverly is an excellent choice. Although not perfect, the neighborhood, in my view, approaches the American ideal. Racial (and, to a marginal extent, economic) diversity; expressive residential architecture (read, not suburban soullessness); great public transit for downtowners; security; opportunities for intellectual, spiritual, artistic, and physical growth; community and community pride; nature. Per the neighborhood's political predilections, there is a healthy mix: considering the political divides in this country, it's not necessarily a bad thing that the two opposing sides have to live, work, and play together. That's kind of the whole idea undergirding democracy, isn't it?... Read 70 reviews

• grade A

• grade B minus

• Population 19,919

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 4.6 out of 5  10 reviews

Current Resident: It is a very fun place to grow up in!! Being so close to Wrigley allows me to go to games with friends, and concerts too. If I cant get tickets to the concert I can sit outside Wrigely and hear it very well! Its a great place to spend my teenage years. My favorite place in Wrigely is Metro!... Read 10 reviews

• grade A

• grade B minus

• Population 5,876