2019 Best Neighborhoods to Live in ChicagoAbout this List

Printers Row

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 6 reviews

Current Resident: A Charming historic neighborhood, home of the old Dearborn train station. Only a few blocks away from Grant Park, Millenium Park, State Street Shopping, theaters and the Loop. with a friendly vibe. Close to Red, Blue, Green, Orange, Purple, Lines and most major bus routes. Great restaurants, pubs, famous jazz venues in the neighborhood.

Walking distance to Dearborn Park, Grant Park and Millenium Park, Museum Campus, the Art Institute, the Chicago Public Library, and nearby theaters.

Alos close to Chicago Board of Trade, Merchantile Exchange, downtown business district, numerous major universities, Lake Michigan, State Street and Roosevelt Avenue shopping. Nice neighbors, dog friendly.
Read 6 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 8,542 Population

Greektown

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

• A+

• C+

• 4,663 Population

Loop

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 56 reviews

Current Resident: There's always something to do once you step out of your place. From great museums, theater, night light, restaurants. I particularly loving walking on the Riverwalk and taking in the beautiful sights and architecture this city has to offer!
Read 56 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 32,948 Population

West Loop

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 9 reviews

Current Resident: Great neighborhood for easy access to award-winning restaurants and to many offices downtown. While it doesn't have the neighborhood feel of a Lincoln Park, it's great for urbanites!
Read 9 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 33,896 Population

Streeterville

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 9 reviews

Current Resident: I love it! Not a lot of high schools in the neighborhood, though. There are a lot of great food options and places to live, I am very happy with all of these!
Read 9 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 25,519 Population

Lake View

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 111 reviews

Current Resident: I love the walkability of Lakeview and how there's always something going on -- whether it be going out for dinner and drinks, shopping, or a neighborhood fest. Being close to Wrigley Field is very exciting. Personally, being near the lake and safety are two very important things for me in choosing a neighborhood, and Lakeview is perfect for me in that aspect!
Read 111 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 91,757 Population

Near South Side

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 11 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 11 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 23,620 Population

River North

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 32 reviews

Current Resident: Very Convenient plenty of things to do and great commute options. There's the EL & Metra, Divy & uber or zip car. You don't need a car as many places are walking distance. For those cold snowy nights; uber is usually $6-10 pending where you're going!
Read 32 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 35,472 Population

Gold Coast

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 13 reviews

Current Resident: I love living downtown but the diversity and real estate accessibility is obviously pretty limited. I've attended public schools locally in Lincoln Park my entire life, which is close by to Gold Coast, but even so, the diversity and integration of multiple cultures is limited due to the fact that there is a lot of deeply rooted segregation in Chicago as well as rapidly occurring gentrification in my many neighborhoods aside from Gold Coast. I have been fortunate enough to live in a safe area with a lot of things to do, such as easy beach access, conveniently located stores, and generally a lively environment. I live across the street from and my window overlooks a park so I've always enjoyed the physical environment I am surrounded by. Additionally, I have 3 train lines all in quick walking distance from me so I've found commuting to be very easy in my neighborhood.
Read 13 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 17,779 Population

Old Town

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 29 reviews

Current Resident: The neighborhood is absolutely beautiful and very central to the city and the lake. It is incredibly safe and has one of the lowest crime rates in the city. Its parks and play areas are very well kept up. This neighborhood is perfect for families and older people. The housing prices and rents tend to be fairly high, especially in the historical districts, and depending on where you live there may be very little night life to explore. The neighborhood is, however, populated with great small businesses, has a fantastic sense of community, and is ideal for children.
Read 29 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 28,486 Population

Lincoln Park

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 77 reviews

Current Resident: I am at the perfect distance of big city and residential living with urban vibes. Local restaurants and boutiques are bountiful, and there is always some cozy cafe or bar popping up. Nightlife exists, but it is never so loud or dangerous (or barf covered). Parking can be a challenge, but if you are here long enough, you will learn the tricks. There is greenery, trails, and the lakefront which are wonderful! Very commuter friendly, by public transportation or foot (or bike!), probably more so than by personal vehicle. You are a mere 30 minutes or less from anything you could imagine, whether that be theater, comedy, athletics, sports, zoo, museums, or any other historical memorabilia. People are generally friendly, and you could ask the nearest pass-byer for directions just about anywhere. Markets and stores do exist, and you will pay a slightly higher price for your everyday items. As long as I am living in Chicago, I do not want to leave the Lincoln park area.
Read 77 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 46,138 Population

Wicker Park

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 56 reviews

Current Resident: Its a very neighborhood for families and friends. Its a lot to do around here. You could walk walk your dog, go on jog, shop ect. Its very safe for everyone. Good place to raise children. Fun things happen around here like festivels. The present day neighborhood is best known for its numerous commercial and entertainment establishments, and being a convenient place to live for downtown workers due to its proximity to public transportation and The Loop.
Read 56 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 23,459 Population

Boystown

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 8 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 8 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 5,345 Population

North Center

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 33 reviews

Former Resident: This is the best neighborhood in Chicago, hands down. I feel extremely safe and many families live in the area so it's very welcoming. There's a lot of great businesses that are hard to come across in other neighborhood. It's not diverse, although I do not feel like an alien in this area. People are friendly and warm. Roscoe Village has a tight bond that allows the neighborhood to stay safe. I've lived her for about 8 years now and I love how close everything is to me. I would recommend this area for people who are ready to settle down and start a family.
Read 33 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 35,789 Population

Bucktown

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 24 reviews

Current Resident: Great hood, if expensive. My wife and I have lived here since '96. Lots of great old homes, lots of fancy new ones. You can walk to everything. There must be fifty restaurants within hoofing distance. And there's a surprising number of young families here despite the high priced real estate.

The only downside is the high cost of living, fueled by high property taxes and a city and county government rife with corruption and incompetence.
Read 24 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 13,149 Population

Rush & Division

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 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

• A+

• C+

• 17,245 Population

Beverly

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 55 reviews

Current Resident: We have lived in West Beverly for 25+ years. It is a very safe, family oriented little city within the big city. The tax base is very affordable and the housing is architecturally diverse. The schools are very strong and mostly faith based Catholic. The public schools are of high standards. It is a great place to live!
Read 55 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 20,822 Population

Hyde Park

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 97 reviews

Works Here: Hyde Park is a friendly diverse community, it's supported by the University of Chicago. There's lot's of great restaurants and small businesses with unique items. I have met people all around the world in Hyde Park, which I have learned over twenty different cultures in the last two years.

You see people walking and riding bikes in the community daily. In the summer there are over a dozen community festivals and live outdoor jazz concerts that are free for the community.

Overall visitors who visit Chicago I recommend they stop by Hyde Park community I'm sure they would be pleased with the outcome.
Read 97 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 26,827 Population

Sheffield & DePaul

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 15 reviews

Niche User: I love where I live. It is perfect for me and the time in my life I am in.
Read 15 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 12,599 Population

Wrigleyville

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 7 reviews

Current Resident: Living over here is amazing! The atmosphere, the vibe and the people make it seem like a home away from home. The Chicago Cubs stadium commute is a 10 minute walk from my place, the nightlife in Wrigley is one of the best in the country and we cannot beat out a Starbucks. With my social organization, we went to a public elementary school in the area to speak about growing up in Chicago and these children enthusiasm for the talk was incredible. Their thought processes were very much engaged in the issues going on in Chicago.
Read 7 Reviews

• A

• C+

• 7,490 Population

West Town

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 23 reviews

Current Resident: Love this area! Super classy yet artistic at the same time. This neighborhood is quiet but close to everything you need, such as restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and walking distance to river west/river north. Such a neighborhood feel to it.
Read 23 Reviews

• A

• C+

• 30,298 Population

Andersonville

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 17 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived in Andersonville for my entire life and I have always loved the family friendly and small business friendly atmosphere! Clark street is particularly busy with places appealing to all ages and demographics. I love all of the family owned restaurants and shops, and the way in which the neighborhood supports one another.
Read 17 Reviews

• A

• C+

• 7,519 Population

Sauganash/Forest Glen

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 40 reviews

Current Resident: The neighborhood that I live in is Sauganash and I love living here. Its a relatively small neighborhood so everyone around here knows everyone else. Some things that I would love to see change in the future would be the addition of more restaurants because we only have a few as it is. We have Edens The Original, which is a great burger/gyro place, and Whole Foods, which is a supermarket but there is a variety of different types of food such as daily made sushi, pizza, and sandwiches.
Read 40 Reviews

• A

• C+

• 18,997 Population

East Village

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 1 review

Former Resident: I love the East Village!!!! This neighborhood has a very real urban atmosphere and has awesome restaurants and shopping nearby. The neighborhood has a great location within the city and is very close to lots of iconic places.
Read 1 Review

• A

• C+

• 7,176 Population

Magnificent Mile

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

• A

• C+

• 1,801 Population