2019 Best Neighborhoods to Live in ChicagoAbout this List

Printers Row

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 6

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

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
• 8

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 8 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 33,896 Population

Streeterville

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 8

Former Resident: I lived in Streeterville as a student going to Northwestern. It was welcoming community filled with architecture, a museum, cafes, and parks!
Read 8 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 25,519 Population

Lake View

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 110

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 110 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 91,757 Population

Near South Side

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 10

Current Resident: Quiet, beautiful views of the lake, changing real estate market and new businesses opening up every day
Read 10 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 23,620 Population

River North

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 32

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
• 10

Current Resident: Gold Coast is a safe neighborhood. It has numerous nearby education institutions. It is child friendly in terms of recreation. It is below average in terms of affordability but worth it in terms of your money. It is only a 10 minute drive from downtown meaning you are in the heart of the city. Everything you need is nearby and accessible. It is very close to the lake making it easy to experience in the summer. There is numerous forms of transportation from busses, to the L train, and taxis to choose from nearby. There are many things to do in terms of tourist attractions nearby from visiting Millennium Park to walking down Rush street to grab a bite to eat. In Gold Coast the diversity is very below average seeing as the community is made of upper class caucasian individuals. The night life is incredible with the amount of restaurants and shops nearby. It is also quiet at night even with such a booming night life.
Read 10 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 17,779 Population

Old Town

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 28

Current Resident: I just moved into Marshall Field Gardens apartments as a college student...the people that live there are very friendly and set an example of what urban excellence should look like. There is barely any crime and the Marshall Field Green apartments are very safe in my opinion. The neighborhood and the apartments are very cheap and is very safe, and you would not have to go through any of the things you would go through if you were in a ghetto.
Read 28 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 28,486 Population

Lincoln Park

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 68

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 68 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 46,138 Population

Wicker Park

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 53

Current Resident: In frank terms, Wicker Park is the Williamsburg Brooklyn of Chicago. Wicker Park is a great place to live whether you are a recent college graduate, young professional, or new family. The neighborhood is full of great restaurants, coffee shops, and nightlife. Stay in the Robey Hotel for a swanky experience in the heart of the neighborhood and grab a bite to eat at the newly opened Publican Anker across the street for one of the best burgers in town. After, check out Subterranean for a concert and dancing. Whatever you like to do, you can find it here in Wicker Park!
Read 53 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 23,459 Population

Boystown

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 6

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 6 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 5,345 Population

North Center

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 32

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 32 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 35,789 Population

Bucktown

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 22

Current Resident: Buck town is a thriving community on the Northwest side of Chicago. Nestled between Wick Parker and Logan Square, Buck town offers a diverse range of restaurants, music venues, shops, parks and theaters to frequent and interact with locals. The 606 trail runs through Buck town where community members can walk with their families, biker can train for upcoming races, and runners can get their exercise in. Buck town is just a short ride from downtown Chicago on the Chicago Transit Authority's Blue line.
Read 22 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 13,149 Population

Rush & Division

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 3

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
• 51

Current Resident: Beverly is a quiet, warm, community based, neighborly, safe, racially diversified neighborhood for the middle class. I love this neighborhood because I feel safe that I know my neighbors. We pay attention to who comes in and out of the neighborhood. Residents of Beverly consist of firefighters, policemen, postal carriers, lawyers, doctors, nurses, business owners, etc. whom are homeowners. There are no vacant lots or homes, and not too many people sell their homes fast. There are plenty of retailers nearby. The scenic view of the Dan Ryan Forest Reserve is breathtaking in the fall full of life and colors. The wildlife migrate to the area including deer, woodpeckers and hummingbirds to name a few. Overall, this is a neighborhood for civilians who are educated, sophisticated, and friendly.
Read 51 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 20,822 Population

Hyde Park

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 89

Former Resident: I love Hyde Park, Chicago. Of all of the 77 neighborhoods that Chicago has to offer, I believe is the safest, most interesting and most diverse. It is home to the distinguished University of Chicago. So many different people reside in Chicago, of every different race, ethnicity and religion. People that come from all different walks of life. Hyde Park is a quick bus ride away from downtown and train ride away from anywhere else in the city. There are so many restaurants museums and shops, and you're literally right on the beach! You could spend a whole day here and completely fall in love with it.
Read 89 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• 26,827 Population

Sheffield & DePaul

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 15

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

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
• 25

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 25 Reviews

• A

• C+

• 30,298 Population

Andersonville

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 14

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 14 Reviews

• A

• C+

• 7,519 Population

Sauganash/Forest Glen

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 39

Current Resident: Growing up here, I have always felt safe and supported by my community. Everyone knows one another here and there is a sense of cohesiveness between neighbors, as they all want this to be the safest and most fruitful neighborhood.
Read 39 Reviews

• A

• C+

• 18,997 Population

East Village

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 1

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