2019 Best Places for Young Professionals in Cook CountyAbout this List

Streeterville

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 8 reviews

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+

• A+

• 25,519 Population

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+

• A+

• 8,542 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+

• A+

• 32,948 Population

Greektown

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

• A+

• C+

• A+

• 4,663 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+

• A+

• 35,472 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+

• A+

• 17,245 Population

West Loop

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 8 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 8 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• A+

• 33,896 Population

Gold Coast

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 12 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 12 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• A+

• 17,779 Population

Old Town

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 28 reviews

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+

• A+

• 28,486 Population

Lake View

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 109 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 109 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• A+

• 91,757 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+

• A+

• 30,298 Population

Lincoln Park

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 75 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 75 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• A+

• 46,138 Population

Ukrainian Village

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 16 reviews

Current Resident: Have lived here about 22 years! I moved away for a year and came right back! Everything is close by, theres bars, restaurants, grocery stores, schools, and plenty of parks. Apartments are pretty overpriced, theres less and less houses more condos.
Read 16 Reviews

• A

• C+

• A+

• 11,314 Population

Boystown

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 7 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 7 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• A+

• 5,345 Population

Wicker Park

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 54 reviews

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 54 Reviews

• A+

• C+

• A+

• 23,459 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+

• A+

• 7,176 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+

• A+

• 23,620 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+

• A+

• 7,490 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+

• A+

• 13,149 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+

• A+

• 12,599 Population

Uptown

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 83 reviews

Current Resident: I've been living in this neighborhood for almost three years and my experience has been pretty good. Obviously if you live anywhere in Chicago violence is always going to happen regardless of where you live. Besides that, if you are someone who does not like long commute to the store or library then Uptown is for you. There are so many local stores around not to mention the nearby red and purple line train station. The proximity to the lakefront in Uptown is perfect! There's a running and bike trail for the locals or those who just want to get some fresh air. The people in this neighborhood come from all walks of life. The community is very diverse; you'll always see a friendly face when you walk down the street.
Read 83 Reviews

• A

• C+

• A+

• 57,973 Population

Lincoln Square

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 62 reviews

Current Resident: Very nice area. You may not get a super flashy night life and the area is more family oriented, there are some nice assortments of bars and you aren’t very far from a bigger bar scene just a few minutes away in a nearby neighborhood. Rent is reasonably priced the food and culture diversity is refreshing. Traffic doesn’t get too bad but there may be some business during regular commute hours and dies down after and hour or two and the area quites down at a reasonable hour. Some decent schools and public transit are close by . A few gyms and cool coffee shops. A Jewel Osco and a Tonys Market are close by along with smaller neighborhood markets for convenient shopping. A pretty safe and clean neighborhood area to have your family settle down in.
Read 62 Reviews

• A

• C+

• A+

• 41,715 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+

• A+

• 35,789 Population

Magnificent Mile

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

• A

• C+

• A+

• 1,801 Population

Andersonville

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL
• 16 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 16 Reviews

• A

• C+

• A+

• 7,519 Population