Where to Move in Chicago
Where to Move in Chicago: Find the Ideal Neighborhood for You
Chicago is one of the world’s great cities and one of the most dynamic places to call home, but if you’re trying to find the best neighborhoods in Chicago for your move, you need more information. With an official count of 178 diverse neighborhoods and 77 community areas (according to a map drawn by the University of Chicago in the 1920s), the city offers a seemingly limitless choice when it comes to the lifestyles, amenities, and housing options that make it the right place for you.
If you’re deciding where to move in Chicago, it helps to have a solid understanding of what its unique areas offer to ensure that the neighborhood you land in aligns with your personal needs and interests, and your budget too! This guide will help you learn more about some of Chicago’s most popular neighborhoods and provide practical insights so you can make an informed decision. Once you’ve decided on the where, don’t forget about the how … Joey’s Movers is Chicago’s most referred moving company, and we’ll make moving day the easiest part of the process.
The Basic Factors to Consider When Choosing a Chicago Neighborhood
Proximity to Work
Living close to work makes a big difference in achieving a healthy work-life balance. It also reduces the aggravation that comes with long commute times. If your employer is located in one of the popular employment hubs like The Loop or the Magnificent Mile, you’ll find that public transit is extremely accommodating and well-connected, especially to neighborhoods like River North and West Loop.
Lifestyle Preferences
Chicago truly has something for everybody. No matter what your lifestyle, you’ll find the city is a cornucopia of great attractions, amenities, and activities.
- Chicago is a family-friendly city, with many neighborhoods including Lincoln Square and Hyde Park providing a welcoming atmosphere with access to parks, playgrounds, and excellent schools.
- Art and culture lovers will adore the Wicker Park and Logan Square areas, both of which are hubs for creative minds. There are abundant art galleries, vintage shops, and a thriving cultural scene that includes museums devoted to interests of all kinds, as well as a thriving academic scene in the many colleges and universities that call Chicago home.
- Nightlife enthusiasts will never run out of things to do, especially in areas like Lakeview and River North, which feature lively bars, music venues, restaurants, and other fun spots for socializing and kicking back.
Budget
Sticking to a budget is always a challenge, and affordability is a key consideration when deciding where to live in Chicago. As much attention as upscale areas like Lincoln Park and the Gold Coast receive for their luxury options, Chicago has plenty of great neighborhoods like Rogers Park and Avondale that offer more budget- friendly housing options along with all the quality-of-life amenities you want.
Access to Public Transit
Chicago’s public transit system is considered one of the best in the United States; it has a well-deserved reputation for being extensive, accessible, and relatively reliable, including the CTA trains and buses. While the system has earned high marks, it’s also smart for commuters to choose a neighborhood that offers convenient access to the CTA stations and Metra stops. There are also several bike-friendly neighborhoods that offer an environmentally friendly commuting option – though that’s a chilly option in Chicago’s notorious winters!
Top Neighborhoods to Live in Chicago
For Young Professionals
Lakeview
With its vibrant nightlife, excellent public transit options, and convenient proximity to all that Lake Michigan has to offer, Lakeview is a popular choice for young professionals. The neighborhood also boasts Wrigleyville, home to the world-famous Wrigley Field and the many sports bars that surround it.
Lincoln Park
This upscale neighborhood offers scenic parks, trendy restaurants, and luxury apartments and condominiums. Lincoln Park is ideal for those seeking access to both the beauty and peace of nature and the sophistication and amenities of living in a great city.
West Loop
Known for its trendy vibe and food-centric culture, West Loop has gone through an inspiring evolution from an industrial district to a hotspot for luxury living and fine dining. It’s also home to numerous tech companies and start-ups, making it the ideal place for many entrepreneurs and innovators to settle.
For Families
Hyde Park
Home to the University of Chicago, Hyde Park features historic architecture, excellent schools, and family-friendly amenities including green spaces, playgrounds, and dog parks. The area is rich with outdoor activities, and its proximity to Lake Michigan has made it a highly desirable place to live.
Lincoln Square
Looking for small-town charm with modern conveniences? Look no further than Lincoln Square, a neighborhood known for hosting family-friendly festivals and events throughout the year and offering a variety of parks and playgrounds.
For Arts and Culture Lovers
Wicker Park
Wicker Park is Chicago’s creative hub. Once known for its artsy feel and indie music scene, its energy has remained eclectic but has shifted over the years, evolving into a mecca for art galleries, independent boutiques, and a robust dining scene.
Logan Square
Diverse, large, and culturally rich, the Logan Square neighborhood offers a strong sense of community, tree-lined streets, historic boulevards, and a cherished local farmers market. Residents take pride in the small-town feel and lack of big-box stores, as well as the robust restaurant scene and laid-back feel.
For Affordable Living
Rogers Park
Located along Lake Michigan, Rogers Park offers affordable housing options and a multicultural community. The neighborhood’s relaxed vibe and lakefront access are major draws, and residents enjoy the diverse dining options and the Glenwood Avenue Arts District.
Avondale
Avondale is an up-and-coming neighborhood with a good selection of budget-friendly housing and a growing number of trendy restaurants and cafes. It’s a great option for those seeking value without sacrificing the convenience of access to the Loop and other employment centers via public transit.
What Makes Chicago Neighborhoods Unique
While many city’s neighborhoods have their own distinct characteristics, Chicago’s diverse community identities are part of the city’s plan: When Daniel Burnam helped design Chicago’s open spaces, parks, and public areas in 1909, he did so with the idea of keeping each neighborhood both distinct and connected, allowing their communities to thrive. As a result, the 77 individual neighborhoods that make up Chicago embodies the city’s rich history, diverse cultures, and eye to the future.
In addition to this remarkable urban heritage, Chicago offers an important quality of life benefits, including:
- Walkability Scores: Areas like River North and The Loop score high for walkability, making them convenient for errands and daily activities.
- Green Spaces: Lincoln Park and Grant Park provide expansive green areas for recreation and relaxation.
- Iconic Landmarks: From the 606 trail to Millennium Park in The Loop, every one of Chicago’s neighborhoods has something wonderful to offer.
With so many signature landmarks and diverse amenities to choose from, it’s easy to choose a Chicago neighborhood that’s perfect for your taste, needs, and lifestyle.
Tips for Deciding Where to Move
Visit Each Neighborhood at Different Times and in Different Conditions
It’s always a good idea to spend time in the neighborhoods you’re considering during different parts of the day and days of the week. Doing so can provide much greater insight into important elements like traffic, noise levels, and safety.
Take Advantage of As Many Resources as Possible to Compare Neighborhoods
Leverage local guidebooks, online forums, and neighborhood comparison apps to get a sense of what it feels like to live in the neighborhoods you’re considering. Sites like Reddit offer diverse perspectives from real people who have lived and worked in Chicago, and it’s always worthwhile to take the opportunity to walk around and talk to current residents, who are generally happy to sing the praises of their home.
Remember to Consider Long-Term Factors
It’s easy to be swayed by the things you need immediately, but make sure that when you’re making a decision about where to live, you also have an eye on the future. Take the time to investigate school districts, trends of property values, and the potential for future development and how it will impact the way you feel about a place. These are particularly important considerations for families and those who hope to become long-term residents.
Conclusion
Chicago is so rich in its culture and communities that there’s a neighborhood for everyone. Whether you’re seeking vibrant city living or a quiet family-friendly community, taking the time to carefully evaluate what your lifestyle, budget, and priorities demand will help you find the neighborhood that fits your needs perfectly.
Once you’ve found the right Chicago neighborhood, it’s time to plan your move! Joey’s Movers is Chicago’s most trusted, most referred professional moving company. Contact us today to get a free, transparent price quote and arrange for a stress-free move.