Gorging yourself at Gino’s East, taking a selfie at The Bean and boat tour on Lake Michigan — these are great fun if you’re visiting, but if you’re looking to relocate to one of the neighborhoods in Chicago, you’ll want to dig deeper.
The most popular Chicago neighborhoods and nearby cities for renters
Channel your inner Elwood Blues and jump on the “L,” because we’re on a mission to help you learn about the city’s most popular neighborhoods. Then you can take our Chicago neighborhood quiz to see which part of the Windy City you should call home.
Logan Square
Logan Square feels like it’s fashioned precisely for those seeking cold-brew coffee and facial hair hubris. This neighborhood stays on the cutting edge of cool, so you’ll always find a spot for your fixed-gear bike at Revolution Brewing’s Kedzie Taproom and Animal Farm Tattoo. For the adventurous looking to try something new, every day, Logan Square welcomes you home.
Rent a one-bedroom apartment in Logan Square for about $1,900 a month.
River North
River North is a playground for grown-ups — you’ll find loft and high-rise living with some of the best views of the city. Hobnob over a cocktail at Arbella and take in the shopping along the iconic Magnificent Mile. Just don’t stop moving: River North is for energetic young professionals who prefer to set trends rather than follow them.
Check out a place in River North for just under $3,000 a month for a one-bedroom.
Greektown
For young parents seeking the safety of the suburbs without giving up Chicago’s vibrant culture, Greektown, part of the Near West Side, is home. The Hellenic tradition is alive and well in this neighborhood, and it goes without saying that you’ll find some of the best Greek food in the city, both on the street and in restaurants like Athena. Greektown is also served by the Blue Line, which will take commuters right into downtown.
Your next home in Greektown will cost you more than $3,000 for an average one-bedroom apartment.
Fulton Market
To prepare for the fried house-made bologna sandwich at Au Cheval on Saturday, you might want to rabble-rouse at The Aviary the night before. It just tastes better that way. For folks who like to sip, brunch, nap, repeat, Fulton Market is sweet home Chicago.
And your home sweet home will run you about $2,850 for a one-bedroom apartment here.
Lincoln Park
Home to the Chicago History Museum and host to events like the Lincoln Park Wine Fest and the Chicago Air and Water Show, Lincoln Park was tailor-made for date night. The bay-windowed brownstones (shoutout to Chicago’s commitment to preservation) are perfect for young couples seeking a slower pace with downtown just a mile away.
A one-bedroom apartment in Lincoln Park costs $1,833 on average.
Pilsen
When Mexican immigrants arrived in Chicago en masse during the 1950s, they brought a dynamic culture with them. The Pilsen neighborhood continues to reinvent itself, and its inhabitants love its eclectic evolution. You’ll find vibrant street art on pretty much any brick wall, and Prospectus Art Gallery is a repository of Latino artistic expression. Live here if you want cultura auténtica.
Wrigleyville
Wrigleyville is old-school Chicago through and through. In addition to Chicago’s favorite ballpark, it’s home to the infamous G Man Tavern, where you’ll be greeted after work with an Old Style tallboy (as long as you’re not a Cardinals fan). This neighborhood is perfect for young professionals who care more about tradition than what’s trendy.
Hang your Cubs hat in Wrigleyville for about $2,500 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Wilmette
Picture the All-American neighborhood. Quiet streets, craftsman-style homes, grand oak trees and neighbors who wave at you from their front porches. While not in Chicago proper, Wilmette (about 15 miles north of downtown) is the neighborhood of choice for many empty-nesters and established families looking for both proximity to the Windy City and suburban calm.
A one-bedroom apartment here will cost you around $2,260 a month.
Find the best Chicago neighborhood for you
Still undecided about your Chicago neighborhood? Just answer a few questions and we’ll tell you!
Whatever Chicago neighborhood you choose, you can find an apartment to rent or a home to buy to meet your needs. Get started today!
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