Ask anyone who lives in Chicago and they’ll tell you it’s one of the most livable cities in the U.S. The restaurants, shopping, and nightlife rival that of any larger city on either coast, while the cost of living is considerably lower. In a city of nearly 3 million people, however, not all neighborhoods are created equal. Here’s a roundup of the 10 best neighborhoods in Chicago for young people and young families.
Logan Square
Median Household Income: $59,230
Median Age: 32
Logan Square, on the Northwest side, is not only one of the hippest neighborhoods in the city, but also the country. Real Estate Services Company Cushman and Wakefield called Logan Square the “Midwestern Headquarters for Hip” in a 2016 report on the trendiest neighborhoods in the U.S. With a millennial population of nearly 35%, this is certainly a young person’s neighborhood. Less rowdy than Wrigleyville and tends to draw more artistic/creative-minded folks, which makes for unique shopping and dining options.
Wicker Park
Median Household Income: $94,386
Median Age: 32
Photo Credit: Flickr user dhilowitz
Once considered more of a ‘hipster neighborhood,’ Wicker Park is decidedly more mainstream now, but it’s still plenty quirky. This area is mainly for folks a few years out of college, looking for an active nightlife and interesting neighborhood. Wicker Park is highly accessible—located just west of the Kennedy Expressway and the blue line runs through the heart of it.
Gold Coast
Median Household Income: $117,449
Median Age: 39
Photo Credit: Flickr user romanboed
As its name might indicate, the rents in this posh neighborhood can be steeper than some of the neighboring areas. The Gold Coast is a timeless neighborhood known for its stunning homes and quiet, tree-lined streets. In the heart of the Gold Coast are some of Chicago’s most iconic restaurants—Gibson’s Steakhouse, Tavern on Rush, and the Pump Room, to name a few. Shopping here is a clotheshorse’s dream come true—Barney’s, Armani, Hermes, Marc Jacobs, you get the picture. A person just feels fancier walking around the Gold Coast.
Lakeview
Median Household Income: $101,683
Median Age: 32.6
Photo Credit: Flickr user rasputin243
On the city’s north side is Lakeview, a larger neighborhood where you’ll find a mix of young people fresh out of college and newly married couples. Public transportation is a breeze in Lakeview with the red, brown, and purple L lines. Since 2013, The Low Line Farmers Market, located beneath the L tracks at the Southport station has been bringing community members together and providing a sustainable way to support local farms and vendors. The Low Line Market is open June through the end of October.
Wrigleyville
Median Household Income: $70,332
Median Age: 30.8
Photo Credit: Flickr user Ron Cogswell
Often thought of as part of Lakeview, Wrigleyville attracts a decidedly younger crowd than other neighborhoods throughout the city, thanks in large part to the draw of the 2016 World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Of course, even before that, there was no better place to be on a summer day than Wrigley Field cheering on the once ‘loveable losers.’ The Cubs are one of the only major sports teams to have their venue smack dab in the middle of a densely populated urban neighborhood, this adds a certain level of buzz and excitement to the already thriving neighborhood. Clark Street is lined with boisterous bars filled with young people year round. In addition to the Cubs and vibrant social scene, Wrigleyville is one of the most dog friendly neighborhoods in Chicago.
Bucktown
Median Household Income: $95,825
Median Age: 33.6
Photo Credit: Flickr user David Wilson
Damen Avenue and Milwaukee Avenue are the two main drags in Bucktown and the neighborhood is filled with independent shops and boutiques. The 606 is not to be missed—it’s a unique walking trail on what were previously L tracks for the Bloomingdale Line that connects Bucktown, Wicker Park, and Humboldt Park.
West Loop
Median Household Income: $96,072
Median Age: 35
Photo Credit: Flickr user sgmerle
10 years ago the only draw in this area was the 6-time NBA Champion Chicago Bulls. The Bulls are still there, but this area has exploded in popularity in the last several years. Nearly all of Chicago’s trendiest restaurants are on or near Randolph Street in the West Loop—Girl and the Goat, Maude’s Liquor Bar, Au Cheval, and Soho House. It’s also very convenient for anyone working downtown—just a 5-10 minute bus or L ride and you’re in the heart of the Loop.
Lincoln Park
Median Household Income: $110,118
Median Age: 31.1
Photo Credit: Flickr user plunkettb
One of the most popular neighborhoods in the city for young families—with or without kids. The Lincoln Park Zoo is, of course, a draw for youngsters but is well worth the visit for adults as well. Chicago is a very walking-friendly city, but Lincoln Park in particular is a lovely neighborhood through which to stroll. You can’t get much closer to the lakefront than in Lincoln Park—depending on where you live, the lake and the beautiful North Avenue Beach are just short walk or jog. There’s no better place for a run or bike ride in Chicago than along Lake Michigan. The Green City Farmers Market, the Chicago History Museum, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, and Café Brauer (one of Chicago’s oldest restaurants located on the outskirts of the zoo) are just a few of the notable landmarks in this classic Chicago neighborhood.
Lincoln Square
Median Household Income: $67,404
Median Age: 38.75
Photo Credit: Flickr user veritatem
Not to be confused with Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square is further north and is a charming neighborhood, particularly for growing families who need extra space. Many of the homes in this area have sizable yards—sizable by city standards, that is. You get a lot of bang for your buck in Lincoln Square, but are just a 30 minute L ride to the Loop. Lincoln Square has an Old World feel that’s very rooted in the community. The Old Town School of Folk Music is not to be missed—terrific concerts and music classes, for kids and adults!
River North
Median Household Income: $108,529
Median Age: 33.8
Photo Credit: Elaine Stern
A lot of the newer construction in the city is in River North and the neighborhood is mostly inhabited by single and recently married professionals. Most of the housing options are mid-rise and high-rise condo and apartment buildings, with a few single family homes—most of those can be found a little further north in Old Town and Lincoln Park. River North is convenient to most neighborhoods and an easy bus or el ride to the Loop—or about a 15 minute walk. Some of the best views of the city are along the bridges across the Chicago River.
Best Neighborhoods for Families in Chicago
Fortunately, a lot of Chicago’s neighborhoods are, to some degree, family friendly, so you really can’t go wrong—it just depends what you’re looking for. With maybe one or two exceptions, a good rule of thumb is, the further north you go, the more family friendly the area becomes. (While the West Loop and River North are terrific for dining and shopping, they don’t have much in terms of parks and lack a certain neighborhood charm.)
Lincoln Park and Old Town are wonderful for families with young children—there’s the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum (it has an excellent butterfly exhibit!), Oz Park, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. While this area is a little more expensive, you’re still plenty close to downtown and it’s fairly quiet off the main drags of Wells Street and North Avenue. Further north in Lincoln Square, North Center, and Ravenswood you not only get more bang for your buck, there’s a greater likelihood of having a yard or some outdoor space.
One exception to the ‘further north equals more family friendly’ rule, is Beverly on Chicago’s South Side. Throughout the latter part of the 20th Century, most of Beverly’s residents were largely Irish Catholic families and while there are many Irish Catholic families still there today, it’s become one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city. Beverly’s large, historic homes and quiet streets make this neighborhood a picture perfect place to raise a family. Residents of Beverly love the residential feel and community, while still being part of the city.
Each Chicago neighborhood, like each Chicago family, is distinctive and has its own quirks; with 77 recognized neighborhoods in this great city, there is surely one for you!
If you’re looking for more detailed information on the costs associated with living in the Windy City, check out our cost of living in Chicago guide. You can also read our report on the safest neighborhoods in Chicago.
Contenu associé
