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a guide to CHICAGO
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table of CONTENTS
North Andersonville.....................................7 Edgewater...........................................8 Lakeview..............................................9 Lincoln Square..................................10 Lincoln Park........................................11 North Center......................................13 Old Town..............................................14 Ravenswood.......................................15 Rogers Park........................................17 Roscoe Village...................................18 Uptown.................................................19 West Ridge.........................................20 Wrigleyville.........................................21 South Ashburn................................................25 Beverly ............................................... 26 Bridgeport...........................................27 Brighton Park.....................................28 Bronzeville...........................................29 Chatham...............................................30 Chinatown...........................................31 Douglas.................................................32 Grand Boulevard..............................33 Greater Grand Crossing................34 Hyde Park............................................35 Kenwood..............................................36 McKinley Park....................................37 Morgan Park.......................................38 Pilsen......................................................39 South Shore........................................40 Washington Park..............................41 Woodlawn...........................................42
Downtown Gold Coast..........................................45 River North.........................................46 River West...........................................47 South Loop.........................................48 Streeterville.........................................49 The Loop..............................................50 West Loop...........................................51 West Albany Park........................................55 Avondale..............................................56 Bucktown.............................................57 Edgebrook..........................................58 Edison Park.........................................59 Forest Glen.........................................60 Humboldt Park..................................61 Irving Park...........................................62 Jefferson Park...................................63 Logan Square....................................64 Norwood Park...................................65 Old Irving Park..................................66 Old Norwood Park..........................67 Portage Park......................................68 Sauganash...........................................69 Tri-Taylor...............................................70 Ukrainian Village...............................71 Wicker Park........................................72
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chicago ’s NORTH
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andersonville
J ust blocks from the lakefront, Andersonville offers residents a vibrant, self-sustaining community on Chicago’s North Side.
At the forefront of the “shop local” movement, the historic and bustling business district along Clark Street is a mecca of locally owned businesses including independent shops, restaurants, bars, and bistros. Residents can find almost everything nearby, from the grocery store and dentist to fine art and antique shops.
Tree-lined streets, playgrounds, and parks make Andersonville a popular place to call home. Housing includes a mix of handsome greystone two- and three-flats, 1920s walk-ups, redbrick apartment complexes, and large single- family homes. Buyers can also find gut rehabs and beautiful new construction homes with backyard gardens. In addition to dinner, cocktails, music, magic, and the Andersonville Farmers Market, residents can enjoy al fresco dining with plenty of dog- friendly patios. Andersonville also hosts one of Chicago’s most popular street festivals, Midsommarfest.
The neighborhood is accessible by express buses, the “L,” and Lake Shore Drive. .
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edgewater
L akeside living never goes out of style in thriving theater scene, and restaurants with cuisines from around the world. Edgewater also boasts its fair share of antique shops, cafes, and parks. Edgewater. The community draws residents with its spectacular lake views, large beaches,
Encompassing a number of neighborhoods between Uptown and Rogers Park, the community offers convenience and proximity to downtown Chicago and nearby Loyola University. It is also easily accessible by Lake Shore Drive and public transportation, including the CTA Red Line and Metra’s Union Pacific North Line.
Edgewater retains some of its early posh glamour with stately mansions and the iconic 1920s pink Edgewater Beach Apartments. The Bryn Mawr Historic District features opulent mansions and vintage lamp posts. Edgewater housing choices also include high-rise condominiums, vintage three-flats, greystones, and new- construction single-family homes.
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lakeview
C hicagoans will find more than a few of their favorite things in Lakeview, one of the largest neighborhoods on the city’s North Side. For starters, there’s Lakeview’s proximity to the beach and public transit, quiet residential streets, thriving restaurant and bar scene, and Wrigley Field.
Then there’s the neighborhood’s historic theaters and notable architecture. The Music Box Theater has been operating since it opened in 1929, originally showing silent films accompanied by a live organ player, and now playing independent and foreign films. Lakeview is also home to the Belmont Theater District with over 30 theaters and live performance venues near the Belmont “L” station. Meanwhile, residents have a front-row seat to the Chicago Marathon, Chicago Pride Parade, and Bike the Drive.
When it comes to shopping, there’s plenty of boutiques sprinkled throughout the neighborhood including shops on Southport Corridor and Lincoln Avenue. Lakeview includes a variety of housing styles and prices. Homes run the gamut from vintage walk-ups, condominiums, new construction three-flats, loft buildings, converted courtyard buildings, and high- rises. There are also a variety of single-family homes from stately mansions near Lincoln Park to contemporary new construction throughout the neighborhood.
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lincoln square
L incoln Square exudes both trendiness and old-world charm. The community has a number of popular restaurants and bars, while Lincoln Avenue offers an eclectic mix of sophisticated eateries, corner cafes, and favorite neighborhood hangouts.
Centered around a bustling shopping and dining district on Chicago’s North Side, Lincoln Square became one of Chicago’s first commuter suburbs when the Ravenswood elevated train line was completed in 1907. Today residents have convenient access to the CTA Brown Line and Metra’s Union Pacific North Line.
The neighborhood’s quiet streets are lined with bungalows, greystones, and brick two- and three-flats, many recently rehabbed. Lovely Victorian and Prairie School homes can be found along the North Branch of the Chicago River. New- construction options are also available in the neighborhood, including single- family homes, townhomes, three-flat condominiums, and mid-rise buildings. Lincoln Square’s lively cultural scene includes the Old Town School of Folk Music as well as annual festivals including the Square Roots festival and an Oktoberfest event that draws crowds from all over the Midwest.
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lincoln park
L incoln Park residents have it all – from the arts to a famed zoo – right in their backyard.
The neighborhood includes quiet tree-lined residential blocks, DePaul University, and two major museums in addition to the Lincoln Park Zoo. There’s also a wide array of entertainment, eateries, and hotspots.
An evening in Lincoln Park might include seeing a play at the acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre and dining at a Michelin-rated restaurant or a quaint neighborhood cafe. Sports fans will find as many dive bars with the game on as foodies will find fine-dining restaurants with al-fresco seating.
Sweet Mandy B’s , located at 1208 West Webster Avenue, is one of Lincoln Park’s many neighborhood spots.
Lincoln Park is steps from Chicago’s lakefront and two short miles from downtown.
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daytime DELIGHT
During the day, residents can head to the lakefront and North Avenue Beach, where there’s bound to be a volleyball tournament in action and beach-goers taking advantage of the kayak and Stand Up Paddle Board rentals. Then there’s the parks, farmers markets, festivals, and countless shops, ranging from upscale boutiques on Armitage to larger retailers at the Clybourn Corridor. Housing stock ranges from smaller townhomes and vintage condominiums to rehabs and new construction. Buyers around DePaul University can find loft condominiums in converted factories and warehouses. On its eastern edge, Lincoln Park features beautiful vintage brownstones along with high-rises with breathtaking views of the lake, park, North Pond, and city skyline.
quick COMMUTE
Located just two miles from downtown, Lincoln Park offers residents a quick commute to work. Public transportation abounds, with the CTA’s Brown and Red Lines serving the neighborhood in addition to several bus routes and Lake Shore Drive.
With its location and mix of city parks, restaurants, bars, and theaters, it’s no wonder Lincoln Park is a favorite place to call home.
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north center
W ith picturesque views of the Chicago River, large parks, and a vibrant shopping district, North Center is a thriving neighborhood with an abundance of things to do.
Anchored by the North Center Town Square, the community offers events including a farmers market and annual festivals headlined by Ribfest. Three city parks, a bowling alley, and an indoor ice arena provide recreational activities and sports, while the neighborhood’s shopping area includes retail boutiques and art galleries. Chicagoans also frequent the Half Acre Beer Company and local performance venues such as Martyrs’.
North Center offers a variety of housing options ranging from riverfront properties to Victorians with wrap- around porches. Newly-constructed residences coexist with historic buildings, while aging apartment buildings are being converted to updated condos. The neighborhood is located a mile from the lakefront and seven miles from Chicago’s Loop, which is within easy reach for commuters thanks to numerous bus routes and two CTA Brown Line stops.
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old town
O ld Town is too hip to ever get old. Located between Lincoln Park and the Gold Coast, the neighborhood continues to capture the interest of homebuyers with its diverse collection of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.
The go-go clubs of the ‘60s and ‘70s may be gone but Old Town’s hip spirit lives on with popular pubs, Zanies Chicago Comedy Club, and the world-famous Second City, where everyone from John Belushi and Bill Murray to Tina Fey and Steve Carell launched their comedy careers. In addition to nightlife, residents enjoy the neighborhood’s central location and variety of independent shops, restaurants, boutiques, and specialty stores that highlight a fabulous mix of old and new. The community thrives during the summer, when The Old Town Art Fair and Wells Street Art Festival showcase the exceptional work of local artists.
The upscale neighborhood includes some of the city’s best-preserved historic homes, single-family homes priced well over $1 million, and many newer condominiums. As the community has edged west in recent years, new development is bringing moderately-priced housing to the area. With its proximity to the lake, Lincoln Park, and The Loop, Old Town is a top choice among Chicagoans. Easily accessible by public transportation, including two CTA train stops and numerous bus routes, the neighborhood also has well-traveled designated bike lanes along Wells Street.
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ravenswood
R avenswood defies definition. neighborhood has its own unique feel.
Although nearby neighborhoods may claim it as their own, the North Side
Bordered by Foster Avenue, Montrose Avenue, Clark Street, and the Chicago River, the wooded area was home to ravens when real estate speculators saw its potential as an exclusive commuter suburb. The neighborhood became that and so much more after it was annexed to the City of Chicago in 1889.
Metra tracks run through Ravenswood Avenue at the heart of the neighborhood, surrounded by community gardens, businesses, eateries, bars, and both new and old homes.
Lillstreet , located at 4401 N Ravenswood, offers many art classes and workshops for students of all ages.
The Ravenswood Metra Station connects to the Union Pacific
North Metra Line, traveling south to The Loop or north to Kenosha.
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creative HUB
The community has also established itself as a creative hub. Once its machine shops moved on and factories shuttered, artists moved in. Today, artists of all kinds thrive in the neighborhood – from microbrewers and distillers to furniture makers, metalworkers, and performers. The community is home to an architectural artifact salvage firm that occupies a warehouse from the early 1900s, and a wedding and event venue that is housed in a former factory with sweeping windows. When it comes to housing, Ravenswood features spacious lots on tree-lined streets. Homes include courtyard buildings, Victorian and Prairie School homes, brick row houses, two- and three-flats, single-family homes, lofts, and condominiums. Many homes have been rehabbed to add modern amenities while retaining their vintage charm.
commuter’s PARADISE
As early developers imagined, the neighborhood’s convenient location just 10 miles from downtown makes it a popular choice for commuters. Public transportation includes multiple CTA bus routes, nearby CTA Brown Line stops, and the Ravenswood Metra station. Various local events also make Ravenswood a destination for residents of surrounding communities. Each year the community hosts The Taste of Ravenswood, Ravenswood ArtWalk, and Ravenswood on Tap, featuring live music and craft beer.
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rogers park
L ocated on the northern edge of the city, Rogers Park is a worldly community that has a vibe all its own. The neighborhood features legendary restaurants and shops along with popular dive bars, coffee shops, scenic beaches, and more than 30 parks.
Residents love the street-end beaches, which are more accessible and less busy than downtown beaches. While Helen Doria Beach, also known as Columbia Beach, is great for its view of downtown, Loyola Beach is a popular spot for fishing, picnics, and other recreational activities.
Rogers Park is known for celebrating community and creativity. This is evident in Miles of Murals – a community-based initiative featuring 14,000 square feet of commissioned art. The project began in 2007 and includes block-long pieces, viaducts, and overpasses. Every year, neighbors come together to paint Loyola Beach’s 600- foot lakefront mural at the Artists of the Wall Festival. The community consists of east and west sections and includes smaller pocket neighborhoods. Loyola University of Chicago and the lakefront are focal points on the east, while West Rogers Park includes larger single-family homes and a number of city parks. Homebuyers can find a variety of housing styles including vintage walk-ups, new construction, and block after block of classic Chicago bungalows. Downtown Chicago is easily accessible via Lake Shore Drive and public transportation including the CTA’s Red Line and Metra’s Union Pacific North Line.
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roscoe village
H aving a quaint village atmosphere
right in the middle of the city is no easy task, but Roscoe Village pulls it off.
Dubbed a “Village Within the City,” the neighborhood offers residents a mix of businesses, residences, and parks just six miles northwest of downtown Chicago. Roscoe Village is dominated by single-family homes with beautiful gardens. There are also classic three-story walk-ups and duplexes along with luxury new construction, which is giving the neighborhood a bit of a metropolitan feel.
The neighborhood also offers a variety of eateries, cafes, taverns, boutiques, and independent shops.
Roscoe Village is especially lively in the summer when the community hosts Retro on Roscoe and the Roscoe Village Burger Fest. Fellger Park is the perfect place to picnic with grassy spots and a playground. Nearby Hamlin Park has an outdoor swimming pool, several sports fields and courts, a playground, and a fieldhouse.
Residents are served by the CTA’s Brown Line, which has two stops in the neighborhood.
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uptown
U ptown has a glamorous past as the stomping grounds of Charlie Chaplin, Gloria Swanson, and Al Capone. Today it shines as a place to call home for Chicagoans seeking incredible access to the lakefront, public transportation, and a vibrant entertainment scene.
Uptown’s early glamour is still reflected in its historic buildings. The neighborhood’s commercial and cultural center is Broadway, with historic Uptown Square at its center. The area experienced a housing construction boom following the World’s Columbian Exposition. Several of the neighborhood’s luxurious entertainment venues were built in the 1920s reflecting the ornate artistry of the Exposition pavilions.
Uptown continues to be one of the city’s most popular destinations for music lovers, with rock concerts at The Aragon Ballroom and Riviera Theatre; and jazz at the legendary Green Mill. The jazz venue was a favorite of notorious gangster Capone, who used its underground tunnels to bootleg whiskey and make a hasty retreat from police.
In addition to entertainment, the neighborhood has a number of
independent bookstores, art galleries, cafes, and restaurants. The community works to balance new development with a commitment to preserve its past. Homebuyers have their choice of many housing styles, from lakefront high-rises and vintage walk-ups to new-construction condos and townhomes. A number of beautiful old mansions also line several streets just west of Margate Park.
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west ridge
W est Ridge is an eclectic
neighborhood that defies a singular description. Located west
of Rogers Park on the city’s Far North Side, the community boasts tranquil residential areas and a vibrant cultural scene.
The Desi Corridor along Devon Avenue spans most of the neighborhood and includes many colorful shops and eateries. Locals and visitors flock to the area to enjoy cuisines from around the world as well as unique shopping and nightlife.
West Ridge includes a variety of areas offering vintage three-flats, condominiums,
and bungalows, along with tree- lined streets with historic mansions and large single-family homes.
Complementing the community’s residential areas are scenic parks such as Warren Park and Indian Boundary Park, which features a Tudor-style field house that is on the National Register of Historic Places. The park includes a duck lagoon, nature areas, tennis courts, and a spray pool, and also hosts art and music classes, free concerts, and theater productions. Outdoor enthusiasts also have convenient access to the North Shore Channel Trail that runs along the Chicago River. Commuters heading downtown can take CTA buses to the Metra stations in Rogers Park or Ravenswood, or to the Red Line “L” stops.
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wrigleyville
W rigleyville is not only a destination neighborhood for Cubs fans, but also for Chicagoans who love to live in the center of the action.
Named after the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, the neighborhood has experienced a major transformation following renovations to the ballpark. In addition to the ever-popular sports bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops, the neighborhood boasts new upscale chef driven restaurants and a boutique hotel. Gallagher Way – Wrigleyville’s town square – offers residents and visitors alike a gathering place to enjoy farmers markets, outdoor movies, ice skating,
and neighborhood celebrations on days when the Cubs aren’t playing.
Located in Lakeview, the neighborhood includes tree-lined streets with greystone three-flats, low-rise apartment buildings, and single-family homes. The CTA’s Red Line and numerous bus routes run through the area, making it easily accessible by public transit.
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chicago’s SOUTH
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ashburn
O ne of Chicago’s many quintessential historic neighborhoods, Ashburn provides a suburban-like community within a five-square-mile pocket on the southwest edge of the city.
Ashburn has experienced a revitalization in recent years due in part to the Greater Ashburn Development Association. The organization founded an annual street festival called Summer Extravaganza, which draws more than 500 residents. The neighborhood was also a recipient of the Good Neighbor Award by Nextdoor.
From classic bungalows and split-level ranch homes to a growing number of contemporary condominiums, Ashburn features a variety of housing options along its quiet tree-lined streets. Residents can head to Hayes, Scottsdale, and Rainey Parks to enjoy Ashburn’s outdoor space, which features baseball diamonds, soccer fields, volleyball courts, trails, and paths. Meanwhile, the 60-acre Dan Ryan Woods provides a stunning backdrop with lush canopies of oak trees throughout both nature and paved bike paths. While most would describe Ashburn’s nightlife as quiet, there a few favorite neighborhood spots to grab a coffee or quick bite, while other dining and shopping options are just a short drive away. Several bus routes and a CTA stop make the neighborhood easily accessible but removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.
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beverly
B everly is aptly described as a “Village in the City.”
Although Beverly feels like a small town, the South Side neighborhood emanates a cultural diversity that can be attributed to its proximity to downtown Chicago. Frank Lloyd Wright’s influence is evident throughout Beverly. The neighborhood also has the distinction of being home to one of the country’s largest historic districts, offering residents the opportunity to live in architecturally significant homes that range from Prairie-style residences to brick Tudors to Spanish-inspired homes.
Western Avenue is lined with pubs that are reminiscent of Beverly’s past. The neighborhood also welcomes the South Side Irish Parade, which is considered one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations outside of Dublin. With a close-knit community, convenient public transportation options, unique business and shopping corridors, and ample recreational and art resources, it’s no wonder this charming neighborhood continues to attract those looking for a village in the city.
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bridgeport
B ridgeport is the birthplace of five Chicago mayors and the home of the Chicago White Sox. But that’s only part of its story.
Today the close-knit neighborhood is experiencing a renaissance of sorts.
In recent years, residential developers have jumped on opportunities to convert older warehouses and manufacturing plants into loft homes that appeal to buyers discovering the area for its affordability and proximity to downtown. In addition to converted warehouses, new construction single-family homes and three-flat walk-up condominiums are springing up alongside historic bungalows.
Bridgeport has become a thriving artists’ community with multiple galleries, the Zhou B Art Center, and neighborhood art festivals. The Bridgeport Art Center, occupying the former 500,000-square- foot Spiegel Catalog Warehouse, provides a stunning creative space, with incredible views for artists and events. For the sports-minded, the excitement of a Major League Baseball game is right up the street when the White Sox play at Guaranteed Rate Field. Getting to the ballpark is as easy as taking the Red Line, which is located along the eastern side of the community.
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bronzeville
B ronzeville has a rich cultural and architectural history that can still be felt today.
The South Side neighborhood was once home to a host of famous entertainers like Louis Armstrong and Nat King Cole, as well as iconic figures such as civil rights activist Ida B. Wells and Pulitzer Prize- winning poet Gwendolyn Brooks. Today, Bronzeville draws residents with its variety of locally owned restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and prime location near the lakefront and downtown Chicago.
The renewed energy around Bronzeville is evident in the single-family homes and duplexes popping up, as well as a boom of condominiums in the area. Meanwhile, many of the community’s historic brownstones and greystones have been renovated and restored to their original beauty. Restored landmarks such as the Parkway Ballroom, as well as public art throughout the community, serve as reminders of Bronzeville’s artistic background.
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brighton park
B righton Park’s destiny has always been closely tied to transportation. In the early days, horse-drawn streetcars and later, electric railways attracted factories and their workers to the Southwest Side neighborhood.
As the railways expanded, so did the neighborhood, which now includes a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.
Residents are attracted to Brighton Park’s access to transportation, including the Stevenson Expressway and the CTA’s Orange Line, which provides rapid transit to Midway International Airport.
Homes are mostly bungalows, ranch-style homes, and brick multi-unit buildings, many built in the early 20th century.
Nearby McKinley Park is the center of recreation, picnics, swimming, festivals, sports, and outdoor activities for residents.
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chatham A well-established neighborhood that has evolved over the years, Chatham is home to many residents that have lived in the community for much of their lives.
Avalon Highlands, Chesterfield, and Chatham Fields are three of the sub-areas that comprise this tight-knit community. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Garden Homes Historic District and West Chatham Bungalow Historic District are sections of the community with unique homes built in the early 1900s. Well maintained over the years, the Garden Homes are brick cottages that were built on unusually large lots of land for the time, while the Bungalow District features similar designs, giving the neighborhood a uniform appearance. There are also plenty of renovated townhome and condominium options for those in search of less space.
The Greater Chatham Initiative was launched in 2016 as a way to foster neighborhood growth and business development. This has enabled the community to enhance local retail, schools, and parks, and continue to attract new residents. The neighborhood also takes pride in its restaurants that offer a variety of cuisine choices and are often featured at community events. Whether enjoying the quiet beauty of the surrounding parks and architecture or checking out live music at one of the local lounges, this community continues to progress while maintaining its celebrated roots.
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chinatown
S tep through the enchanting karaoke bars, and beautiful public art.
Chinatown Gate and enter a colorful enclave of incredible restaurants, fun
Located within the neighborhood of Armour Square, Chinatown boasts ornate archways and exciting aromas that will make your mouth water. Housed in a sleek building, the Chinatown Branch of the Chicago Public Library serves the community and has great views of the city.
Nearby Ping Tom Memorial Park is the perfect spot to have a picnic, relax, and view Chicago’s skyline. The 17-acre park has ample green space, river views, athletic fields, a boat house, playground, and fieldhouse that comes complete with an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, and outdoor patio. Ping Tom Memorial Park hosts several events throughout the year, including Movies in the Park screenings, Shakespeare in the Park, concerts, and dance performances. Space for new housing is limited in this vibrant neighborhood, but buyers can find existing two- and three-flats and older single-family homes.
Commuters have easy access to the CTA Red Line, and visitors can take a water taxi to Chinatown from the Chicago Riverwalk.
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douglas
D ouglas is a neighborhood steeped in history.
Before there was a thriving community within this picturesque neighborhood, the land was purchased by a speculator and later used as a Union training camp during the Civil War. Today, the area has undergone a revitalization and has many condominiums and large apartment complexes offering residents a convenient location and lifestyle. The eastern half of Douglas borders Lake Michigan and 31st Street Beach, offering a park and stunning skyline views, while the southern portion of the neighborhood is flanked by Washington Park, a 366-acre park with a community pool and three playgrounds.
The cultural heartbeat of the community continues to grow in part to local artists, as well as a lively comedy and jazz scene that was once home to several famous musicians including Louis Armstrong and Charlie Parker. Along with bars and shops, a selection of restaurants can be found in the neighborhood. The Mies van der Rohe-designed Illinois Institute of Technology is also located in Douglas and contributes to the area’s unique styling. Just east of the school is The Gap, a 20-block pocket that features a mix of historic homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright as well as newer townhomes and rehabbed properties. In addition to attached homes, there are new construction single-family options that sit among majestic older homes with landmark status. And with easy access to the CTA and Metra, commuters enjoy easy access to surrounding neighborhoods.
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grand boulevard
T he Grand Boulevard community has undergone a revival. Restoration efforts have focused on the area’s rich history that includes the bustling hub of Bronzeville, a cultural mecca that many of Chicago’s notable artists called home.
Businesses have begun to move back to the area, and there is an array of housing options including newly built condominiums, townhomes, and single-family residences along with renovated greystones. The neighborhood is also home to historic landmarks that offer guided tours and provide further insight into the area’s unique history.
Residents and visitors enjoy the sprawling 366-acre Washington Park with trails and a community garden. Talented musicians abound at any one of Bronzeville’s jazz lounges, while restaurants feature delicious bites. The revitalized boulevard from which the area takes its name is now known as Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, and many of the neighborhood’s businesses are centered around this main throughfare that continues to grow.
Just five miles south of Chicago’s Loop, Grand Boulevard’s location further enhances its appeal.
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greater grand crossing
N amed for its proximity to a historic railroad intersection, Greater Grand Crossing is a community made up of small pocket neighborhoods on Chicago’s South Side.
Since the community’s inception at the turn of the 20th century, homes in the popular bungalow style have been a mainstay. But a recent renewal in the area has seen an uptick in renovated multi-unit buildings, as well as updated single-family homes. At the heart of this revitalization is the Park Manor neighborhood, which features rows of homes and rental properties and is known for several architectural gems.
A draw for all ages, Greater Grand Crossing Park is an 18-acre urban oasis with outdoor and indoor facilities including gymnasiums, a fitness center, woodshop, multi-purpose rooms, baseball and football fields, tennis courts, and a playground. In a nod to its artistic past, Greater Grand Crossing is also home to several art galleries. Stony Island Arts Bank features archives of published works by local authors, vinyl collections from famous musicians, as well as rotating exhibitions guests can enjoy throughout the year. Many of the local dining options are family owned, while cocktail lounges come alive with the sounds of jazz and blues bands.
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hyde park
B etween enriching art exhibits and spaces, Hyde Park has a lot to offer.
museums, a world-renowned university, and well-kept community green
The lakefront neighborhood is home to the University of Chicago, which has one undergraduate college and five graduate research divisions. The university is the site of the Smart Museum of Art and the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, West Asia & North Africa, which draw visitors in addition to other cultural gems in the area including the Museum of Science and Industry and the DuSable Museum of African American History.
Green space is another important characteristic of Hyde Park. Offering one of the best views of the Chicago skyline, the neighborhood has access to Promontory Point (aka The Point) –
a man-made peninsula on Lake Michigan that connects to the
Lakefront Path. There’s also Jackson Park, where residents can relax, watch sailboats, and play golf and tennis.
Hyde Park boasts pre-war high-rises, modern apartment buildings designed by renowned architect Jeanne Gang, and architecturally significant properties such as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House. The neighborhood also offers new construction condominiums, lofts, townhomes, and single-family homes.
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kenwood
L ocated on the shores of Lake Michigan, Kenwood has been home to esteemed residents such as Muhammad Ali, Muddy Waters, and former President Barack Obama.
With easy access to the lakeshore, the South Side neighborhood once served as an escape from the bustling city life of downtown Chicago. It still maintains its suburban feel today with plenty of green space, tree-lined streets, and some of the city’s largest homes. Housing stock includes 19th century mansions, picturesque coach houses, and contemporary homes. Kenwood also offers an impressive collection of Art Deco architecture and buildings that are now on the National Register of Historic Places.
The neighborhood has several parks for residents to enjoy, as well as local shops and restaurants. The Hyde Park Art Center is a community mainstay with major exhibitions, classes, and events. Residents have an easy commute via several CTA bus routes, the Metra Electric Line, Lake Shore Drive, and the Dan Ryan Expressway.
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mckinley park
H istory and architectural heritage help define the southwest side neighborhood of McKinley Park.
Dating back to the 1830s, McKinley Park was once forged by industry with dozens of industrial businesses moving here after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Today’s Chicagoans are discovering a unique culture that makes up McKinley Park and enjoying its proximity to trendy Pilsen and long-established Bridgeport. The neighborhood is also conveniently connected to downtown via nearby CTA trains and interstates. Although close to The Loop, McKinley Park also offers residents tree-lined streets and a wide variety of cuisine from restaurants along Archer Avenue, 35th Street, and Ashland. There are also ample shopping options.
Spanning nearly 70 acres, the neighborhood’s namesake park offers an abundance of outdoor activities. The park includes recreational facilities including a fieldhouse, playground, outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, and an ice-skating rink in the winter. McKinley Park is also the site of several festivals and special events such as a Halloween party and summertime Movies in the Park. Many of the homes in McKinley Park are two-flats and single-family homes. The neighborhood was developed in the ‘50s and ‘60s, so the homes boast vintage architecture. Newly renovated lofts can be found along Pershing Road and new construction is interspersed throughout the neighborhood.
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morgan park
A s eclectic as its well-preserved architecture, Morgan Park is a quiet bedroom community on Chicago’s South Side.
Residents can find historic, Victorian single-family homes, cozy Frank Lloyd
Wright prairie-style bungalows, and newer construction homes along the neighborhood’s well-maintained streets. There are also a handful of properties featured in the Chicago Architecture Center’s Open House Chicago each fall, including the Givins Castle – known as the only castle in Chicago.
Western Avenue runs through Morgan Park and features local boutiques, breweries, and dining options with noshes like deep-dish pizza, BBQ, and burgers, as well as plenty of bars and lounges for those seeking nightlife. The Beverly Arts Center is a 40,000-square-foot neighborhood institution that houses a 400-seat theatre, art gallery, exhibition spaces, music and dance studios, art classrooms, and event spaces. The arts center is dedicated to providing arts programming, education, and entertainment to all ages and levels within the Morgan Park community and beyond. Yet another area gem is Prospect Gardens Park, which offers over three acres of green space with indoor and outdoor gardens, as well as a garden trail.
Located along the Metra rail that runs directly into Chicago’s Loop, Morgan Park provides a combined cultural appeal and convenience that’s hard to match.
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pilsen
H ome to the highly regarded National Museum of Mexican Art, Pilsen has become a brilliant canvas with bold and colorful murals decorating its storefronts, homes, and overpasses.
Art, music, culture, and authentic food are at the heart of this vibrant Lower West Side neighborhood. Along 18th Street, residents enjoy a lively business district featuring restaurants, bakeries, shops, and grocery stores. The community hosts annual events such as the Fiesta del Sol, which brings carnival rides, live entertainment, and delicious food to Pilsen each summer.
While the neighborhood is but a quick 15-minute drive from downtown Chicago, residents also have convenient access to several bus routes as well as the CTA Pink Line and Metra’s BNSF Railway. Pilsen’s thriving art community and proximity to The Loop continue to attract Chicagoans. Infill development of condominiums and some single- family homes is in full swing, and large loft conversions are becoming common throughout the community.
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south shore
O nce a vacation destination for Chicago’s elite, the South Shore has become an increasingly popular place to call home.
Located on Chicago’s scenic lakefront, the neighborhood’s beautiful beaches, plentiful green space, and easy access to downtown via Lake Shore Drive are attracting a new generation of residents and development. Rainbow Beach, one of the city’s largest beaches, draws residents and visitors all summer long. At the heart of the community is the South Shore Cultural Center, once an exclusive lakeshore country club that is now home to a theater, nature center, and nine-hole golf course open to the public. The center offers an array of cultural arts programming and performances.
The South Shore’s lakefront high-rise condominiums offer some of the most stunning views in the city. Larger mansions, smaller single-family homes, and a number of condominium conversions offer homebuyers a variety of options.
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washington park
S urrounded by an expansive park of the same name, Washington Park offers a number of attractions that appeal to residents.
The park spans more than 340 acres, and was the proposed location of the Olympic Stadium and swimming venue for the 2016 Summer Olympics. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004, Washington Park has two gymnasiums, a fitness center, sports courts and fields, a game room, lagoon, aquatic center, playgrounds, and more. Various programs and events are held at the park throughout the year.
Washington Park is also home to the DuSable Museum of African American History, and close to the amenities that neighboring Hyde Park has to offer, from restaurants to recreational opportunities to the University of Chicago. Residents have convenient access to the Dan Ryan Expressway and Lake Shore Drive. The CTA Green Line has multiple stops in the neighborhood, providing an easy commute throughout Chicago.
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woodlawn
C urrently in the midst of a major revival, Woodlawn is finally getting the attention it deserves.
With a prime location near the lake, the South Side neighborhood is surrounded by beautiful parks including Washington Park and Jackson Park, home to the largest and oldest beach house in the city. A number of museums and the University of Chicago are also in close proximity. While there is some existing housing stock, including tidy brick two-flats, there’s a lot of open land just waiting to be developed. Construction in the area has picked up steam and attracted more developers and bigger projects over the years.
Several new projects are underway including single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums.
Woodlawn is accessible by public transportation including the CTA Green Line and Metra, as well as nearby Lake Shore Drive.
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chicago’s DOWNTOWN
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gold coast
W hen you reach the Gold Coast, you know you have arrived. In Chicago’s ultimate luxury neighborhood, you’ll find lively beaches, internationally renowned boutiques, incredible cuisine, and vibrant nightlife, as well as beautiful parks and attractions.
Residents live among the best experiences the city has to offer. A day in the Gold Coast might include a venture down Michigan Avenue, a day at the beach, and shopping along Oak Street, followed by dinner at an award-winning restaurant.
From the stately mansions on Astor Street to the magnificent high-rises overlooking the lake, the Gold Coast also features a surprising variety of housing choices. In addition to the historic apartment buildings that line Lake Shore Drive, there are walk-ups, townhomes, and a number of contemporary high- rises with all the modern amenities.
For those heading to work downtown, their “commute” is about as convenient as it gets when it comes to city living.
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river north
I f River North had a motto, it would be, “build it and they will come.” First came the art galleries and restaurants, then hip, urban homebuyers followed. Stretching from the Chicago River to Chicago Avenue, west of the Magnificent Mile, the old loft district has found its groove.
Dozens of residential developments in recent years give buyers a lot of choices, from classic timber lofts and upscale row homes to contemporary high-rises. Development has also pushed west of the Chicago River into an area dubbed River West, which includes a number of new condominium buildings.
Chicago’s biggest office building, the Merchandise Mart, anchors the southern edge of the neighborhood along the revitalized Chicago River and the pedestrian Riverwalk that includes restaurants and park seating along with kayak and boat rentals. Residents have convenient access to several bus lines as well as the CTA Red and Brown Lines. Home to many of Chicago’s premier eateries with famed chefs, River North is where you will find the finest steakhouses and just about every type of cuisine. The neighborhood is packed with shopping, entertainment, and nightlife, including some of the city’s trendiest clubs and favorite hangouts.
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river west
R iver West is an urban Cinderella into a growing urban neighborhood.
story. The once-industrial area has been rediscovered and transformed
Factories and warehouses are now home to spacious residential lofts, apartments, and condos. Meanwhile, high-rises with modern amenities continue to go up to meet increasing demand. Bordered by the Kennedy Expressway to the west and the River to the east, the neighborhood is easily accessible. River West’s location also makes for stunning views of downtown and quick commutes to The Loop, suburbs, and O’Hare International Airport via car, bus, or the CTA Blue Line.
In addition to new residents, the area has welcomed galleries, restaurants, and bars serving up cocktails, bites, and nightlife.
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south loop
C haracterized by towering high rises with dramatic views of Lake Michigan and historic pockets that reflect the area’s storied past, the South Loop is a distinctive Chicago neighborhood.
Chicago’s original Gold Coast in the late 19th century, the South Loop was once home to the likes of Marshall Field, George Pullman, and Philip Armour. Today the vibrant neighborhood is known for its access to the lakefront, shops, restaurants, parks, Museum Campus, and The Loop. The South Loop is comprised of several historic areas that contribute to the neighborhood’s one-of-a-kind architecture. Once a thriving center of printing and publishing businesses, Printer’s Row features a number of buildings that have been converted into residential lofts but maintain landmark status. Similarly, Motor Row District features architecturally significant buildings that were established in the early 1900s. Prairie Avenue District is also nestled in the South Loop. Meanwhile, several apartment and condominium buildings are under construction, bringing thousands of new residences to the neighborhood.
The South Loop’s housing boom has brought with it an influx of retailers along with eateries and nightlife on South Michigan Avenue. The Roosevelt Collection is a popular destination featuring a movie theater and an assortment of retailers. Museum Campus is the cultural hub of the South Loop featuring attractions including the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, and Soldier Field. Residents also enjoy being in close proximity to Northerly Island and public transportation including the CTA’s Roosevelt station.
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streeterville
M ajor development in recent years has put Streeterville on the map. In the past two decades alone, dozens of new buildings, high-rises, hotels, stores, and institutions have sprung up, bringing with them a flock of residents to the high-energy community.
A wide range of housing is available, the majority in high-rise buildings. The
neighborhood’s stunning array of architecture includes pre-war buildings, a collection of Mies van der Rohe buildings, and iconic buildings like 875 North Michigan Avenue (known as the John Hancock Center). New construction and smaller mid-rise buildings can be found throughout the neighborhood as well. Streeterville is home to notable attractions such as The Magnificent Mile, Water Tower Place, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. It is also home to Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s state-of-the-art medical campus and the downtown campuses of Northwestern University and the University of Chicago.
While the neighborhood offers a number of smaller “pocket” parks and playgrounds, the lakefront is the center of attention, and it’s never more than a couple of blocks away. While dining out is easy, deciding where go with so many great restaurant options is not.
Residents have easy access to surrounding areas via the CTA’s Red Line and numerous buses that run up and down Michigan Avenue.
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the loop
C hicago’s iconic business district has embraced the beauty of balance. Once considered all business, The Loop has become an increasingly popular place to live, work, and play.
The Loop’s evolution began in the 1990s as developers built new high-rises and repurposed office buildings for residential use. Today home- buyers can find a wealth of housing options in the historic center of downtown Chicago. In addition to luxury condominium buildings interspersed among office high rises, The Loop is also home to several large-scale mixed-use developments. These planned
communities include amenities such as grocery stores and schools that were previously unavailable in The Loop.
The Loop offers a unique opportunity to live among Chicago’s most iconic landmarks and must-see attractions – from Grant Park, Millennium Park, and Navy Pier to the Theatre District and the Art Institute. Residents also have a front row seat to Chicago’s marquee events, such as the Taste of Chicago, the Air and Water Show, and the Chicago Blues Festival. Fine dining, cocktails, and quick bites can be found at the many restaurants in the area and also at Revival Food Hall – a 24,000-square-foot marketplace that spotlights more than a dozen of the city’s favorite eateries.
Shopping is an easy stroll down the Magnificent Mile, while music is enjoyed at any number of venues and events.
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west loop
F ew neighborhoods have undergone a transformation quite like the West Loop. What was once a meatpacking district has quickly become one of the hottest neighborhoods in Chicago – and it’s shown no sign of slowing down.
The West Loop is home to a thriving restaurant district on Randolph Street, where you’ll find Michelin-starred favorites and celebrity chefs. But the dining scene doesn’t end there. In fact, diners also enjoy an assortment of nearby restaurants in Greektown and Fulton Market. In addition to being a top destination for foodies, the West Loop has welcomed a mix of boutiques, hotels, and Fortune 500 companies. The neighborhood also has a vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene thanks to an array of hip cocktail bars and the United Center – home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks.
During the summer, the neighborhood is the site of several popular events including the Taste of Randolph, West Loop Art Fest, and Pitchfork Music Festival. Other events include Movies in the Park, which is held at different neighborhood spots including Mary Bartelme, Skinner, and Union parks. With easy access to CTA stops and Ogilvie Transportation Center, the West Loop is a convenient place to live. And for those who work in the neighborhood or in The Loop, the commute is about as easy as it gets.
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