From Lincoln Park to West Town, Which Chicago Neighborhood is Right for You?

Nearly ten million people live in the Chicagoland area, which features several different suburbs and neighborhoods. While residents from each neighborhood will say they’re from Chicago, they all enjoy different environments and lifestyles. Before you begin shopping for Lincoln Park real estate or homes in another Chicago neighborhood, it’s helpful to take some time to think about what you want from your neighborhood and which part of town may best suit your needs and preferences, and that’s exactly what this article will help you determine.

 

Many young professionals enjoy living near the heart of Downtown Chicago on the North Side. It’s a fairly small neighborhood, which means that you’ll face some competition as you shop for homes in this exclusive part of town. The Gold Coast has had a spot on the National Registry of Historic Places since 1979, and is well-known for its historic mansions and noteworthy landmarks. Perhaps you’ve heard of the Magnificent Mile before, and if you choose to live on the North Side, you’ll have convenient access to high-end stores and delicious restaurants. Many houses and apartments offer sweeping views of the iconic Chicago skyline, and the streets are lined with large trees that add to the natural beauty and appeal of the area.

 

Some young professionals prefer to purchase Lincoln Park real estate and settle down in this stately neighborhood. It sits directly on the lake and is only a mile away from the heart of downtown. You’ll find a park that spans over 1,200 acres and features one of the oldest zoos in the entire country, where admission is always free. Lincoln Park also houses Chicago’s History Museum and the Lincoln Park Conservatory. The area is very walkable, and public transportation can take you anywhere you need to go in a matter of minutes. The schools are excellent, so your children will benefit from receiving a top education even if you don’t relocate further out into the suburbs.

 

You can’t get much closer to downtown than living in The Loop. Named after the elevated L train, you’ll enjoy close proximity to some of Chicago’s top cultural destinations and well-known restaurants. The Loop is located near Chicago’s Riverwalk and Willis Tower along with Grant Park, which hosts Lollapalooza and the Taste of Chicago each year. You can get by without a car when you live in The Loop since there are plenty of grocery stores and amenities within walking distance of most homes. It’s a great choice for young professionals or anyone looking for work since you won’t be far from one of the largest commercial business districts in the United States. Despite the frequent activity in the area, it tends to quiet down towards the end of the day, so you’ll have no trouble settling down or getting rest for the following day.

West Loop is a great neighborhood for anyone who enjoys going on a morning run or an evening walk. It also sits in close proximity to some of the best downtown hangouts and gathering places. The aesthetic is vintage and industrial, with plenty of exposed brick walls and some of the best views you’ll find anywhere in the city. It’s rapidly growing, and you’ll see plenty of new constructions coming up in the area along with original industrial buildings. West Loop is changing quickly, and you have an opportunity to take advantage of new restaurants and businesses setting up shop. The schools consistently receive high ratings, and several major highways are easy to access.

Bucktown residents love their community because it remains quiet and intimate despite its status as a fast-growing and up-and-coming neighborhood. It’s a great spot for families to settle down, and it’s easy to relax thanks to the lack of noise in the late night or early morning hours. You can easily reach the Loop in about fifteen minutes by car if there’s no traffic, and your commute will only take thirty to forty minutes on public transportation. This means you can travel into the city anytime you want, but you’ll also find plenty of options for dining and entertainment near your home. The nearby 606 Park offers a three-mile recreational trail plus plenty of green space, where you can relax and enjoy nature.

Lake View offers convenient access to public transportation and some of the best nightlife in the entire city of Chicago. This neighborhood was named after its fantastic views of Lake Michigan. Baseball fans will love the easy access to Wrigley Field, where the Chicago Cubs regularly compete for NL Central titles in one of the oldest and most storied ballparks in all of Major League Baseball.

 

Streeterville offers a taste of everything that you’d want from life in Downtown Chicago. Downtown is just north of the neighborhood, and Lake Michigan borders it on the east side. You’ll also live close to Navy Pier, which is one of Chicago’s top attractions for both locals and tourists. The Ferris wheel at Navy Pier takes you nearly 200 feet above the city and Lake Michigan. You can also pay a visit to the Children’s Museum or Winter’s Jazz Club to hear amazing jazz music. Streeterville can be busy depending on the time of day, but you’ll always be able to get around town thanks to public transportation. You can even check out one of the area beaches on the banks of Lake Michigan.

Kimber Galvin and Drew Westergreen are sisters who take pride in representing each of their clients. They work with everyone from first-time buyers to seasoned investors, and they know from experience what it takes to find success in a competitive market. They have closed hundreds of transactions on properties in a variety of different neighborhoods across Chicago,  including helping many buyers secure Wicker Park homes for sale. They’d love for you to be the next person they serve!