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Albany Park

Albany Park residents are a unique breed as various cultures reside here. This can be attributed to the Ravenswood El bringing commerce into the neighborhood around Lawrence and Kimball almost 100 years ago. As a result, the neighborhood residents now speak an estimated 25+ different languages! Diversity such as this opens the doors to a wide array of cultural experiences and is rarely matched by any other Chicago communities.

Part of Lawrence Avenue has been labeled ‘Seoul Drive’ due to the collection of Korean-owned shops and businesses established in the area. Approximately 40% of the businesses in this neighborhood are Korean, while other cultural groups are also established with restaurants and shops including Italian, Japanese, Jewish, Palestinian and many others! For instance, you could eat at Gigio's Pizza and Thai Touch Restaurant and then shop at Khyam Meat and Grocery without leaving the neighborhood!

There are some scenic spots as this area resides on the Chicago River. One can enjoy dining, sports, parkes and more by the water.





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Andersonville

Andersonville is located in the southwest corner of Edgewater. This neighborhood was influenced by the Swedish and is now home to the Swedish American Heritage Museum (5211 N. Clark Street), the Swedish Bakery (5348 N. Clark Street) and local Ann Sather (5207 N. Clark Street). In addition, Andersonville is also home to many female business owners and young entrepreneurs.

There is now a boom of new shops, restaurants and businesses in recent years on the stretch of Clark Street between Lawrence Ave. & Bryn Mawr. Andersonville, can be considered progressive as it provides a variety of eclectic shops, cafes, fitness centers, cybercafes, boutiques, and restaurants. The range of different cultural cuisines offered in this area alone is staggering.

Andersonville is attractive to all as it has a progressive population, culture, and it’s sub-neighborhoods are diverse and stable. A very interesting place to go and visit!

Transportation: The El Red Line [Howard-Dan Ryan] runs through the middle of this area, with stops at Loyola, Granville, Thorndale, Bryn Mawr and Berwyn. The Metra commuter train stops at Lawrence and Ravenswood, which is only a few blocks to the west of the neighborhood. Edgewater is also extremely accessible via Lakeshore Drive.




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Bucktown

Those looking for a less expensive alternative to Lincoln Park are attracted to Bucktown, bounded by Fullerton and West Bloomingdale Avenues, the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) and Western Avenue. The area, which boomed in the late 1980s, is still hot, with its trendy restaurants, upscale shopping, and bike, jogging and dog walking paths. Many of the popular cottages, coach houses and two-and three-flat buildings have tripled in value in less than a decade. A high percent of Bucktown’s most charming old cottages and coach houses were built between 1870 and 1919.

Developers quickly followed the new residents into the neighborhood, rehabbing vintage buildings and building new loft condominiums where vacant lots once stood. At the same time, new restaurants, coffeehouses, theaters, art galleries and bars opened, making Bucktown even more attractive to young professionals.

The 20-year-old “Bucktown Arts Fest,”held in August, draws 30,000 art afficionados to the area annually. Gallery Point, an art colony developed in this area, is bounded by Milwaukee, Damen, Wabansia and North avenues. More artistslive in this area than in any other Midwestern zip code.

Transportation: CTA buses run on Ashland, Damen, Western and Armitage.
The CTA’s O’Hare-Congress-Douglas Line rapid transit trains (elevated) stop at Western and Armitage. The drive downtown on the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) takes about 10 minutes.

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Chinatown

Chinatown (Cermak and Wentworth) has a long and eventful history. In the 1950s, the largest groups of Chinese came to Chicago after China became a Communist nation in 1948. Interestingly enough, in this area, Chinese settlers and pioneers in the area can actually be traced as far back as the 1870's! By 1970, Chicago was ranked fourth nationally for Chinese population in America. Even though, the Argyle & Broadway area on the north side of Chicago has a large Asian population as well, but never gained the status that Chinatown did.

Chinatown still offers new Chinese immigrants who need help with housing and job placement this support via professional organizations. The area is currently being redeveloped to deal with housing issues and the ever-shrinking geography. Recent years have seen the neighborhood pushing its borders into Bridgeport to the south, by both purchasing homes and establishing businesses.

This neighborhood goes for approximately 11 blocks and provides fabulous dining and shopping experiences that have been a favorite attraction to tourists and residents alike. It is common for many Chicagoans regularly daytrip to Chinatown to pick up curios, stock their kitchens with authentic chinese teas, herbs and foods, and to have some of the best Dim Sum in this part of the country!

Transporation: The Red Line stops at Cermak Road.

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DePaul

DePaul University began with a small cluster of buildings around St. Vincent’s Church on Webster. Today, more than 16,000 students attend classes on DePaul’s downtown and Lincoln Park campuses. St. Vincent’s, with its twin towers, is still a neighborhood landmark. But the centerpiece of the DePaul campus is the $25-million library on a landscaped triangle on Seminary Avenue.

Coffeehouses, neighborhood taverns, antiques shops and bookstores give the DePaul neighborhood the look and feel of a small university town. The elevated tracks are the only reminder that the community is near the heart of a major city. Residents say the community attracts students and young renters.

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Edgewater

Edgewater has a population of approximately 62,000 people and encompasses the neighborhoods of Edgewater Glen, Andersonville, and Lakewood-Balmoral. Residential areas have many high rises, single-family condos and apartment buildings. The area faces Lake Michigan and is easy access to many parks and beaches including Hollywood Beach.

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Edison Park

Edison Park, a friendly community on the Far North Side of Chicago bounded on the east and west by the suburbs of Niles and Park Ridge, the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94), Harlem, Touhy, Ozanam and Canfield avenues, was originally settled by Germans and Swedes. The neighborhood's tree-lined streets are filled with more than 5,000 ivy-covered English Tudor and Georgian homes, vintage frame dwellings and new and older bungalows.

Located about 13 miles northwest of the bustling Loop, Edison Park is quiet and peaceful. Longtime residents say the quaint neighborhood really hasn’t changed much in 80 years. Most of Edison Park’s homes are older and show off beautiful stained and leaded glass, wood-burning fireplaces and solid oak flooring, as well as tiled roofs and other architectural ornamentation. Northwest Highway is the site of a robust business community, boasting 75 businesses in a two-block area including several really good restaurants. Businesses and residents join forces every year for the “new” Edison Park Fest, featuring arts and crafts, bingo, a business expo, city and community booths, a Parade and a Taste of Edison Park.

Transportation: Metra’s Union Pacific trains stop in Edison Park.
The CTA’s O’Hare-Congress-Douglas Line rapid transit trains stop at Harlem and Higgins.
The ride to O’Hare International Airport takes 10 minutes or less.
Edison Park residents have easy access to the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94).

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Gold Coast

This Chicago neighborhood hosts extensive high rises, brownstones, and mansions in its beautiful residential areas that date back to 1882. It is easy to find wonderful views of Lake Michigan. With these views and the close proximity to the Loop, Gold Coast is one of the most expensive and exclusive areas in Chicago. Many of these homes are designated landmarks in Chicago. It is no wonder that the name "Gold Coast" refers to the African coast of the same name and the wealth of its residents.

The Gold Coast extends from Michigan Avenue west to LaSalle Street, and North Avenue south to Chicago Avenue. There is no problem shopping as the Magnificent Mile runs through its southern tip. It’s easy to find designer boutiques, hotels, and fine cuisine. Other scenic highlights include the John Hancock Center and Water Tower Place and beautiful Oak Street Beach.

Transportation: CTA buses run along State Street, Clark Street, Michigan Avenue, Division Street and Chicago Avenue. Taxicabs are usually plentiful; street parking is not. The closest El in Streeterville are the Chicago and Grand stops on the Red Line. Gold Coast visitors have Red Line stops at Clark, Division, or Chicago.

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Graceland West

This small district of vintage homes is within the boundaries of the East Ravenswood Historic District. It lies between Graceland Cemetery and Clark Street on the east, Ashland Avenue on the west, Montrose Avenue on the north and Irving Park Road on the south. Home styles include farmhouses, bungalows, Victorians and Queen Annes.

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Hyde Park

Hyde Park, home to Muhammad Ali, U.S. Senator Carol Mosely-Braun, and Marshall Field offers diversity and family-oriented appeal. It’s a great place to visit. You can find fabulous Caribbean and Soul food as well as relax and enjoy an outdoor chess match in Harper Court. The Promontory Point on Lake Michigan is a great spot to visit for recreation or relaxation.

Hyde Park is home to many artistic and cultural destinations, among which are Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House, and the Museum of Science and Industry. It also is home to the University of Chicago.

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Irving Park / Mayfair

Irving Park / Mayfair is actually made up of a conglomeration of smaller neighborhoods such as Old Irving Park, The Villa, The Triangle, Independence Park, Addison Mall, Mayfair and West Walker.

You must visit Irving Park for it’s architectural wonder displayed on many vintage homes of all types. Houses and estates throughout the neighborhoods are some of Chicago's largest and loveliest. The Villa Historic District has over 120 architecturally noteworthy bungalows alone.

Transportation: Union Pacific trains stop on Avondale and there is CTA bus service on Cicero, Montrose, and Irving Park Road. The Kennedy Expressway and El Blue Line also run right through the middle of the neighborhood.

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Jefferson Park

The heart of Jefferson Park is bounded by Montrose, Narragansett and Cicero avenues and the Milwaukee Road tracks. Thousands of commuters pass through the neighborhood on their way to work each day. They ride the Union Pacific Railroad, hop a bus, or drive to the Jefferson Park rapid transit terminal on Milwaukee Avenue, just south of Foster Avenue. A local real estate broker said,“People, especially young people, will always want to live in Jefferson Parkbecause the transportation is so good.”

Jefferson Park’s side streets are lined with trim brick bungalows and two-flats, although many bigger apartments and a few condos have been built near the rapid transit terminal in the last 20 years. The recreation hub is Jefferson Park itself. Park district activities range from swimming and tennis to a variety of artsand crafts classes. Jefferson Park is one of the Northwest Side’s oldest communities.

The area’s first frame home, built for about $76, had 612 square feet of space. Jefferson Park was called the “gateway to Chicago” because farmers going to town would stop at the crossroads of Milwaukee Road and Higgins Avenue to water their horses. The area grew rapidly when the Milwaukee Avenue streetcar line wasextended north of Lawrence in the 1920s.The majority of the early settlers were farmers from England and Luxembourg. As the neighborhood grew, Poles, Germans, Czechs, Scandinavians and Italians came to the area. Most of these new immigrants were laborers, artisans and tradesmen.

Transportation: Residents who don’t live within walking distance of the Jefferson Park terminal can get there on one of the many CTA buses that run through the neighborhood. Both the CTA’s O’Hare-Congress-Douglas line rapid transit trains and Metra’s Union Pacific trains stop at the Jefferson Park terminal. The KennedyExpressway (I-90/94) is a few minutes’ drive from the neighborhood.

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West Lakeview/Roscoe Village

Although West Lakeview officially begins at Clark Street, most of the new construction starts a few blocks west of Clark, beginning around Clifton Avenue, with dozens of buildings being renovated and new single-family homes under construction. For several years, young people have been attracted to this increasingly popular area because rents in West Lakeview are more affordable than those in Lake View East. The housing stock consists of brick and frame two- and three-flats and a few brick courtyard buildings.

Housing: Affordable single family homes also can be found in West Lakeview, but values have risen steadily in recent years. The neighborhood of Roscoe Village is in
the western portion of West Lakeview, is bounded by Addison, Ravenswood, Belmont and the Chicago River. Roscoe Street, the village’s “Main Street,” features restaurants, antiques dealers and small shops, while Belmont Avenue from Ravenswood to Western, with its many antiques shops, is known locally as “Antiques Row.” A great deal of rehabbing is underway in the residential area. Lower in density than other Lincoln
Park/Lake View areas, Roscoe Village offers mainly single-family homes and a limited number of two- and three-flats. An old manufacturing building has been converted into condos.

Transportation: Roscoe Village is four miles north of the Loop. The CTA’s Howard-Dan Ryan (elevated) rapid transit trains stop at Belmont and Sheffield; the ride downtown takes 15 minutes. Ravenswood Line (elevated) trains also stop at the Belmont station, and there are three Ravenswood stops. CTA bus routes also serve the area. Lake Shore Drive and the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) are within easy driving distance.

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Lakeview East

Diversey Harbor, Belmont Harbor and the eastern portion of the Wrigleyville neighborhood are all part of Lake View East. This thriving commercial area has more than 600 retail stores. There is strong commercial development on Diversey, Clark, Halsted and Broadway, that includes a mix of small, upscale boutiques, family-owned businesses and national retailers. The Broadway Center at Broadway and Surf Street, a mixed-use development, is under construction. The many area restaurants offer almost every imaginable ethnic cuisine, including Japanese, Middle Eastern, French and 50s Italian.

In the spring, summer and fall, the lakefront path is a popular spot for runners, inline skaters, cyclists, and people just out for a leisurely stroll. Summer events such as the Halsted Street Market Days and the Gay Pride Parade draw thousands of visitors to Lake View East each year.

Many residents belong to some of the best-organized and most vocal neighborhood organizations in the city. The Lake View Citizens Council has 12 affiliated organizations and is involved in the debate on every major issue affecting the quality of life in the area.

Housing: High-rise apartments and condos overlooking Diversey Harbor and the lake offer large rooms and panoramic views of Lake Michigan and Lincoln Park. These attractive accommodations have made Lake View East the most densely populated neighborhood in the Midwest.

Many of Belmont Harbor's apartments are in newer buildings, but restored walk-ups dot east-of-Broadway side streets, such as Roscoe and Aldine. Some older apartments feature inlaid wood floors, 10-foot ceilings, fireplaces and intricate woodwork. There has been little new construction in Lake View East in recent years, but condo conversions and renovations continue.

Transportation: The primary source of public transportation is the frequently scheduled CTA buses which run up and down Sheridan Road. Both local and express buses are available. West of Lake View East is the Ravenswood El which stops at Addison, Belmont, Diversey and Fullerton.

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Lincoln Park

People from all over the city flock to the Lincoln Park area, which is bounded by North Avenue, Diversey Parkway, the Kennedy Expressway and Lake Michigan. In summer they take advantage of the parks, softball and baseball diamonds, picnic areas, lagoons and beaches. Snowy days bring cross-country skiers. The Lincoln Park Zoo boasts a real dairy farm, a rookery and an excellent conservatory. The area also has a wide array of restaurants and boutiques. Lincoln Park’s housing options include contemporary townhouses and condos, Victorian three-flats, walk-ups, a few vintage mansions and towering high-rises overlooking Lake Michigan and Lincoln Park.

There are historic landmark districts as well as residential and commercial areas in Lincoln Park, each with its own active community organization.

Transportation: Convenience is one reason so many people want to live in the Lincoln Park area. CTA buses run on Fullerton, Halsted, Diversey Parkway and Lincoln Avenue. The Ravenswood Line rapid transit trains stop at Diversey, Fullerton and Armitage. The Howard-Dan Ryan Line stops at Fullerton (elevated) and North and Clybourn (subway). Lake Shore Drive is a few minutes’drive east, and the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) exits are west on North Avenue and Fullerton. The Loop is only 10 to 15 minutes away.

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Logan Square

Logan Square sits in the middle of Chicago’s northwest side and is the city’s fifth largest neighborhood. Bounded by West Bloomingdale on the south, Armitage, Diversey, Western and Kimball avenues, the area is known for its tree lined boulevards, architectural variety and ethnic diversity.

The Logan Square Boulevard HistoricDistrict is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It includes Logan, Kedzie and Humboldt boulevards and Logan and Palmer squares. The architectural styles represented in the neighborhood include Art Nouveau,
Prairie, Renaissance Revival and Gothic.Some of the older houses have been restored in recent years. Logan Square boasts an interesting variety of attractions and things to do. The Historic Mansion Housewalk held every September provides a peek at eight area mansions. Milwaukee Avenue shopping and restaurants range from Polish on one end to Hispanic on the other. A Taste of Logan Square has become an annual August tradition.

Transportation: Good public transportation is one of Logan Square’s attractions. The neighborhood is about five miles northwest of the Loop. The CTA’s O’Hare-Congress-Douglas Line rapid transit trains stop at California and Milwaukee, and Kedzie and Milwaukee (Logan Square station). CTA buses run on Milwaukee, Armitage, Fullerton and Diversey. The Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) runs along the eastern border.

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North Center

North Center is the actual geographic center of the intersection of Lincoln Avenue, Irving Park Road, and Damen Avenue. This Chicago neighborhood was built on strong family values and it shows. It has both good solid schools and a strong economic foundation.

There are lots of family activities including bowling alleys, diners, and window-shopping. North Center overall provides good commerce, dining, shopping and clubs. Many homebuyers are attracted to this area if they were unable to find acceptable real estate in more popular neighborhoods to the east, such as Lakeview or Lincoln Park. North Center makes a great alternative.

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Norwood Park

Residents of Norwood Park, an old, established neighborhood on the Far Northwest Side, are proud of its low crime rate, good schools and charming residences. Bounded by Nagle, Austin and Milwaukee on the east, Devon and Albion on the north, Harlem on the west, and Foster and Gunnison on the south, Norwood Park has homes and commercial properties dating back to the mid-1800s – all in excellent condition.

In the oldest section, south of the Union Pacific train station, bright blue, yellow and white Victorian frame homes with shuttered windows occupy deep, wooded lots on the curving East Circle and West Circle avenues. The town square’s intersection at Nicolet, Nickerson and Nina – the residential main street of Old Norwood Park – is similar to those found in New England.

Real estate tycoon Thomas H. Seymour is often referred to as the father of Norwood Park. Seymour’s residence has been restored by the Norwood Park Historical Society and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Housing: Newer brick, Georgian, ranch, Tudor and Cape Cod homes line streets such as Newcastle, Ardmore, Hurlbut and Newark, which surround Circle Avenue. The triangular section bounded by Harlem, Bryn Mawr and Avondale has been cited as a potential historic district. Vintage brick, stucco and frame homes in this area can range from 225,000 to $595,000. Two-flats range from $185,000 for frame houses, while brick construction brings as much as $275,000. In 1998 the average sale price of a single-family home in Norwood Park was $194,617.

Transportation: Metra’s Union Pacific trains stop in Norwood Park. The CTA’s
O’Hare-Congress-Douglas line rapid transit trains stop at Harlem and Higgins.
The ride to O’Hare Airport takes about 10 minutes.
CTA buses run on Harlem, Higgins, Foster, Canfield and Talcott.
The Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) is easily accessible.


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Old Town Triangle

The Old Town Triangle area was designated a Chicago landmark district in 1977, and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Old Town neighborhood, bounded by Armitage Avenue, Clark Street, Division, Street and the former Ogden Avenue right-of-way, still retains some of its original cobblestone streets and antique streetlights. Old Town is the home of the famous Second City comedy troupe. Thousands of visitors also descend on the neighborhood for the Old Town Art Fair, a juried fair that features food and entertainment while providing the opportunity to tour the neighborhood.

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Portage Park

Portage Park’s assets include affordable housing, convenient shopping and one of the lowest crime rates in the city. Most residents live on the quiet side streets west of Six Corners, one of the most successful neighborhood shopping areas in Chicago, and the hub of the neighborhood. Portage Park, bounded by Cicero, Belmont, Narragansett and Lawrence, has Chicago- and California-style bungalows, 70-year-old frame and stucco homes, brick two-flats and owner-occupied apartment buildings. From its beginning in 1915, the park itself has grown both in size and stature.

Today, it provides area residents with a wide array of activities, including tennis and top-notch 16-inch softball leagues. The newly renovated Aquatic Center features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a diving pool, a play pool for young children and an adult sun area. Real estate brokers say the fine shopping, recreational facilities and neighborhood events have a positive effect on property values.

Transportation. The CTA’s O’Hare-Congress-Douglas Line rapid transit trains stop at Montrose east of Cicero.
There is CTA bus service on Belmont, Addison, Irving Park, Montrose, Lawrence, Milwaukee, Cicero, Central and Austin.
The Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) is a few blocks east of the neighborhood.

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Ravenswood

The East Ravenswood Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One of Chicago’s first planned neighborhoods, the area is known for its Victorian homes, brick and graystone two and three-flats and convenient shopping. Some apartments in the area are going condo and they’re selling fast. The district is roughly bounded by Irving Park, Lawrence, Clark and Ravenswood Avenue. Events planned by the Chamber of Commerce, such as the annual Car Show, Applefest, German-American Fest, and the Farmer’s Market draw visitors from far and wide.

Transportation: Metra’s Union Pacific trains stop at Lawrence and Ravenswood avenues.
The CTA’s Ravenswood line rapid transit stops at Lawrence and Western, Lawrence and Damen, and on Montrose and Irving Park Road. Numerous CTA bus lines serve the area, and the Howard-Dan Ryan line rapid transit stations are a short bus ride from most areas. Lake Shore Drive and the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) are a few miles away.


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Ravenswood Manor

Nestled along the Chicago River between Ravenswood and Albany Park is Ravenswood Manor. Bounded by Lawrence, Sacramento, Montrose and the North Branch of the Chicago River, this neighborhood was built by wealthy industrialists and city leaders in the early 1900s. Its attractions include landmark houses, homes with private docks and some of the most spectacular private gardens in the city. Several of the gardens are open to the public during the Ravenswood Manor Garden Walk, an annual summer event.

Transportation: Metra’s Union Pacific trains stop at Lawrence and Ravenswood avenues.
The CTA’s Ravenswood line rapid transit stops at Lawrence and Western, Lawrence and Damen, and on Montrose and Irving Park Road. Numerous CTA bus lines serve the area, and the Howard-Dan Ryan line rapid transit stations are a short bus ride from most areas. Lake Shore Drive and the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) are a few miles away.

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River East

Exciting River East fills the space along the north bank of the Chicago River that was once the “Loop’s forgotten back yard.” This residential/commercial/entertainment development covers several city blocks between North Michigan Avenue and Navy Pier. River East is bounded by the Chicago River on the south, Illinois Street on the north, Lake Shore Drive on the east and Columbus Drive on the west. Bustling with restaurants, stores, nightclubs and offices, River East has something to offer residents and tourists alike. Additional restaurants and entertainment spots are in the North Pier Terminal, between Illinois Street and Ogden Slip. North Pier Terminal also contains a selection of shops. Fox Obel and City Market serve the grocery needs of most of the area’s residents. A major River East trademark is the Centennial Fountain, which shoots a stream of water across the river every hour on the hour for 10 minutes. The western portion of the complex, between Columbus Drive and Michigan Avenue, is mostly office space. NBC Tower, Northwestern Memorial Medical Center and the Sheraton Hotel and Convention Center dominate the landscape.

Housing: River East is a neighborhood of townhouses, condominiums and apartment buildings, many of which have lake or river views. A dozen high rises within the 13-acre area provide a multitude of residential opportunities ranging from studios to penthouses.

Transportation: Residents of River East have easy access to public transportation and to Lake Shore Drive. Bus service is excellent. The Howard-Dan Ryan subway stops at Grand Avenue and State Street, just a few blocks west of River East.


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River North

River North, Chicago’s self-proclaimed “most exciting neighborhood,” is the fastest growing urban community in the country. Boasting the largest concentration of art galleries outside of Manhattan, unique shops, world famous restaurants and thriving entertainment, River North is home to more than 5,000 people. But that figure is dwarfed by the 45,000 or more who work there and consider River North their home away from home.

River North is just a short distance from Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue and the Loop. Once an old manufacturing and warehouse district, today the area booms with large employers such as Quaker Oats and various businesses including classy clothing and furniture stores in the recently converted Merchandise Mart. High-rises along Clark and Wabash, newer lofts being built or renovated near and on Ohio Street, art galleries and night clubs as well as jazz and blues clubs, including the House of Blues, add to the vitality of the growing community. Visitors and workers in River North can feast their eyes upon the displays in any of 80 art galleries packed into the area bounded by Superior, Chicago, Orleans and Wells. In recent years, the galleries have held their own and even thrived. In some cases, galleries left and then returned because the climate is so advantageous.

Housing: There are several high-rises on the Chicago River in River North. The twin towers of Marina City, a condominium at the Chicago River between State and Dearborn, welcomed its first residents 30 years ago. On the river a half-block south of Kinzie, stands Fulton House, a 16-story condo that was once the North American Cold Storage Building. It was renovated into 112 condos and office space. Many area warehouses are undergoing conversions into lofts and condos.

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River West / North Town

River West, bounded by Hubbard Street on the south, Chicago Avenue on the north, the North Branch of the Chicago River on the east and the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) on the west, was once famous for its inexpensive loft apartments, but prices are rising.
North Town, bounded by North Avenue, Wells, Chicago Avenue and the Chicago River, may be one of the last near-downtown neighborhoods to experience gentrification. Real estate experts say North Town’s northeast quarter, bounded by North Avenue, Wells, Larrabee and Division, is a hot speculation area for residential property. The area borders the Cabrini Green public housing development.

Transportation: In River North, there are Howard-Dan Ryan subway stations at State and Chicago, and State and Grand.
The Ravenswood El stops at Chicago and Franklin and at the Merchandise Mart. Numerous bus routes serve the area. Entry to the Kennedy Expressway (I- 90/94) is minutes away at Ontario and Orleans.

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Rogers Park / West Rogers Park

Rogers Park is known for its diversity among people and housing. It is the northern gateway to the city for many. About 10 miles north of the Loop, on the border of Evanston, Rogers Park is bounded by Howard and Juneway Terrace, Ridge and Devon avenues and Lake Michigan and is nestled between Loyola and Northwestern universities, attracting many students. In Rogers Park large courtyard buildings predominate near Sheridan Road.

Housing: Residents are lured by the lake, eight beaches and affordable housing. A high-rise construction ban stretching from Sheridan Road east to the lake has sparked an apartment rehab boom. Most buildings in the area are either low-rise or two- and three-flats. Several rental buildings have recently been purchased and renovated.

West Rogers Park is bordered by Kedzie, Howard, Ridge and Peterson. The area has a variety of bungalows, Georgian, Victorian and ranch homes. Although the majority of residents live in single family homes, there are a few large apartment complexes and many owner-occupied two- and three-flats in the area.

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Roscoe Village

Roscoe Village is located just west of Lakeview and ten minutes northwest of the Loop. Roscoe village is more of a quiet neighborhood, but does attracts a young crowd due to its relatively inexpensive real estate and a nice variety of eclectic dining/shopping spots and nightlife destinations.

Roscoe village offers a variety of small specialty shops that cater to a large crowd. "Antiques Row" is five blocks of antique stores, which is actually the largest in the Midwest. In the summer months, there is a weekly farmer's market and in September, a Harvest Fest. Roscoe Village also provides some good theatre performances at the Mercury Theater and Music Box Theatre.

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Sauganash

Sauganash, Edgebrook and Wildwood have been described as “city neighborhoods with a country feel.” The area’s attractions include three golf courses, public transportation within walking distance and easy access to major city thoroughfares. Several hundred acres of Cook County forest preserves flanking the North Branch of the Chicago River provide a recreational anchor for the area. The 18-hole Edgebrook Golf Course and nine-hole Billy Caldwell Golf Course are located within the forest preserve perimeters. Sauganash Park has a fieldhouse, four tennis courts and two softball diamonds. The Whelan swimming pool is nearby.

Area residents have a surplus of civic pride. Many homeowners belong to the Sauganash Community Association or the Edgebrook Community Association (ECA), which hold regular meetings and arrange for streets to be plowed in the winter. Homes in Sauganash are known for elaborate and decorative Christmas light displays. Block parties are held on neighborhood streets, reinforcing the notion that residents socialize with their neighbors.

Generations of families stay in Sauganash because they feel it is a nice place to live and raise a family. Edgebrook is undergoing a major facelift, with plans for both a new public library and a new Metra station on the drawing board, and a streetscape project to “spruce up” the downtown area set for next year. Water slides and wading pools were completed in time for summer fun.

The ECA sponsors holiday parties, such as Easter egg hunts, Christmas events that include Santa, a social high point -a Fourth of July parade featuring local marching bands, home-made floats and decorated bikes.

Housing: Area homes are classic examples of the architectural styles built extensively throughout the nation for the middle- and upper-middle class from the 1890s to the 1940s. Queen Anne and Tudors are mixed with Colonial revival styles. Mission-, American Foursquare- and a variety of Prairie School-style homes can be found.

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Sheridan Park

Sheridan Park is comprised of a history-rich blend of architectural styles. During the more recent years, Sheridan Park has had an explosion of more high-end renovations.

Transportation: The CTA Red and Purple lines run though the middle of the neighborhood with stops at Argyle, Lawrence, Wilson, and Sheridan. Busses run on most major streets.

Source: Chicago Neighborhood & City Guide

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Streeterville

Streeterville was named after George Wellington Streeter. This area is home to Northwestern University's School of Law and Medical Center, the University of Chicago's Graduate School of Business, and both Chicago's CBS and NBC TV affiliates.

Streeterville shows wealth and elegance, as it is adjacent to high-end neighbors offering shopping such as Marshall Fields, Neiman Marcus, Versace, and the 900 North Michigan Avenue shopping center.

The Gold Coast / Streeterville Navy Pier is a favorite destination and number one attraction for locals and tourists. You can spend a day's worth enjoying the Ferris wheel, carousel, IMAX Theater, dozens of shops and restaurants, Children's Museum and seasonal performance offerings and events. The Museum of Contemporary Art is also a popular attraction and showcases many contemporary fine artists including a beautiful outdoor sculpture garden!

Transportation: CTA buses run along State Street, Clark Street, Michigan Avenue, Division Street and Chicago Avenue. Taxicabs are usually plentiful; street parking is not. The closest El in Streeterville are the Chicago and Grand stops on the Red Line. Gold Coast visitors have Red Line stops at Clark, Division, or Chicago.

Source: Chicago Neighborhood & City Guide

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The Loop

The elevated trains that circle this five-block-wide and seven-block-long rectangle in downtown Chicago are the source of its name The Loop. The Loop is the hub of the city’s public transportation system. Travelers can catch a Blue Line subway to O’Hare International Airport, or an elevated train to Midway Airport. From stations on the west side, Metra trains carry 80,000 commuters a day to and from homes in the suburbs.

In recent years, State Street has attracted major discount stores such as T.J. Maxx, Filene’s Basement and Toys ‘R’ Us, while Marshall Field’s and Carson Pirie Scott maintain their legendary status as State Street anchors.

Other attractions include the 700-room Mariott’s Renaissance Hotel on the north edge of the Loop and the Harold Washington Library Center at the south end of State at Congress Parkway. The West Loop-bounded by Halsted, the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290), Ashland and Kinzie-is being redeveloped. Within view of Loop skyscrapers, rehabbers and entrepreneurs are invading this neighborhood of orphaned warehouses and vacant lots. Much of the construction in the West Loop has become real community.

The City Council designated part of the neighborhood as a tax increment-financing district to fund infrastructure improvements. The district is bounded roughly by Randolph, May, Monroe and Green Streets.

Housing: In the Loop, a four-tower skyscraper with 2,346 apartments appealsto walk-to-work clientele. Lofts-renovated, roomy and affordable have attracted new residents to the West Loop in recent years. For example, at the Union Park Lofts, a 32-unit live-and-work rehab on the southwest corner of Washington and Ada, units range from 1,700 to 2,380 square feet of space. There are fewer of the spacious lofts for rent now than there were a year ago, however, because many have been converted to condominiums.


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Uptown

Uptown is a neighborhood, which has truly transformed in the past few years. This neighborhood has experienced a huge upswing in growth, construction, beautification and on-going developments over the last few years. Lucky residents who bought homes there just 3 or 4 years ago are seeing their property values soar! Uptown is determined to recapture some of its original status in the city – which was as an affluent summer resort by the lake in the late 19th century.

Uptown’s offers great theater and culture including the Aragon Ballroom, Riviera Theatre, and Uptown Theatre show the grand history of bygone eras. Definitely visit the notorious Green Mill Jazz Club (4802 N. Broadway), which was a favorite haunt of Al Capone.

Transportation: The CTA Red and Purple lines run though the middle of the neighborhood with stops at Argyle, Lawrence, Wilson, and Sheridan. Busses run on most major streets.


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Wildwood

Sauganash, Edgebrook and Wildwood have been described as “city neighborhoods with a country feel.” Old Edgebrook, a densely wooded section, bounded roughly by Prescott, Mandell, Louise and Livermore, is a Chicago landmark district. The secluded area, adjoining the Edgebrook Golf Course, includes about 48 unusual country-style homes on large wooded lots. Wildwood is bounded by Caldwell, Touhy, Lehigh and Lightfoot and sandwiched in between the two Edgebrook areas. The area’s attractions include three golf courses, public transportation within walking distance and easy access to major city thoroughfares. Several hundred acres of Cook County forest preserves flanking the North Branch of the Chicago River provide a recreational anchor for the area.

Housing: Area homes are classic examples of the architectural styles built extensively throughout the nation for the middle- and upper-middle class from the 1890s to the 1940s. Queen Anne and Tudors are mixed with Colonial revival styles. Mission-, American Foursquare- and a variety of Prairie School-style homes can be found.

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Wicker Park

Things are changing rapidly in Wicker Park. Developers and rehabbers have been working in the area since the mid-1970s, lured by its turn-of-the-century mansions, lovely park and proximity to the Loop. Care is being taken to preserve the original look and feel of the neighborhood. Wicker Park, tucked into the eastern corner of the larger community of West Town, is bounded by Division Street, Bloomingdale Avenue, Ashland and Western avenues. Many older business owners are retiring, making room for new businesses, such as restaurants, nicer upscale retail shops and entrepreneurial stores that sell handmade arts and crafts items.

The intersection of Damen, Milwaukee and North avenues is where the action is. Clubs and entertainment spots attract people from all over the city, as well as those moving into and living in the neighborhood. Property owners in the commercial areas are rehabbing and constructing new buildings in turn-of-the-century style, much like the original architecture so as to preserve the look and feel of that era. As Wicker Park was previously a relatively cheap area to live in, it attracted artists, writers, craftsmen and artisans. Restaurants, small galleries and theaters followed.

The arts are celebrated at the “Around the Coyote” art festival held each fall, and at the annual theatre festival.

Transportation: Wicker Park is less than three miles northwest of the Loop. The CTA’s O’Hare-Congress-Douglas Line rapid transit trains stop at Damen and North, and Division and Ashland. CTA buses run on several streets, including Milwaukee Avenue and North Avenue. O’Hare International Airport is about a 30-minute ride on a CTA train. The Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) is a few blocks away from the neighborhood.

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West Town / Ukranian Village

West Town, a fairly large area just northwest of the Loop, is a patchwork of smaller neighborhoods. The community is roughly bounded by Kinzie Street, Division Street, California Avenue and the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94). The best-known neighborhood in West Town is Ukrainian Village. Its main attractions are churches, cathedrals and solid, Victorian-style housing. Ukrainian Village, bounded by Superior, Division, Damen and Campbell, has an ethnically diverse population today, but remains a focal point for the Chicago area’s Ukrainian community because Ukrainian businesses, organizations and churches are based in the neighborhood.

The Ukrainian Culture Center is also located just off Chicago Avenue. The proximity of Ukranian Village to Wicker Park and Bucktown and the nightlife at the Damen/North/Milwaukee Avenue intersection is beginning to attract young professionals who want to pay lower rents.

Other West Town neighborhoods where renovated apartments and single-family homes can be found, include Noble Square, bounded by Grand, Division, Ashland and I-90/94, and East Village, bounded by Division, Chicago, Ashland and Damen.

Housing: Vintage residential properties in the heart of Ukrainian Village are rarely listed for sale, as they are passed on to family members or sold to neighbors. However, a trend toward rehabbing apartment buildings has begun, as has the construction of new townhouses. The style of the new architecture blends well with the older buildings in the area.

Transportation: The CTA’s O’Hare-Congress-Douglas Line rapid transit trains stop at Division and Ashland, and Chicago and Milwaukee, and Damen and Milwaukee (north); the ride to the Loop takes less than 10 minutes. CTA buses run along most major streets. The Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) serves as the community’s eastern boundary.

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Wrigleyville

The Wrigleyville section of Lake View, bounded by Halsted, Ashland, Roscoe and Byron, is a neighborhood dominated by two- and three-flat buildings and by Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. During baseball season, it is a lively, boisterous area. Between the multitude of upscale and trendy new restaurants and the plethora of bars, there are plenty of places to gather with friends or enjoy the nightlife of Wrigleyville.

Housing: About 80 percent of the buildings in Wrigleyville are graystone or brick. Many three-bedroom units have fireplaces, oak floors and up to 1,500 square feet of living space.

Transportation: The CTA’s Howard- Dan Ryan trains stop at Addison, steps away from the “friendly confines.” The renovated station is fully accessible to the disabled. CTA Ravenswood and Howard trains also stop at Belmont. Bus service is available on Belmont, Addison and Irving Park, and along Lake Shore Drive, Halsted, Broadway and Clark.

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