7 Best Areas to Live in Chicago
Finding a neighborhood in Chicago that offers the best of every world can be extremely tricky to find. It’s quite difficult to come by housing at a reasonable cost that also offers easy access to most points of the city. Housing is getting smaller, and good deals get snatched as soon as they appear, which is why it can be quite the adventure when house hunting in Chicago. However, there are some neighborhoods in Chicago that could possibly check all of your boxes, and some that you might consider calling home soon.
- South Shore
A picturesque, lakefront neighborhood, nestled right next to a breathtaking historic park, South Shore is a vibrant community that overflows with culture and history. It is also the home of the South Shore Cultural Center – which hosted the Obamas’ wedding reception, and was once a popular country club. The neighborhood is also home to many historic landmarks and community spaces, along with many community centers geared towards art enthusiasts. South Shore is also conveniently located, far enough from the University of Chicago, but close enough to every happening in the city – and the housing options remain affordable, with the median home value sitting at around $100,000, while the median rent is around $1,100 per month.
- Humboldt Park
If you’re looking for an affordable, walkable, tree lined neighborhood where you can easily find great housing options with a lot of square footage – you’re looking to live in Humboldt Park. A beloved neighborhood located on the West Side, Humboldt Park is the heart of Puerto Rican culture, and offers everything you could possibly need for a convenient lifestyle in Chicago. There are some features in this neighborhood that are unique, such as wide boulevards lined with trees, an amazing art scene, and a breathtaking park with trails and a lagoon. When looking for a living space in Humboldt Park, you’re bound to find a great deal somewhere in the neighborhood, and living here means that you will never experience a shortage of things to do.
- Uptown
If you need easy access to almost every point in the city, while living in a lakeside apartment in a bustling community, Uptown should be a neighborhood to consider. Most people dream of lakefront living, which is why this community is highly sought after. There are many trails to choose from for some outdoor recreation, hiking, biking and jogging, Montrose Beach is the perfect place to take a stroll on during a nice day, and there are a lot of opportunities for birdwatching and exploring wildlife. The median home value is around $270,000, while median rent is around $1,500 per month, which is quite affordable for the perks you will be getting by becoming a resident of this unique community.
- Oak Park
The neighborhood that is home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s home, Oak Park is one of the most unique communities with specific architecture. Architecture buffs will love to experience the evolution of this famous architect first hand, and live in a neighborhood that offers easy access to downtown, located only 10 miles away from the Loop. There are more than 60 historic landmarks in this neighborhood, seven buildings on the National Register, and three historic districts, which make Oak Park one of the most distinctive neighborhoods in Chicago. With the median home price being around $350,000, which means that you should snatch a good deal before the prices go up again.
- Bridgeport
Bridgeport is a residential neighborhood on the Southwest side that offers amazing housing prices, no matter if you are renting or choosing to purchase a home in this neighborhood. If you’re looking for a neighborhood with some old-town charm, you’ll be at peace living in Bridgeport. There is an even split of renters and buyers in the neighborhood, so you are bound to find a place that fits your expectations. It is considered to be one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Chicago, with the median rent being around $1,200 and the median home value being around $315,000. Living in Bridgeport means that you will have access to the abundant amenities that surround this neighborhood, including the vast dining options at Chinatown and Pilsen, the Bridgeport Arts Center, and a lot of local events that are held often by the community.
- North Center
If you’re looking for a tranquil neighborhood that is located just on the border of North Branch and offers a vast number of amenities and things to do, North Center is the place you will love calling home. Both renters and buyers will surely find something, as there are a lot of housing options to choose from when moving to North Center. While the prices are a bit higher in the neighborhood, there are some aspects of this community that you couldn’t find in any other. The median rental price is $1,700, while median home value is around $500,000. The prices in this neighborhood are expected to rise soon, especially with the hotspots of Roscoe Village and Lincoln Square located nearby, so you should grab a good deal while you can still find one.
- Beverly
A family-oriented, idyllic neighborhood located on the South Side; Beverly is the place to look when searching for the perfect home to raise a family. This neighborhood boasts one of the highest percentages of home buyers in the entire city of Chicago, with young families purchasing the affordable Beverly homes left and right. Living here you will find a lot of historic homes with large yards, and most residents are families, which makes it the perfect family-friendly neighborhood to invest in. It is a safe community that offers a lot of green spaces, and recreational opportunities. You will love being a part of this tranquil community.