With nearly 150 culturally rich and diverse communities across the Windy City, figuring out where to call home may seem daunting if you’re a young professional. “There are a lot of neighborhoods around The Loop that are great for young professionals who want to be in the mix,” says Realtor Grigory Pekarsky with Vesta Preferred LLC. “If they’re straight out of college, areas like River North and West Loop are popular, especially for their nightlife. As they start to settle down, Gold Coast and the neighborhoods around Lincoln Park are preferred.”
Best Neighborhoods in Chicago for Young Professionals
We’ve compiled a list of the 11 best neighborhoods in Chicago for young professionals, according to Niche. The methodology that Niche uses to determine if a neighborhood is well-suited to young professionals includes a variety of factors, including affordability, job opportunities and access to bars and restaurants.
To provide even more detail, we’ve included some data points that should be helpful if you’re a young professional who wants to buy a home in downtown Chicago. These include the median home prices for each neighborhood, as well as its Walk Score and Transit Score.
1. The Loop
Median Home Price: $344,950 | Walk Score: 100/100 | Transit Score: 100/100
The Loop is in the heart of Chicago, encompassing over 35 blocks of sleek high-rises, major employers and some of the city’s biggest landmarks. The Art Institute of Chicago and the Willis Tower are a few noteworthy spots here. Major finance, tech and marketing companies are in the city’s central business district, so it’s perfect if you want to live close to work. Condos here range from renovated warehouses to luxury high-rises overlooking Lake Michigan. There are dozens of L Train stations and Chicago Transit Authority bus stops around The Loop, connecting you across the city. After hours, you can enjoy shows at the clamshell in Millenium Park, play a round of pickleball at Grant Park or grab dinner at trendy restaurants like Cindy’s Rooftop.
2. Streeterville
Median Home Price: $394,500 | Walk Score: 95/100 | Transit Score: 81/100
Located in the Near North Side, Streeterville offers proximity to one of Chicago’s best retail spots, Water Tower Place. The neighborhood is just over a mile from The Loop and features CTA bus and L Train stations throughout, so it’s easy to commute to work. Contemporary high-rises and renovated 20th-century stone buildings are what buyers and renters will find here. There are also luxury penthouses offering sprawling views of the city and Lake Michigan. Streeterville is an excellent choice if you like to get outside. It’s a short walk to outdoor spaces Addams Memorial Park and Ohio Street Beach. Navy Pier is within walking distance and is home to Offshore Rooftop, Chicago’s largest rooftop restaurant.
3. Rush & Division
Median Home Price: $587,500 | Walk Score: 100/100 | Transit Score: 86/100
Rush & Division is a popular “Lock-and-Leave” community in Chicago’s Near North Side. The neighborhood’s high-rise condos and row homes are designed for low maintenance. It’s an extremely walkable area, close to green spaces like Washington Square Park and busy dining and retail areas. Upscale restaurants like Gibson’s Bar and Steakhouse and cocktail lounges like Sparrow are all within walking distance. The community is close to L Train stations, connecting you to the rest of the city.
4. Greektown
Median Home Price: $465,000 | Walk Score: 96/100 | Transit Score: 93/100
Greektown, a neighborhood on the Near West Side, is a cultural area that began as the heart of Chicago’s Greek immigrant community. Most of Greektown was displaced by Interstate 90 in the 1960s, but the Greek community is still an essential part of the neighborhood. It has a crucial position in the city with its proximity to I-90 and the University of Illinois-Chicago campus. Homes here are typically refurbished warehouse lofts or contemporary condos. The neighborhood is also great for foodies, as South Halsted Street offers several Greek restaurants and cafés, like Greek Islands Taverna or Artopolis Bakery. Greektown is only 1 mile from Fulton Market, known for hip bars and modern eateries like The Aviary.
5. River North
Median Home Price: $387,500 | Walk Score: 100/100 | Transit Score: 86/100
Highly walkable and cosmopolitan, River North is a big draw for young professionals. The neighborhood is on the edge of The Loop, close to the Chicago Riverwalk. River North is a more touristy area, but it has a vibrant, bustling feel that’s perfect for city slickers. Residents typically live in vintage lofts, contemporary high-rises and modern townhouses. Living here is also convenient for those who want a quick walk to work with its proximity to the city’s central business district. L Train stops are located throughout the community, so access to the rest of Chicago is always convenient. The House of Blues and Lincoln Hall are popular spots for live music. Restaurants and lounges along North Clark Street, like Mercadito, are frequented by locals and tourists alike.
6. Printers Row
Median Home Price: $259,450 | Walk Score: 96/100 | Transit Score: 100/100
Chicago’s former publishing district, Printers Row, is a popular location if you’re seeking access to The Loop but want your home to have some old-fashioned charm. The city repurposed many historic buildings and former printing warehouses into lofts and condos. The neighborhood is just south of The Loop and features six L Train lines that connect residents all over the city. In addition to its storied architecture and easy transit access, Printers Row is known for its jazz clubs and restaurants. The Jazz Showcase is a noteworthy establishment, featuring live music almost every week since 1947. Printers Row is also a favorite for college students and book lovers, and home to the annual Printers Row Literary Festival. The community is close to Grant Park and Millennium Park, which houses the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture.
7. West Town
Median Home Price: $616,000 | Walk Score: 93/100 | Transit Score: 74/100
West Town has a more suburban feel than many neighborhoods on the list, and it’s attracting young professionals who want easy access to downtown Chicago, as well as newer homes and outdoor space. There’s a diverse mix of architecture in West Town. You’ll find modern condos that stand alongside traditional brick townhouses. Meanwhile, historic worker’s cottages, renovated with modern interiors, add another layer of charm. The Blue Line is minutes away from the heart of West Town, providing easy access to public transportation for day trips and commutes downtown.
8. Old Town
Median Home Price: $533,750 | Walk Score: 96/100 | Transit Score: 75/100
Old Town is just a few miles north of downtown Chicago. The area is famous for its comedy clubs, which include Second City and Zanies, and there’s a great mix of nightlife and retail. Lincoln Park borders the neighborhood to the east, offering plenty of greenspace. West North Street offers a variety of known retail stores, while North Wells Street is home to a number of local boutiques and eateries. Old Town’s dining scene includes longstanding Italian restaurants like Topo Gigio and Orso’s, as well as more casual establishments like the Happy Camper serving up slices in a relaxed atmosphere.
9. West Loop
Median Home Price: $464,000 | Walk Score: 98/100 | Transit Score: 100/100
West Loop’s restaurant scene is one of the biggest draws to the neighborhood, so it’s an ideal location for a foodie who still wants easy access to major employers in The Loop. From city mainstays like Lou Mitchell’s diner to upscale spots like Bar Siena and hip food halls like Time Out Market, dining options are endless. Renting and buying options typically include mid-rise brick or high-rise condos with open floor plans. West Loop offers access to the L Train system and I-90, so it’s easy to get around the city.
10. Ukrainian Village
Median Home Price: $557,500 | Walk Score: 94/100 | Transit Score: 68/100
Ukrainian Village is in Chicago’s larger West Town and is filled with beautiful churches and cathedrals, brunch galleries, art galleries and museums. The homes here are small bungalows and red-brick-two-and-three-flats, which give it the character of a European community. Old Lviv is a popular spot for Ukrainian food, but this neighborhood is known for more than its delicious Ukrainian cuisine. Popular restaurants include Fatso’s Last Stand, Armi and Whisk. The Empty Bottle is a neighborhood hot spot for live music and cheap drinks that has been frequented by Chicagoans and visitors for nearly three decades.
11. Lakeview
Median Home Price: $681,500 | Walk Score: 95/100 | Transit Score: 76/100
The established community of Lakeview is one of the city’s favorite entertainment areas. The neighborhood is about 6 miles from The Loop and has an L Train station on Southport Avenue. There’s a wide variety of housing options, including condos, lakefront high-rises, row homes and Greystone townhouses. Lakeview’s Southport area is known for its restaurant and bar scene, home to popular spots like Nisei Lounge and Farm Bar Lakeview. You can also catch stand-up comedy shows at The Laugh Factory. And if you’re a Cubs fan, you’ll enjoy living a short walk from Wrigley Field.
Micaela Green is an experienced writer who has researched and written about hundreds of neighborhoods across the United States. She is a former freelance content writer with over four years of experience building web content. She holds an M.F.A in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and a B.A. in Art History from Virginia Commonwealth University.
