Yes, that’s right, when you embark on a rental journey in Chicago, you’ll have your pick of all kinds of residential communities, each with its own distinctive flair. Whether it be the relaxing, waterfront streets of the Gold Coast or the historic corners of Old Town, Chicago has no shortage of unique neighborhoods to explore.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the top neighborhoods in Chicago, providing a glimpse of what life could look like as a Windy City renter. Here are the communities we’ll be covering:
Lakeview
From baseball games to comedy shows, Lakeview offers nonstop adventure and fun. Located on Chicago’s north side, this popular neighborhood is home to some of the city’s most beloved attractions.
Here, you can watch the Cubs play at Wrigley Field and then end your night at a bar or theatre in the Belmont Theater District. Or, if you’re looking for a more relaxed itinerary, have a leisurely stroll in Lincoln Park and then grab a bite to eat at one of Lakeview’s local food spots. You’ll find everything from Michelin-awarded restaurants to local bars and diners.
Housing-wise, Lakeview offers all kinds of rental properties from luxury high-rise apartments to spacious single-family homes. Upscale apartment buildings can be found along Lake Shore Drive, while more humble housing options are abundant in enclaves like Graceland West. Regardless of which type of home you choose, Lakeview promises easy waterfront access, endless adventure, and a welcoming, relaxed feel.
From a transit standpoint, Lakeview is known to be pedestrian-friendly and easily accessible. The area boasts an impressive WalkScore® of 94, TransitScore® of 75, and BikeScore® of 89, confirming its reputation as a navigable community. Whether you prefer traveling by foot or by one of Chicago’s many transit lines, rest assured you’ll arrive at your destination in Lakeview.
Gold Coast
Resonating with its name, Gold Coast radiates a sense of luxury, affluence, and sophistication. Here, you’ll find an upscale apartment building, designer boutique, or Michelin-star restaurant on just about every corner, confirming the area’s reputation as one of Chicago’s most opulent communities.
One thing that significantly adds to Gold Coast’s grandeur is its architecture. Throughout its streets, you’ll see rows of 19th-century homes of various revival styles. You also might notice some of the city’s best architectural landmarks, such as the Old Chicago Water Tower, the Charney-Persky House, and the Drake Hotel on East Lake Shore Drive. These attractions, along with the area’s intricate homes, add to the Gold Coast’s overall elegance and appeal.
If you’re a shopaholic, you probably won’t want to venture outside of the Gold Coast. However, if you’re looking for other kinds of adventure, the Gold Coast still proves itself to be a good spot for the city’s nature lovers, history buffs, and more. Its proximity to Lake Michigan makes for great waterfront strolls, while its easy access to the Newberry Library and the International Museum of Surgical Science offers something for intellectuals and bookworms.
Getting around Gold Coast is simple. Walkers will be happy to know that Gold Coast has a WalkScore® of 99, making it one of the city’s most pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods. However, if public transit is your preferred way to get around, Gold Coast offers easy access to the CTA Red Line and multiple CTA bus routes. Not to mention, the area is quite bikeable as well and has many dedicated bike lanes and racks.
Pilsen
As one of Chicago’s most diverse areas, Pilsen offers a smorgasbord of various cultural experiences. Most of the area’s offerings reflect Mexican and Czech heritage, from its exotic culinary delights to its colorful street art.
As you walk the streets of Pilsen, you’ll be surrounded by colorful murals and massive paintings, all showcasing the community’s Hispanic roots. However, that’s not where Pilsen’s arts scene stops, as the area is also home to the National Museum of Mexican Art, which showcases stunning collections of textiles, folk art, photographs, and more.
Pilsen’s housing inventory offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a modern loft or an antique spot adjacent to a local coffee shop or taco joint, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Pilsen. Just know that wherever you settle, you’ll be surrounded by some of Chicago’s most unique cultural offerings, along with being conveniently located near other hotspots like University Village and the South Loop.
Bucktown
Bucktown has a little bit of everything. Whether you’re looking for artsy vibes or complete sophistication, you’ll be met with all kinds of people, experiences, and attractions in Bucktown.
This lively Chicago neighborhood is centered at the six-corner intersection of Milwaukee, Damen, and North Avenues. You’ll find your fair share of artists, professionals, families — everyone who makes up the heart and soul of the Windy City. Whether grabbing a coffee at a trendy coffee shop, browsing through a bookstore, or paying a visit to a local art gallery, the heart of Bucktown is built for exploration and adventure.
Bucktown’s diversity is also reflected in its housing options. Here, you’ll find a restored industrial loft on one corner and an upscale modern building on the next. Many properties are former warehouses and manufacturing facilities converted into rentals. This type of rental, though somewhat unconventional, is loved by renters in the area, particularly those who appreciate an industrial and rustic interior style.
Another thing renters love about Bucktown is its accessibility. It’s incredibly easy to get around this area and travel to other parts of Chicago. Simply hop on the CTA Blue Line to go across town. Or travel on foot or by bicycle to explore local attractions. Bucktown boasts a WalkScore® of 92 and a BikeScore® of 94, making it a great place to lace up your walking/cycling shoes and get active.
Wicker Park
Known as Bucktown’s bohemian neighbor, Wicker Park is the ideal spot for Chicago’s creatives. This trending neighborhood continuously attracts newcomers because of its unique attractions and feel-good vibes. Whether you’re drawn to live-music events, cozy coffee shops, or large green spaces, Wicker Park guarantees that you’ll get your fix.
Quirky is a great way to describe Wicker Park’s atmosphere. On every corner, you’ll find a quirky vintage shop, a lively music venue, or a community craft fair of artisan goods. In between these establishments, you’ll also see stunning Victorian-era buildings, often home to popular apartments. The neighborhood is truly a perfect mix of old and new, exuding vintage charm while also offering upscale amenities for the modern renter.
Much like Bucktown, Wicker Park is recognized for its location. The area also sits by the Six Corners intersection, putting it at the heart of local attractions and public transit options. Living here means never needing a car, as you can take the Blue Line, ride a bicycle, or even stroll through its lively and colorful streets.
Hyde Park
As the proud home of the University of Chicago, Hyde Park is known for its collegiate energy and intellectual excellence. However, that’s not to say the area is only for Chicago’s brainiacs.
Hyde Park is anchored by 53rd Street, an entertainment hub packed with everything from vintage bookstores to trendy cocktail bars. It’s also home to the Harper Theater, an iconic cinema hotspot that was beautifully restored in the early 1900s. Just a few blocks from the theater sits Hyde Park’s stunning lakefront, where you can find plenty of green space, trails, and breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.
It’d be amiss not to mention Hyde Park’s most notable landmark: The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. As the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere, Griffin is truly a brainiac’s paradise. It’s home to over 2,000 exhibits, showcasing everything from submarines to tornado simulations. Regardless of whether you’re into science, history, or just love to use your imagination, this Hyde Park landmark is something you won’t want to miss if you decide to settle down in this beloved Chicago neighborhood.
North Center
Just five miles from Downtown Chicago, North Center is the epitome of a small-town community in a big city. Though the city’s heart is just a stone’s throw away, residents in North Center feel like they’re in their own world, surrounded by tree-lined streets, historic homes, and a quiet ambience that puts you at peace.
Despite its calmer atmosphere, North Center still offers lively attractions that excite. In the heart of the neighborhood, several beloved eateries, boutiques, and entertainment venues, like the Davis Theater, attract locals and tourists alike. For outdoor lovers, North Center provides several sports fields, playgrounds, and walking paths throughout Horner Park and Revere Park. Or, you can always venture over to the lakefront, just five miles west.
Like other neighborhoods on our list, North Center is also well-connected to other parts of the city. Residents can take advantage of the Brown Line’s Irving Park and Addison stations to venture outside of the neighborhood. Or, if they want to stay local, they can enjoy a breezy bicycle ride down Lincoln Avenue or the North Brand Trail.
Old Town
Though it’s one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, Old Town is in no way outdated or lacking excitement. This area is one of the most energetic parts of town, bursting with color, charm, and zest for life through its unique attractions and friendly community.
The neighborhood’s heart is Wells Street, home to Old Town’s most beloved eateries, shops, and entertainment venues. Old Town is the home to comedy landmark The Second City, where many of today’s most famous comics kickstarted their careers. The iconic Zanies Comedy Club is also located in Old Town, furthering the area’s reputation as a comedy and entertainment hub.
Old Town is continuously attracting newcomers, fostering a fruitful rental market and endless apartment options. Looking for an industrial, converted loft space? You’ll find one in Old Town. Have your sights set on a cozy townhome? You’ll also find that in Old Town. Much like its demographics, Old Town’s housing options are quite diverse, giving it widespread appeal to Chicago renters.
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Each Chicago neighborhood has its own unique character and culture, offering something special for everyone. No area is inherently better than another—it all depends on your priorities. Are you looking for convenient access to other parts of the city? Or are you seeking a more secluded atmosphere away from Chicago’s heart? Whatever you’re looking for, rest assured; Chicago has a neighborhood that checks all your boxes.If you’re still deciding on the best Chicago neighborhood for you, check out our other resources on ForRent.com. Our blog features helpful articles to guide you through the Chicago rental market, while our intuitive search tools make it easy to find a rental that checks all your boxes. Start your journey today on ForRent.com and discover your ideal home in the Windy City.
