9 Best Chicago Neighborhoods for Your Next Move
Are you considering shifting scenery to the beautiful, Windy City of Chicago? Well, put on your best walking shoes and get ready for some of the best food, culture, and history this third-largest city in the United States has to offer.
From the mirrored bean sculpture known as Cloud Gate in Millennium Park to dining on deep-dish pizza along the riverwalk, this is one of the most thrilling places in the world to establish yourself and your family.
Cost of Living in the Best Neighborhoods of Chicago:
• Average Salary: $65,250
• Median Household Income: $71,673
• Average House Cost: $289,909
• Median Rent: $1,987 - $2,251
• Median Monthly Mortgage Payment: $2,105
Chicago is a sprawling city with a vast grid street system. All streets have a north-south and east-west axis, making it incredibly easy to find a sporting event, local museum, or favorite bar.
Whether you’re unfamiliar with the area, or if you are a local, let’s dive into some notable attributes for safe areas to live in Chicago.
Where are the Coolest Neighborhoods in Chicago?
If your goal is to find hip neighborhoods in Chicago, you might desire a vibrant culture and local-centric community. During your research, it might help to match the characteristics of your target area with your unique lifestyle. Luckily, the Windy City has a spot for everyone to call home.
The Magnificent Mile
Starting our list of best places to live in Chicago is the Magnificent Mile. This is a 13-block stretch running from North Michigan Avenue all the way to Oak Street in the North. What makes it so unique is that you have a full mile of shops, high-rise buildings, entertainment, and nightlife all along the banks of the beautiful Chicago River.
If you are someone who enjoys luxurious shopping and historic buildings like the Tribune Tower or Chicago Water Tower and really want to feel like you are living in a big city, this is the place for you. For great views of Chicago, check out the John Hancock Center rooftop observation deck during sunset.
Average Rent: $2,738
Average Home Value: $324,777
Best For: Younger individuals and families who love urban life.
Transportation: CTA (Chicago Transit Authority), Metra, Airport Shuttle, taxi, water taxi.
Wicker Park
You cannot complete a list of the coolest neighborhoods in Chicago without mentioning Wicker Park. Well-known for its crazy nightlife and dining options. This is one of Chicago’s oldest and most charming areas for residents.
What makes the park so unique are the endless cafes, specialized ethnic grocery stores, and fashion boutiques interspersed with exciting music clubs and dance bars. It is located in the West Town community and has a rich history, so you’ll find a mix of modern and older styled buildings.
Average Rent: $2,714
Average Home Value: $612,743
Best For: Affluent young families or multi-generational families eager to join a thriving community.
Transportation: CTA (Blue Line), buses, ridesharing.
Northalsted (Formerly Known as Boystown)
Safe areas to live in Chicago are aplenty, but if you are in search of a welcoming community, you may want to consider Northalsted (formerly known as Boystown). This is one of the most accepting areas of the city due to its modern adaption of its rich LGBTQ+ history.
As you can imagine, this area has fantastic activities, comedy clubs, and offbeat theaters. Whether you want to relax on a cold winter night with a fresh cocktail or join the Pride Parade, which dates back to 1971, this is one of the best places to live in Chicago.
Average Rent: $1,862
Average Home Value: $419,236
Best For: Wonderful multi-generational neighborhood for members and friends of the LGBTQ+ community.
Transportation: CTA, buses, taxis, ridesharing.
The Loop
For those interested in a modern and hip Chicago neighborhood, check out The Loop. This area includes many of the city’s most well-known iconic features, like the Willis Tower, the Cloud Gate sculpture (a mirror bean), and Millenium Park.
What separates this neighborhood from others is the close proximity to the Art Institute of Chicago and the grounds for massive events like the Taste of Chicago and Lollapalooza. There’s no question that there are plenty of options for fun on this trendy block, but it does come at a premium.
Average Rent: $2,782
Average Home Value: $265,139
Best For: Younger generations who love the art and culture scene surrounded by water.
Transportation: CTA, ridesharing, buses.
Andersonville
Located within West Edgewater, Andersonville is one of the more laid-back communities in Chicago’s North Side. You can swing by to enjoy an afternoon of antiquing, meet with friends at a plethora of good eats, or explore various cultural museums.
What makes Andersonville a little more unique is the rich Swedish heritage. That is why you’ll find the Swedish American Museum and cultural festivals like Midsommarfest happening throughout this area.
Average Rent: $1,465
Average Home Value: $473,536
Best For: An excellent location for multi-generational families with great schools and safe parks.
Transportation: CTA, train, taxi, bus, ridesharing, bike.
Pilsen
Positioned against the Chicago River on the Lower Southwest Side is the vibrant community of Pilsen. This is one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago because of the diversity of professional workers and trade experts. That mix leads to a wealth of music venues, murals, and culinary traditions. That is why it has been ranked by Forbes as one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world.
You’ll want to experience the Dia de los Muertos festival in Harrison Park every year. Whenever friends and family come for a visit, the de facto activity is to tour the local murals that are constantly popping up. Once you build up an appetite, there is no shortage of restaurants and bars to eat at during your exploration.
Average Rent: $1,257
Average Home Value: $395,709
Best For: Vibrant community for people who love music and the arts from many cultures.
Logan Square
Anyone who finds themselves desiring a long walk through green parks and vintage thrift shops should check out the Logan Square neighborhood. This is also where you’ll find one of the oldest theaters in the area, the Logan Theatre, having run since 1915.
We love the mix of natural beauty next to Greystone buildings and inviting taverns. If you can get a reservation, be sure to swing into the Lula Café for a bit of farm-to-table deliciousness. The best way to learn about this neighborhood is to walk the boulevard leading up to the Illinois Centennial Monument. That will expose you to the diversity in the area.
Average Rent: $2,100
Average Home Value: $448,900
Best For: All families, especially those who love parks and long walks.
Transportation: Everything! This is one of the most visited areas of the city.
Ukrainian Village
Go a little bit south of Wicker Park, and you’ll come across a trendy map of the Chicago area that feels distinctly different from the rest of the city. The Ukrainian Village district is historically a West Town Chicago neighborhood but with rich roots in Ukrainian culture.
There are art museums, grocery stores, churches, murals, and more, all dedicated to Ukraine. The influx of Ukrainians began way back in 1880 and has remained steady because of the safety and welcoming nature of this community. For a taste of what it's like to live in the Ukrainian Village and learn about the area, try stopping in at Shokolad Pastry & Café.
Average Rent: $2,714
Average Home Value: $504,420
Best For: Families of all ages who prefer a multicultural experience inside a safe, tight-knit community.
Transportation: CTA (Green Line), Metra, limo/car services, ridesharing.
Old Town
Let’s polish off our list of the best places to live in Chicago by sticking to one of the quintessential American-styled neighborhoods in the world. Old Town balances green spaces with a mixture of architectural homes. It is near the famous Lincoln Park and has quick access to Lake Michigan for boat owners.
What a talk of Old Town would be remiss without bringing up Second City and Zanies Comedy Club. Dive into the history of Saturday Night Live and you’ll soon find that many of the most beloved comedians in America date their roots back to this sleepy Chicago neighborhood.
Average Rent: $2,534
Average Home Value: $306,951
Best For: Families wanting a home strategically located with easy access to parks, museums, schools, entertainment, and even a zoo. Transportation: CTA, train, bus, taxi.
Reinvent Your Move to Chicago with U-Box by U-Haul
Finding the right area to live in takes more than spreading out a map of the Chicago area, closing your eyes, and letting your finger land on a random spot. You’ll want to do a little research to ensure you and your family have a rewarding transition for your move to Chicago, which you've already started by getting to this point of the article!
Crucial to that experience is having a hassle-free move. Consider using our easy and cost-effective U-Box portable moving and storage containers powered by U-Haul. If you need more insights into how to make your long-distance move easier or even keep your winter clothes properly stored during those enjoyable Chicago summers, we have you covered.
There are plenty of options for all of your storage container rental needs: if you feel you want to move a container yourself, great, if not, no big deal, our team will deliver these versatile containers right to your door in the Windy City. You can even store our U-Box containers at your new home for onsite storage, or your local U-Haul location.
No matter if you’re joining the vibrant community of the Northside or looking for a high rise apartment in the Magnificent Mile, U-Box is here to help with hassle-free and fast quotes.