Chicago is divided into 77 distinct community areas, which are then divided further into smaller neighborhoods (as many as 200). They're an important part of the culture in Chicago, which is often collectively referred to as the "city of neighborhoods."
So if you’re thinking about moving to Chicago, you have an important decision to make. Choosing the right Chicago neighborhood requires careful consideration of your lifestyle, budget, and goals.
Casey Bond is a reporter covering money, home, and living. Her work has appeared on HuffPost, U.S. News & World Report, Yahoo Finance, MSN, Business Insider, Forbes, and others.
She brings years of personal finance and consumer reporting experience to HireAHelper, helping readers make smart, informed decisions about the costs and logistics of moving.
Beverly forms one of the largest historic districts in the country, along the South Side of Chicago. The neighborhood features incredible architecture spanning multiple styles and eras, with many homes dating back over a century.
Beverly has deep Irish roots and hosts Chicago's annual South Side Irish Parade, a family-friendly celebration that takes place every St. Patrick's Day. With the highest number of Irish pubs in the city, Western Avenue provides a strong sense of community and cultural identity. Families also appreciate Beverly's excellent schools and safe, residential atmosphere that feels removed from the hustle of downtown, all while remaining accessible to the city.
Located between Rogers Park to the north and Foster Avenue to the south, Edgewater hugs the Lake Michigan shoreline on Chicago's far north side. The neighborhood offers stunning views of Lake Michigan with miles of beaches and green spaces, making it ideal for residents who prioritize outdoor access.
At just two square miles, this compact neighborhood provides a relatively short commute to downtown Chicago, with abundant public transit options. The area is known for its theater district, vintage and antique shopping options, and relaxed residential feel. This area appeals to families and professionals seeking lakefront living without the Gold Coast price tag.
With Lake Michigan as a border to its east, Gold Coast stretches west to Clark Street, sitting just north of the Magnificent Mile and downtown Chicago. The neighborhood features historic houses, grand mansions, and luxury hotels that reflect the area's affluent character.
Gold Coast also has the International Museum of Surgical Science, upscale shopping along Oak Street, and countless high-end bars and restaurants. The lakefront location provides stunning views and easy access to Oak Street Beach, making it a premier destination for those seeking luxury urban living in Chicago.
Lake View (also spelled Lakeview) stretches along the North Side of Chicago on a prime portion of Lake Michigan shoreline, encompassing several distinct sub-neighborhoods, including Boystown and Wrigleyville. The neighborhood appeals to younger couples and professionals who appreciate the lakefront location, extensive dining and bar scene, and easy access to downtown.
Lake View offers diverse entertainment options, from the historic Wrigley Field to the vibrant nightlife scene in Boystown, one of the country's most established gay neighborhoods. The area balances residential charm with urban energy, making it ideal for those who want city living with lakefront perks.
Located about five miles north of downtown, Lincoln Park sits between the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, neighboring Lakeview, Bucktown, and Old Town. As one of Chicago's most affluent neighborhoods, this area offers lots of restaurants and boutique shops alongside plenty of entertainment options.
It’s also home to DePaul University, the largest Catholic university in the U.S., and the famous Lincoln Park Zoo, which provides free admission year-round. Families will appreciate the excellent schools and abundant green space, while the lakefront location offers easy access to beaches and recreational trails.
Logan Square sits on the Northwest side of Chicago, centered around the historic Logan Boulevard and the square that gives the neighborhood its name. The area showcases a thriving arts scene, with the historic Logan Theatre, The Whistler's live music venue and bar, and the annual Arts Festival. You'll also find vintage and thrift stores, a popular farmer's market, and diverse dining options spanning cuisines from around the world.
While Logan Square has become a fairly expensive place to live compared to other neighborhoods (with some homes worth several million dollars), it still maintains a mix of affordable apartments that attract renters and creative professionals. The neighborhood's trendy boulevards, historic graystones, and vibrant street art along the Milwaukee Avenue Corridor create an atmosphere that continues to draw Chicago's creative class.
Old Town sits less than two miles north of downtown Chicago and about a mile west of Lake Michigan, bordering Gold Coast and Lincoln Park. The neighborhood offers exceptional walkability, with shopping, dining, comedy venues like The Second City Comedy Club, and entertainment all within easy reach on foot.
Home to the annual Old Town Art Fair, the area also features a mix of historic Victorian homes and modern luxury high-rise condos. This creates a blend of old and new that appeals to professionals who want urban convenience without sacrificing character.
Rogers Park lines the city's far north side along Lake Michigan, making it one of Chicago's northernmost neighborhoods. The area touts a remarkable diversity of both residents and activities, with over 80 languages spoken in the community.
Home to Loyola University and featuring the Emil Beach House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Rogers Park has numerous parks, restaurants, and live music venues. The neighborhood offers more affordable housing compared to other lakefront areas, making it popular among students, artists, and families seeking diversity and lakefront access without Gold Coast prices.
South Chicago sits near the southern rim of Lake Michigan at the mouth of the Calumet River, part of Chicago's broader South Side. Formerly known as Ainsworth, this working-class neighborhood offers some of the city's most affordable housing options.
It's now a federally designated Opportunity Zone, an economic development tool that allows people to invest in distressed areas to spur growth. While the neighborhood faces economic challenges, it provides lakefront access and active community associations or block clubs for residents seeking affordability without leaving the city limits.
The neighborhood offers a variety of home types, from condos to single-family homes, though it remains a pretty expensive part of town due to high demand. There are also independent boutiques, vintage shops, craft cocktail bars, and music venues that have helped establish Wicker Park as a cultural hub for Chicago's creative class.
Albany Park is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the country. It’s located on the Northwest side of Chicago and is fairly quiet and family-oriented. It has a low cost of living compared to other areas, especially its housing.
Andersonville is a bustling, Swedish-influenced neighborhood on the Northside of Chicago. It’s home to tons of coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and parks, and has a welcoming, artistic vibe. Andersonville is also known for its thriving LGBTQ+ scene.
Arlington Heights is one of the more affluent cities northwest of Chicago. It’s sometimes called “Action Heights,” an ironic nickname hinting at the fact that it’s really a sleepy suburb. It’s home to the famous Arlington Heights Race Track, and a handful of celebrities even have homes there.
Home to the Chicago White Sox and Guaranteed Rate Field, Bridgeport is a great neighborhood for baseball fans. Not into sports? Bridgeport also boasts an excellent art and cultural scene.
Bronzeville is Chicago’s hub of African American life and culture. Each August, more than one million spectators gather in Bronzeville for the Bud Billiken Parade, the country’s biggest African-American parade. You can also find a rich arts district and many galleries.
Bucktown is a trendy neighborhood in Chicago that borders on Wicker Park. Due to the prices, it’s considered an upscale neighborhood. It’s a great place for walking, and you can find a ton of restaurants and shops along Damen Avenue.
Originally the site of a pickle farm, Budlong Woods is known for its quiet streets and family-friendly atmosphere. Legion Park borders its west side, where residents can enjoy hiking and sightseeing.
DeMotte is a small town in Indiana, located about an hour away from Chicago. It’s home to the “Field of Dreams”, which features a jogging path, several fields, basketball courts, and a community pool. Residents also enjoy a local farmer’s market, as well as the annual Touch of Dutch festival.
The East Village is a small neighborhood bordered by Division Street, Ashland Avenue, Chicago Avenue, and Damen Avenue,and some claim it’s actually just part of Ukrainian Village. You’ll find many moderately priced single-family homes here.
Located on the Northwest side of the city, Edison Park is a classic Chicago suburb with fairly affordable prices. It has a good nightlife and plenty of casual dining options, and is also a convenient spot for commuting professionals due to its close proximity to downtown.
Located about 18 miles west of Chicago, Elmhurst is another family-friendly suburb. Many large corporations have their headquarters here. Residents enjoy spending time at Wilder Park, where there are always tons of activities and events.
Forest Glen is a typical affluent, suburban Chicago area. It’s clean, quiet, and contains the Edgebrook and Sauganash neighborhoods. It’s a somewhat secluded area and sits on the city’s Northwest Side.
Located about an hour west of Chicago, Geneva is an upper-middle-class neighborhood known for its European architecture. It’s a tight-knit community that sits on the Fox River with good schools, lots of unique shops, and a scenic riverwalk with paddleboating in the downtown area.
Greektown is a vibrant section of the larger West Loop/Near West Side neighborhoods, known for its dining and nightlife. It blends urban life and Greek culture, and is highly walkable with plenty of public transportation access as well.
Located in northwest Indiana, Hammond is a top choice for residents who want close proximity to Chicago. In fact, it’s less than 30 miles from the Loop. Home prices are also more affordable compared to surrounding neighborhoods.
Horner Park beckons nature lovers. Home to its namesake park, this neighborhood has wide open spaces, scenic walking paths, and recreation areas. The Chicago River also runs through this area, and it stands out as one of the quieter, more residential riverside neighborhoods.
Another neighborhood surrounding a park, Humboldt Park has rich Puerto Rican Roots with traditional restaurants, colorful murals, and many cultural events. Locals divide it into two sections: East Humboldt Park, which borders Wicker Park, and West Humboldt Park, where the actual park is located and where homes are considered more affordable.
Sometimes referred to as“the culture coast,” Hyde Park is home to the University of Chicago and a rich cultural and art scene. It’s also where the Obama family lived before moving to Washington, D.C.
Joliet is a family-friendly town with low crime, affordable housing, and plenty of sunny days. As the fourth largest city in Illinois, it has a more dense urban feel. That also means there is more diversity and a wide variety of entertainment and nightlife.
Bordering the North side of Hyde Park is Kenwood, where you’ll find impressive architecture (particularly Art Deco) and large single-family homes. People who live here say it has a residential feel within an urban setting.
Lincoln Square is known for its German roots, and you’ll see those influences throughout the neighborhood. Lincoln Avenue features many unique shops, traditional restaurants, and bars. You can also find the famous Davis Theater and Old Town School of Folk Music in Lincoln Square.
Also known as Chicago Loop or “The Loop,” this area features the elevated "L" Train looping around the district (giving it its name). It serves as the city's central business district and creates Chicago's skyline with its iconic architecture. You can find tons of shopping and dining options, plus many historic and architectural landmarks. While there’s plenty to do around Chicago’s Loop, it does get overcrowded during tourist seasons.
Historically, the Lower West Side — also known as Pilsen — has been a working-class neighborhood, and it once served as the gateway for immigrants moving to Chicago. Today, it’s known as one of the hip Chicago neighborhoods that’s a haven for creativity with Eastern European and Latin influences. Here, you’ll find Thalia Hall and the National Museum of Mexican Art.
The “Mag Mile” is the central focus of downtown Chicago and one of the most famous shopping areas in the world. In addition to giant shopping centers and luxury designers, you’ll also find countless coffee shops, restaurants, and iconic architecture. You can get a 360-degree view of Chicago’s skyline at 875 N. Michigan (formerly the John Hancock Center), visit the Drake Hotel’s historic Palm Court, or check out the Chicago Riverwalk and take a river taxi.
Located on the Southwestern side of the city and bordering the Stevenson Expressway, McKinley Park is a casual neighborhood made up of homes largely built in the 1950s and 1960s. The neighborhood is relatively low-crime and affordable, with a mix of residential and commercial properties.
A city in Indiana, about 50 miles east of Chicago, Michigan City is known for having an outdoorsy culture. Since it borders Lake Michigan, it’s a popular beach town. Michigan City has a zoo, art museums, many local restaurants, and the popular Blue Chip Casino Spa and Hotel.
Located about 50 miles south of Chicago, Momence is a largely rural area with proximity to urban destinations. It’s a quiet and friendly town that sits along the Kankakee River.
Located in the Southside part of Chicago, Morgan Park is full of cul-de-sacs, roundabouts, historic homes, and mixed architectural styles. People sometimes combine the west side of Morgan Park and Beverly to refer to the Beverly/Morgan Park neighborhood.
Mount Greenwood is located at the Southwestern edge of Chicago. It’s largely residential, with a few campuses and parks. It’s a fairly quiet neighborhood, though there are several Irish pubs and sports bars to hang out at on Friday night. Many of the homes are bungalow style with front and back yards, making it a great place to raise a family.
Located along the DuPage River, Naperville is another affluent suburb outside of Chicago. It’s considered a top city to live in, with low unemployment, solid transportation infrastructure, and great education opportunities. It’s a family-friendly neighborhood with lots of shops, restaurants, historic sites, and a riverwalk featuring fountains and public art.
Near North Side is a busy part of the city, with some of the most picturesque views of the downtown skyline. Residents tend to live in high-rise apartment condos due to the densely packed buildings in this area. There are plenty of food options, from fine dining to delis, and the neighborhood is great for walking. It also boasts a bustling nightlife.
Just south of the Loop, Near South Side has impressive medical facilities, including the historic Mercy Hospital. It’s also home to the NFL’s Chicago Bears and Soldier Field, McCormick Place, the Museum Campus, the Adler Planetarium, and Northerly Island.
Also bordering Chicago’s Loop, the Near West Side is a more relaxed area with moderately priced homes. It’s home to several schools, including the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Chicago-Kent College of Law, and City Colleges’ Malcolm X College.
Formally known as Boystown, Northalstead is another LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhood in Chicago. In fact, it’s the oldest officially recognized gay neighborhood in the U.S. Northalstead is known for its great nightlife, eclectic shopping, and some of the city’s most popular events.
Sandwiched between Roscoe Village and Ravenswood, North Center consists of residential streets with European-style single-family homes. But there’s plenty to do, too, especially along Lincoln Avenue and Irving Park Road, where you’ll find great dining options. There are also bars and breweries, as well as local venues where you can catch live music.
Norwood Park is one of the larger community areas that can be divided into six smaller sections: Big Oaks, Norwood Park East, Norwood Park West, Old Norwood Park, Oriole Park, and Union Ridge. While the nightlife isn’t as happening, you can find a wide variety of restaurants along Milwaukee Avenue, including the famous Superdawg Drive-in, known for its Chicago-style hot dogs.
Park Ridge is ranked as one of the best suburbs in Illinois. It’s located to the northwest of Chicago and is home to many historical buildings, such as the Pickwick Theater. You’ll also find attractions such as the Wildwood Nature Center, Park Ridge History Center, Centennial Park, and Des Plaines River Trail.
Portage Park is a community area within Chicago, measuring just four square miles. It’s known for a major shopping destination called the Six Corners — the intersection of Irving Park Road, Cicero Avenue, and Milwaukee Avenue — though some say the district is actually located in Wicker Park. If you’re looking for somewhere with plenty of space, Portage Park may be the place, as it’s mostly made up of single-family homes with garages and yards.
Named for the printer and publisher buildings located here (many of which have been converted to lofts), Printer’s Row is a lively community in the South Loop. It’s home to the Annual Book Fair, as well as prestigious bookstores and restaurants.
River North is a vibrant community area with great culture and nightlife. It’s a favorite among those who appreciate fine art and upscale dining. As you might have guessed, it’s located north (west) of the Chicago River, above the Loop, and bordered by the Magnificent Mile.
The quaint neighborhood of Roscoe Village is located next to the larger Lake View area and is nicknamed “The Village Within the City.” It was originally developed as a residential neighborhood for factory workers. Here, you can find many brownstones and bungalows, as well as factory spaces that have been transformed into condos.
The South Loop appeals to younger crowds mainly because it offers affordable living right next to downtown with easy commutes, plus immediate access to the lakefront, Grant Park festivals, and a growing bar and restaurant scene. Residents live in high-rise condos overlooking the city. Grant Park, known as “Chicago’s Front Yard,” lives up to its name as the city's central gathering place for free concerts, the Buckingham Fountain, or just sprawling green space for picnics, sports, or hanging out with friends.
South Shore is a large community on Chicago’s South Side that’s known for historic mansions, proximity to the lake, lush green spaces, and beautiful city skyline views. It borders Jackson Park, a massive recreation area that includes agolf course, driving range, beach, Japanese garden, and more.
Ukrainian Village is a mix of history and trendy living, and is one of several small neighborhoods that make up West Town. A diverse mix of people live here, including families, lifelong residents, young professionals, and artists.
Uptown’s history is steeped in the silent film industry. Essanay Studios is now considered a Chicago landmark, as is Hutchinson Street District. It offers an array of culturally diverse restaurants and thriving entertainment. Residents also enjoy Montrose Beach and access to the Lakefront Trail.
Located on Lake Michigan, Waukegan is a larger suburban town known for venues like the Waukegan History Museum, Jack Benny Center for the Arts, and the Genesee Theatre. Waukegan also has Waukegan Park District and Bevier Park, and it features lakefront views at Bowen Park.
The West Loop sits west of Chicago’s downtown. It’s marked by sturdy brick buildings that once housed 19th-century meat-packing businesses. Today, West Loop is home to boutique hotels and art galleries, along with chef-driven restaurants and Michelin-starred establishments along Randolph Street's Restaurant Row and the Fulton Market food hall.
West Town is less of a clearly defined area and more of a collection of neighborhoods, including parts of the West Loop and Ukrainian Village. It’s home to some of Chicago’s highest-rated restaurants and music venues, as well as eclectic shopping and living areas.
Woodstock has a small-town feel, yet is rich with arts and culture. The streets are lined with many historic buildings, and the town square is also a historic landmark. You’ll find the world-renowned Opera House here, as well as plenty of outdoor space, shopping, restaurants, and good schools.
Home to the historic Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs, Wrigleyville is a small neighborhood within the larger Lake View area. It can get pretty crowded and noisy on game days, but the rest of the time, it’s actually a pretty quiet neighborhood. If you’re not a baseball fan, there’s still plenty to do here, including visiting parks, coffee shops, and high-end bars.
When you’ve found the most suitable neighborhood and are ready to make the move to Chicago, you can choose from a number of reputable moving companies for assistance. Below is a list of prices and details for 26 moving companies that have been vetted by HireAHelper, serving Chicago and its surrounding areas.
This guide to Chicago neighborhoods is built on extensive research and real-world moving data. Median rent, home values, household income, and population statistics are sourced from trusted platforms like Niche, Zillow, Redfin, and RentCafe, with retrieved data reported in 2025 to ensure accuracy and relevance.
At HireAHelper, our platform has facilitated thousands of relocations to and within Chicago. That direct experience assisting moves has shown us what factors truly impact the quality of life for residents. These include walkability, commute times, access to amenities, school quality, safety, and community character. Our annual Migration Report tracks real-time moving data, revealing where people are relocating and why, which helps us understand neighborhood trends and appeal.
When evaluating neighborhoods, we consider statistics along with how a neighborhood fits different goals, budgets, and life stages. Whether you're a young professional seeking nightlife, a family prioritizing schools and safety, or a retiree looking for peace and community, we'll help you find a place to call home in Chicago.
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