From West Loop to Wicker Park: Which Chicago Neighborhood is Right for You?

 

Whether You’re Seeking a Hip Urban Oasis or a Charming and Historic Tree-lined Community, You’re Sure to Find Your Perfect Fit in One of These Luxury Chicago Neighborhoods!

Chicago is widely recognized as a thriving city steeped in history with something for everyone. From foodies and history enthusiasts to patrons of the arts and entertainment, residents and tourists love Chicago’s wide array of activities and diverse architecture. When it comes to the diverse range of luxury Chicago-area neighborhoods, homebuyers have a wide selection to choose from to find their ideal fit. Whether searching for new construction with modern amenities or the personality of a historic neighborhood, Chicago has a lot to offer. Take a look below to find out which Chicago luxury neighborhood is right for you!

The Gold Coast

In the late 1800s, one of Chicago’s wealthiest businessmen, Potter Palmer, built his mansion on the lakefront in the area north of downtown now known as The Gold Coast. Following Palmer’s move to the area, the city’s elite settled in the neighborhood. 

Today, the area boasts historic mansions and brownstones, upscale shopping and dining, and luxury real estate. The real estate market includes a variety of mid-rise and high-rise condos, as well as affordable walk-up apartments. Situated near high-performing schools and close to the lakefront, The Gold Coast is a hotspot for young families and established professionals. 

The Gold Coast is the ideal place to be on the weekends for a late-morning brunch. The area is composed of a combination of residential properties and commercial spaces. Check out the neighborhood’s selection of breakfast fare to fuel up for a day of exploring. 

Stop by Stockton Restaurant & Lounge for a stack of cinnamon roll pancakes with gooey vanilla frosting or choose from their wide selection of seafood towers at their raw bar. 

Enjoy happy hour at Somerset and admire the ambiance of the restaurant’s building, located on the site of the 1920s-era famed Cedar Hotel. Award-winning chef Lee Wolen has curated a menu of seasonal and playful American cuisine, including the Lucky Charms Pop-Tart, chocolate Guinness doughnut, and short rib breakfast burrito.

After a filling meal, explore the historic Charnley-Persky House—a Chicago landmark—and the International Museum of Surgical Science—stops that are unique to The Gold Coast neighborhood. Continue on to one of the most popular shopping destinations in the city. Just off Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, take a walk down Oak Street for chic designer stores. Whether in the market for high-end pieces or window shopping, don’t miss this picturesque area!

Lincoln Park

Walking through the Lincoln Park neighborhood resembles stepping into a movie set. The picturesque, pedestrian-friendly community is known for extensive green space, historic brownstone homes along leafy tree-lined streets, proximity to DePaul University’s campus, and lakefront views.

Homebuyers considering Lincoln Park can choose from vintage brick-row homes, modern loft condos in converted factories and warehouses, and revitalized single-family homes. Enjoy beautiful views of the lake and the convenience and charm of having Chicago’s largest park as your backyard. Residents of the area include college students, young professionals, and families. Similar to neighborhoods to the north and south, Lincoln Park attracts a number of 20-and 30-somethings, as well as DePaul students and wealthy families. 

 

This family-friendly neighborhood boasts over 1,200 acres of green space thanks to its namesake, the largest park in Chicago. Residents and visitors never run out of activities to do between the Lincoln Park Zoo, the nature museum, the conservatory, a 15-acre pond, five playgrounds, and the nearby harbor. Runners in Lincoln Park can enjoy lakefront trails set against the background of downtown skyscrapers.

The local nightlife scene buzzes with performing arts spaces and live music venues on Lincoln Avenue. Grab a bite at farm-to-table café Blue Door Farm Stand or Shore Club, a lakefront restaurant with world-class cuisine. A night out in Lincoln Park isn’t complete without a stop at a blues club or catching an improv show at iO Theater.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be a part of this historic urban oasis with a convenient location that can’t be beat!

The Loop

Newcomers to Chicago who thrive on being at the center of everything with the best of what the city has to offer at their fingertips will feel right at home in The Loop. Housing options include newly-constructed high-rise apartments and condos and quirky lofts in historic buildings. 

Each year, millions of visitors from around the world travel to The Loop-based attractions. Enjoy nearby public park spaces, a wide range of shopping, restaurants, festivals, farmers’ markets, and many other entertainment options. Don’t miss city landmarks like The Willis Tower, The Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park, and Chicago Theater when making your way through the neighborhood.  

For those who love to stay in the know, The Loop is the place to be for regional events and festivals—Taste of Chicago, Lollapalooza, and the Chicago Marathon are just a few of the many annual events that take place in this unique and diverse piece of the city.

River North

Formerly a hub for old manufacturers and warehouses, today River North is regarded as a fashionable and trendy area of Chicago. Homebuyers can expect historic architecture paired with riverfront properties with a downtown lifestyle, as well as luxury high-rises with skyline views, mid-rise lofts, condos, and Victorian-era homes.

Many of the neighborhood’s residents enjoy the ability to walk to work for a quick and easy commute and a short trek to nearby restaurants and bars in the evenings. Also steps away is the unparalleled shopping area along Michigan Avenue. This stylish neighborhood boasts an abundance of art galleries, restaurants, and high-end nightlife. 

River Roast offers dramatic city and water views to admire while dining on sandwiches, burgers, and premium roasts and sipping on flavorful cocktails. Add some sweetness to your visit with a stop at Firecakes Donuts. Order a classic glazed donut with a flavorful twist or take one of their legendary donut ice cream sandwiches to go!

Join River North’s community of trendy creative professionals and sophisticated locals for a truly world-class place to work and play!

West Loop 

The neighborhood is continually growing with young families and a variety of businesses entering the scene. Real estate in the area ranges from townhomes to luxury condos and industrial-styled converted lofts in historic buildings. Homebuyers interested in calling West Loop home should act fast, as the housing market is competitive!

West Loop is the foodie epicenter in an already highly-accomplished culinary city. Whether moving to the neighborhood or visiting Chicago, “Restaurant Row” is not to be missed. Meander down Randolph Street, the Chicago French Market, and Fulton Market to explore local artisans and some of the best eateries in the city. Girl & the Goat is one of several must-eat dining experiences in the area serving a family-style menu with bold flavors!

West Loop’s gritty, industrial roots continue to influence this thriving culinary destination, as well as art galleries, stylish shops, and a bustling music and street fair scene. This neighborhood is perfect for anyone who loves to eat, drink, and work and play hard!

Wicker Park

In comparison to neighboring areas, Wicker Park’s housing market is surprisingly affordable with spacious apartments in Victorian duplexes, contemporary-style houses, condos in gated complexes with modern amenities, and high-end penthouses.

As a creative hub in the city, Wicker Park is a book and record lover’s dream. Art galleries, vintage shops, and performance venues underscore Wicker Park’s reputation as the place to be for art and culture with an alternative vibe. 

Embrace the neighborhood’s bohemian atmosphere and stop by cafés and eateries such as Handlebar. This made-from-scratch food joint offers vegetarian and vegan comfort food with a full-service bar and beer garden. Trendy coffee shops, cocktail bars, and unique boutiques round out the community’s charm and trendsetting dining and entertainment.

This eclectic neighborhood brings diverse residents, art, culture, and cuisine together into one interesting and high-energy experience!

Interested in learning more about Chicago communities? Contact Tom Bakritzes today. His dedication and experience as the best realtor in Chicago will help with the process of finding the perfect neighborhood or piece of Chicago luxury real estate to meet the needs of any homebuyer!