Which Chicago Neighborhood Suits Me?

January 1, 2023

Chicago is home to unique neighborhoods that suit a variety of people. Once you’ve set your heart on living in the city, your next step is to figure out what neighborhood you’d like to live in. Whether you’re looking for a quieter, more residential part of town or an area with bustling nightlife, we’ve compiled a list of Chicago neighborhoods and their shining attributes to make the decision-making process of where to live a little easier.

Rogers Park

A Chicago 'L' train crosses over an urban street at dusk, with colorful murals decorating the bridge supports.

Located far north of the city center, Rogers Park is a welcoming lakefront enclave for those who enjoy authentic global food, art, and theater. This neighborhood is one of Chicago’s most diverse, with over 40 different languages spoken and dining options just as varied. Explore restaurants with food from Mexico, Jamaica, Ethiopia, Korea, and beyond.

If you appreciate art, Rogers Park has plenty of murals, award-winning theaters, live music venues, art galleries, and more. Check out the sculpture garden at B1E Gallery or the famous architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright at Emil Bach House.

Take a look at our Reside apartments in Rogers Park here.

Andersonville & Edgewater

A paved path separates a grassy dune from a sandy beach, with several tall apartment towers standing in the background.

This area of the city borders Lake Michigan, so it’s perfect for those who enjoy long walks by the beach and plenty of green spaces for picnics. When you’re not exploring the outdoors, you can find something to do in their thriving theater districts with productions in intimate theaters for a fun night out, or grab a bite to eat at one of their many delicious local restaurants and bars.

These two neighborhoods are also known for their diversity with authentic delis, grocery stores, and specialty farm stands. You’ll definitely find more independently-owned businesses here than chain stores.

Take a look at our Reside apartments in Andersonville and Edgewater here.

Buena Park

A symmetrical, three-story red brick apartment building with two gabled peaks and a central gated entrance.

Located along Lake Michigan, Buena Park offers a more residential setting with plenty of tree-lined blocks and Prairie-style mansions. If you enjoy the beach, this neighborhood places you by one of Chicago’s most popular beaches, Montrose Beach.

For those living more active lifestyles, enjoy evening strolls by the lake near Montrose Bird Sanctuary. Further south is where you can find Montrose fields and play tennis, soccer, golf, and more.

Take a look at our Reside apartments in Buena Park here.

Lakeview

Aerial view of a boat-filled harbor along a city shoreline with high-rise buildings and a green park.

Lakeview is known for both its lively entertainment and laid- back atmosphere by the shoreline. Enjoy a Chicago Cubs game in Wrigleyville or see a show in the Belmont Theater District. Interested in spending time outdoors and making the most of Chicago’s beautiful summers? Would you rather spend the day outdoors? Check out the 1,200-acre green space by the lake, featuring tennis courts, grassy fields, and even a golf course.

This neighborhood is home to bustling shopping districts, like the Southport Corridor, which is lined with local boutiques and vintage shops. After shopping, hit up one of the many bars, pubs, and restaurants around town. You definitely won’t run out of things to do in Lakeview.

Take a look at our Reside apartments in Lakeview here.

Lincoln Park

Chicago skyline with skyscrapers behind a lush park filled with trees in autumn foliage under a bright blue sky.

This picturesque neighborhood is perfect for nature lovers. Its park features 1,200 acres of green space that connects to the Lakefront Trail with an indoor botanical garden, free admission zoo, sports fields, and more.

Lincoln Park is also great for those who enjoy shopping, dining, and entertainment. Charming boutiques line the area around Armitage and Halsted, museums can be found both inside and outside of the park, and there’s no shortage of live music clubs and theaters.

Take a look at our Reside apartments in Lincoln Park here.

Old Town

A busy street festival with many white vendor tents, crowds of people, and tall buildings under a clear blue sky.

For comedy lovers, this neighborhood is home to some of the world’s most legendary comedy clubs. Check out daily shows at The Second City, which introduced the world to Key & Peele, Tina Fey, Steve Carell, and many more. If you like shopping and dining, Old Town isn’t short of trendy boutiques, historic restaurants, and lively bars that offer a great nightlife.

Art enthusiasts will also enjoy the Old Town Art Fair, a popular event in June that attracts thousands of visitors and over 200 nationally acclaimed artists.

Take a look at our Reside apartments in Old Town here.

Gold Coast

A historic, multi-story stone building with a reddish roof stands beside a modern glass high-rise on a tree-lined street.

Bordering a smaller area of Lake Michigan, the Gold Coast is a historic neighborhood that’s more on the luxurious side. With high-end boutiques and Michelin-starred restaurants lining the streets, this neighborhood is for you if you like all things fancy.

The Gold Coast’s architecture is in a league of its own with various revival styles of the 19th-century. You can find several brownstone mansions, the Charnley-Persky House, designed by Louis Sullivan and Frank Lloyd Wright, and even the Original Playboy Mansion from the 60s.

Take a look at our Reside apartments in the Gold Coast here.

River West

A multi-story apartment building stands above a city neighborhood at twilight with the downtown skyline in the background.

River West should be on everyone’s watch list as one of Chicago’s rising neighborhoods. Over the last decade, it has experienced a resurgence with a number of factories being refurbished into loft-style condos and apartments. Its location is ideal for those looking to be near the heart of downtown but also able to experience some peace and quiet.

If you’re a biker, this neighborhood is one of the most biker-friendly. Milwaukee Avenue has one of the most protected bike lanes in the city, connecting you to The 606 down to the West Loop.

Take a look at our Reside apartments in River West here.

Fulton Market

A former warehouse district, Fulton Market is now a hip corporate and entertainment area known for its popular businesses, restaurants, breweries, live music venues, cocktail bars, and boutiques. It’s one of Chicago’s fastest-growing neighborhoods with tons of fun things to do, places to shop, and new restaurants to try out.

If you’re self-employed or work from home, enjoy a seven-story WeWork co-working space with no shortage of nearby companies. Google’s Chicago headquarters is located in this area, with other businesses popping up every other day.

Take a look at our Reside apartments in Fulton Market here.

West Loop

An elevated view of a pedestrian plaza with a colorful, abstract painted street mural between brick storefronts.

The West Loop is a food lover’s paradise. This former industrial area and meat-packing district has seen historic warehouses turned into some of Chicago’s hottest restaurants and bars. You can find many of the neighborhood’s most popular spots on a street known as “Restaurant Row.” This neighborhood is also home to Greektown, an area full of traditional Greek restaurants, delis, and the National Hellenic Museum.

In addition to food, have fun exploring the West Loops’ many art galleries, funky vintage shops, boutique hotels, and more.

Take a look at our Reside apartments in the West Loop here.

Wicker Park & Bucktown

A cyclist rides across a city intersection with brick buildings, cars, and a distant skyscraper under a cloudy sky.

These sister neighborhoods are the right fit for artsy types. They attract shoppers looking for unique finds and art enthusiasts exploring its variety of galleries. In the Six Corners area, you can find vintage stores, record shops, restaurants, coffee houses, bookstores, and more. Wicker Park and Bucktown are also not short of nightlife spots, with an abundance of music venues, clubs, and dive bars.

And for the outdoorsy types, The 606 is a repurposed rail line running right between these two neighborhoods. It offers 2.7 miles for walking, jogging, biking, and looking at local art installations.

Take a look at our Reside apartments in Wicker Park and Bucktown here.

Logan Square

The Logan Theatre marquee lights up a Chicago street at twilight, with a blurred bus passing by and city cars parked.

Logan Square attracts a number of artists, musicians, and those with an indie spirit. If this sounds like you, Logan Square might be your next home. The neighborhood has a creative energy to it with unique shops, cafes, and art galleries.

Opened in 1915, The Logan Theater is a famed historical site now revamped to a bar and lounge. Enjoy your favorite films daily or during the annual Chicago Underground Film Festival. Logan Square also has a solid nightlife, with cocktail bars, live music venues, and local breweries. If food is more your style, enjoy a great range of restaurants from Michelin-ranked spots to local pizza joints.

Take a look at our Reside apartments in Logan Square here.

If you’re ready to take the next steps to find your new home, check out an overview of all our Reside communities in the above neighborhoods here.

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Moving to Chicago? Here’s Your Complete Checklist 🏙️📦

By Naecha Roberts • March 18, 2026

So, you’re thinking about moving to Chicago - exciting choice! From iconic neighborhoods and endless food options to world-class culture and lakefront views, the Windy City has a little something for everyone. To help make your move as smooth as possible, we’ve put together a complete Chicago moving checklist, filled with practical tips and helpful resources to guide you from apartment hunting all the way to settling into your new home. Whether you’re relocating from out of state or just moving across neighbourhood lines, this guide will help you stay organised and confident every step of the way.

Chicago skyline at dusk featuring the John Hancock Center towering over dense city buildings and the Lake Michigan shore.

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Best Chicago Neighborhoods to Live In (That Aren’t Downtown)

February 24, 2026

It’s no secret that there are perks to living in downtown Chicago. There’s the walk-to-everything convenience, like grabbing a coffee on your way to the gym, picking up groceries on the walk home, and rarely needing to plan around a commute. Transit access is hard to beat, especially in The Loop, where every CTA line converges. Car-free living comes naturally here, whether you’re heading to work, meeting friends, or exploring the city. This means no traffic, no parking headaches, no wasted time. And boredom? Not an option. Millennium Park. The Art Institute of Chicago. The Chicago Theatre. Michigan Avenue. The Bean. Willis Tower. Festivals, concerts, museums, public art… Culture isn’t something you visit, it’s something you live inside every day. Add in skyline, river, and lake views, and downtown living delivers an unmistakably Chicago experience. But what if you don’t work downtown? What if you want to keep your car? Maybe you’re looking for quieter streets, more neighborhood restaurants and bars, or tree-lined sidewalks where your dog can set the pace. Or maybe downtown Chicago just isn’t your vibe, and that’s okay. Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, and each one offers its own version of city living. From strong transit access and walkability to vibrant local scenes and more breathing room at home, there are plenty of Chicago neighborhoods that deliver big-city perks without the downtown feel. Here are some of the best Chicago neighborhoods to live in if you want everything you love about the city, without living downtown.