Moving to Chicago? Here are three neighborhoods to check out.

West Town: creative and convenient to everything
The vibe: West Town is the funky, artistic result of the diverse groups of immigrants from all over the world who’ve shaped it. You’ll feel the global influence of German, Polish, Ukrainian, Russians, Puerto Rican, Mexican, and African American communities in the food, the art, and the ambiance. You can get old-world pierogies, hit up a Greco-Roman bathhouse, find incredible antiques, and drink at Chicago’s first botanical brewery, without ever leaving the neighborhood. This is the neighborhood that melds the historical and the contemporary in one, authentic area.¹ 

Living there:
West Town is known for having more two-, three-, and four-unit (they call them flats here) apartment buildings than nearly any neighborhood in the U.S. Housing tends toward these smaller, homier buildings, rather than massive complexes, which gives the whole set-up a real neighborhood feel. There’s more character, decent price-per-square foot options, and a walkable, community feel. Plus, there are four CTA Blue Line stations right in West Town, plus efficient bus routes, and a Chicago’s famously biker-friendly infrastructure.² 

Worth trying:
The Center for Order and Experimentation (Not a Cult) for a unique shopping experience, Forbidden Root (Chicago’s first botanical brewpub) for a local beer, Lao Peng You for authentic Chinese noodles and dumplings, Kasama for savory Filipino pastries and sandwiches, and Guillotine Bakery for baked goods that go fast—so get there early.

Ukrainian Village: cultured, quirky, and unique
The vibe: Think of Ukrainian Village as the quieter, more laidback version of West Town. It’s walkable and popular with single professionals, but also comfortable and a good fit for families, artists, and older, long-time residents. One of the best parts of Ukrainian Village is that 75% of it is a designated Chicago Landmark; think: blocks and blocks of ornate greystone buildings, tree-lined streets, and turn-of-the-19th-century architecture. There’s a strong neighborhood feel, but easy access to nightlife, dining, and culture.³

Living there: Ukrainian Village is consistently ranked as a strong choice for young, single professionals in Chicago. Commuting is easy in this neighborhood. Most professionals who don’t work from home tend to bike or bus to work, and 22% of households don’t even own a car. Locals tend to lean into the slower pace of walking from place to place, stopping for a coffee on a cafe patio or a slice of pizza from a corner vendor. There’s a real passion for the arts, food, and culture in this part of town, with great bars, shops, restaurants, venues, and galleries within walking distance from the quiet, tree-lined residential streets.⁴

Worth trying: There are loads of unique shops in Ukrainian Village, but a good start might be Penelope’s and its sister store Gemini, both on Division Street. Across the street and up a block or two is Alliance Bakery, where you can get fresh, beautiful pastries and delicious coffee. Check out the art deco Sportsman’s Club for craft cocktails in an upscale-hunting-lodge setting or Rainbo Club for the perfect Chicago-dive-bar experience.

River North: work hard, play hard
The vibe: This is the Chicago you probably picture in your head. Glassy, glittering high rises and luxury apartment buildings that give Chicago the skyline we’ve seen in the movies. River North was once a gritty warehouse district, but the neighborhood began shifting in the 1970s—developers converting empty buildings into art galleries and attracting young professionals with high-rise living and night life within walking distance of The Loop, Gold Coast, West Loop, the Magnificent Mile and the Chicago Riverwalk. River North is considered the dining and nightlife capital of Chicago, with the highest concentration of bars, clubs, and restaurants in the city—and the second-highest concentration of art galleries in the country (after Manhattan).

Living there: River North has a Walk Score of 99, easy access to Blue, Green, Pink, and Orange L lines, and major employers are headquartered right in the neighborhood (e.g., Conagra, Sprout Social, Whole Foods). It caters to single professionals and couples, and is not a family-friendly neighborhood due to the lack of single-family homes and 24/7 energy: tourism and corporate life during the day; clubs, concerts, and speakeasies at night. The real estate centers around luxury high-rise condos and rentals, converted loft spaces with lots of character, and charming mid-rise condos. It’s a higher-income neighborhood and it’s not quiet, but it might be perfect for single professionals focused on their careers.⁵

Worth trying: The neighborhood is famous for high-end luxury, but it’s also home to one of the last remaining independent bookstores in Downtown Chicago—and one of the biggest. Check out after-words for a massive selection of new and used books inside a converted warehouse space. Space 519 has a curated collection of shops and restaurants that could take up a whole afternoon. Check out renowned Chicago chef Rick Bayless’s Xoco for cocktails and traditional Mexican fare. Try The Gilt for great cocktails in a library setting. And don’t forget The Green Door Tavern—a vintage Chicago watering hole.⁶