What are the best neighborhoods to buy a home in Chicago?
Chicago is made up of 77 communities belonging to four major areas: Central, North Side, West Side and South Side.
Central
Located in the very heart of the city, the Central area is comprised of major commercial, cultural and financial institutions. Its streets are dotted with high-rise condos, coops, and townhouses and mixed with fabulous green spaces — like Millennium Park or Grant Park, which offer ample space for recreation and relaxation for residents and tourists alike. The famous elevated tracks of the rapid transit “L” train network can also be found here. Central Chicago is known for boasting pricier properties than other areas.
North Side
This part of Chicago is the most densely populated residential section, featuring plenty of schools and retail outlets. It features a charming mixture of townhomes with beautifully landscaped yards, traditional brick bungalows, cottages and condos. Notably, the many miles of beaches along Lake Michigan provide fantastic recreation opportunities. And, Lincoln Park — with its zoo and conservatory — can also be found in this part of the city.
South Side
As the most massive area of Chicago (covering approximately 60% of its land area), the South Side contains various tourist attractions, such as the Museum of Science and Industry. It’s also home to two of the city’s most significant green spaces, Jackson Park and Washington Park. Former notable residents of the South Side include the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama, and “The Greatest,” pro boxer Muhammad Ali. The South Side also contains some of the most affordable real estate deals in the city, which come in the form of bungalows, mid-rise condos, modest townhomes and multi-family dwellings.
West Side
The West Side is known for its vibrant nightlife and wide variety of restaurants. It also hosts the University of Illinois at Chicago, along with a few famous sports teams, like the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks and the NBA’s Chicago Bulls. This area includes one of the largest medical districts in the country — the Illinois Medical District, which provides valuable services and research facilities. In terms of properties, the West Side mostly features high-rise condos, along with high- and mid-rise office blocks, complimented by plenty of apartments aimed at housing students.