Neighborhood descriptions
Discover our diverse neighborhoods.
Click on the name of any neighborhood below to read a description. Click Here to view our neighborhood map.
Andersonville
First settled by Swedish immigrants, this North Side neighborhood is home to many Scandinavian restaurants and shops.
A visit to the Swedish American Museum Center and its Children's Museum of Immigration is a great way to learn about Swedish culture and immigration to the Midwest.
This neighborhood has unique diversity as well. Enjoy Middle Eastern restaurants and bakeries and a thriving Hispanic commercial district. This neighborhood hosts one of Chicago's largest gay and lesbian communities.
Argyle Street
Located between Sheridan Road and Broadway, Argyle Street has one of the city's largest Asian populations. Formerly home to Essanay Studios where Charlie Chaplin worked (making Chicago the country's first filmmaking center), Argyle Street today appeals to shoppers and diners with loads of Vietnamese, Laotian, Cambodian, Thai, Chinese and Filipino shops and restaurants.
Beverly and Morgan Park
Beverly and Morgan Park are adjacent neighborhoods on Chicago's Far Southwest Side. Self-described as a "Village in the City," the area is one of the largest urban historic districts in the U.S. See the landmark homes designed by notable architects including Frank Lloyd Wright, Walter Burley Griffin and H.H. Waterman. The Beverly Arts Center presents engaging cultural entertainment such as contemporary art exhibitions, visual and performing art classes, and a dynamic performing arts series.Bronzeville
One of the country’s most influential African American communities of the 20th century, Bronzeville was the center of African American culture, literature, politics and entrepreneurship in Chicago until about 1950. Once called "the Black Metropolis," this history-rich South Side community is enjoying a renaissance and now features new homes, clubs, restaurants, and an array of cultural organizations and public art amid beautiful parks and iconic graystones. Bucktown / Wicker Park
Wicker Park's early populace was a mix of the wealthy—including the Pritzkers, Crowns, and Carl Laemmle (of Universal Studios)—working-class and leading labor activists. Later inhabitants included future literary giants Nelson Algren and Saul Bellow. This eclecticism remains evident as Wicker Park is an architectural showplace of magnificent Victorian mansions and striking new construction alongside small worker cottages and retailers. Early Bucktown was primarily a Polish working-class community filled with small homes, saloons, churches and businesses. Now an artistic community, these neighborhoods offer trendy shops and boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, nightclubs and coffeehouses. Besides great shopping and dining, this area is known for its art exhibitions, artist studio access, performance art presentations and poetry readings. Its multi-disciplinary arts festival, Around the Coyote, attracts thousands. Chinatown
Chinatown is one of Chicago's most vibrant communities with its interesting mix of Western and Asian art and architecture. The Nine Dragon Wall and the Chinatown Gate greet visitors to the area. Chinese delicacies from dim sum and bubble tea to gourmet feasts are specialties of many of the restaurants. Annual public events such as the Chinese New Year Parade, Chinatown Summer Fair, ComEd Dragon Boat Race and the Double Ten Parade add to the excitement. Gold Coast
Just minutes from downtown, this Near North Side neighborhood is famous for its notable architecture and picturesque Lake Michigan vistas. Namesake of the African coast, Gold Coast also suggests the wealth of its residents, which in the late 19th century included its founder, hotelier Potter Palmer, and reaper inventor Cyrus McCormick. Oak and Rush streets near North Michigan Avenue are famous for their many chic designer boutiques, as well as spas and salons, stylish clubs and restaurants. Greek Town
Today a multicultural community, Greek Town lies west of the Loop near Randolph Street's Restaurant Row and the University of Illinois campus. Delightful Greek restaurants, cafes, bakeries and shops selling Greek-related goods, make it a wonderful destination for an authentic Greek meal, distinctive gifts and nighttime fun. Add a visit to the Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center for insight into the Greek immigration experience and culture.Hyde Park
Namesake of the famous London park, this diverse South Side lakefront neighborhood is a cultural and intellectual enclave. With the founding of the University of Chicago in 1892 and the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, the neighborhood flourished. Among its present-day cultural offerings are the new Hyde Park Art Center, Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House, the Court Theatre on the University of Chicago campus, the DuSable Museum of African American History, and the Museum of Science and Industry. Lincoln Park
This popular North Side residential, lakefront neighborhood offers varied sights, sounds and tastes. It is home to the Chicago History Museum, the free-admission Lincoln Park Zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, Notebaert Nature Museum, dance clubs, restaurants of every cuisine and quaint shops. DePaul University anchors its west end that includes Halsted Street's off-Loop theater district and world-renowned blues clubs. Lakeview and Wrigleyville
Located north of Lincoln Park, Lakeview's energetic confines are home to many young professionals as well as a large gay and lesbian community. Trendy and unique boutiques and specialty retailers make the neighborhood a shopping destination. Nightclubs and restaurants keep the area active until early morning. The north section, Wrigleyville, is the namesake of the area's historic ballpark Wrigley Field. At Wrigleyville's northern tip is the historic resting place of many Chicago legends and leaders, Graceland Cemetery. Lincoln Square
Located northwest of Lakeview, Lincoln Square was the center of Chicago's German immigrant community. Its heritage is evident in the architecture, restaurants and area shops. A fountain from the mayor of Hamburg, Germany is a landmark of the community. This neighborhood remains a popular destination with a number of international cafes and restaurants, and live entertainment including the legendary Old Town School of Folk Music. Little Italy / University Village
West Taylor Street, home of The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, is the hub of this Near West Side gem. Nearby is the national historic landmark Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, the University of Illinois at Chicago and the United Center. A charming, tree-lined church-filled area, Little Italy is famous for family-owned restaurants, authentic Italian delis and bakeries, and some of the city's best Italian ice. University Village, adjacent to the University of Illinois Chicago, is one of Chicago's newest neighborhoods. Just five minutes from the Loop, it encompasses the legendary Maxwell Street area and Roosevelt Road, and features new apartment buildings, townhomes and retailers. Logan Square
On the Northwest Side of the city, Logan Square is known for the Logan Square Boulevards Historic District, a National and Chicago Landmark. The 1918 Illinois Centennial Monument by sculptor Henry Bacon, who also created the Lincoln Memorial, occupies the square at the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue, and Logan and Kedzie boulevards. The neighborhood is home to a diverse population and interesting shops and restaurants. Milwaukee Avenue
Milwaukee Avenue travels through some of the city's original Polish immigrant settlements in today's West Town (includes Wicker Park/Bucktown), Logan Square, Avondale, Portage Park and Jefferson Park neighborhoods. Highlights along the way include St. John Cantius Church at Milwaukee and Chicago avenues, the Copernicus Center, the Polish Museum of America, and authentic Polish restaurants and delis.North Michigan Avenue / Streeterville
The Historic Water Tower is a North Michigan Avenue landmark. It is now home to City Gallery, which showcases works by Chicago photographers. A hot destination, North Michigan Avenue features world-class designer shops such as Chanel, Georg Jensen, Dennis Basso and Gucci; upscale and popular retailers including Neiman Marcus, the original American Girl Place and the Apple Store; four vertical malls; theaters including Lookingglass Theatre; restaurants; museums and gardens. Running north from the Chicago River to Oak Street and east from Michigan Avenue to the lake, Streeterville is one of Chicago's most affluent neighborhoods. Old Town
Old Town is noted for its 19th-century Victorian homes and narrow, cobblestone streets. Just steps west of Lincoln Park, this Near North Side community boasts distinctive off-Loop theater including the celebrated improvisational comedy club and training ground, The Second City, as well as one of the nation's oldest summer art fairs. The area has many popular restaurants and boutiques. Pilsen
Before World War II, Pilsen was home to the largest Bohemian American settlement in the U.S. The namesake of a city in Bohemia, Pilsen is now home to one of the city's largest Mexican and Mexican American communities. Colorful murals adorn local buildings and authentic Mexican restaurants and shops abound. To explore the arts of the Mexican culture, visit the acclaimed National Museum of Mexican Arts (formerly the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum), the largest Latino museum in the country.
Pullman Historic District
Industrialist George M. Pullman debuted this model town in 1880. A planned community for the workers of his railway sleeping car factory, this Far South Side landmark district's highlights include the Historic Pullman Foundation Visitors Center, the Greenstone Church and the Hotel Florence. Ravenswood
Ravenswood was Chicago's first commuter suburb in the 1800s, and featured the residence of poet Carl Sandburg. It was also the birthplace of such nationally prominent companies as Abbott Laboratories. Today's Ravenswood is a residential, commercial and industrial beacon. Adjacent to Lincoln Square, this Northwest Side community's industrial corridor features 450 manufacturing and technology businesses, alongside artists and artisans. Among its tree-framed streets and parks are beautiful Victorian, Prairie-style and bungalow homes, specialty shops, eateries, coffeehouses and the Conrad Sulzer Regional Library, honoring one of the area's original founders. River North
River North is just west of North Michigan Avenue and north of the Loop. This chic district houses many of the city's art galleries. Trendy restaurants, clubs, design businesses and condominium dwellers add to the mix of old and new, from vintage lofts to new high-rises and townhomes. The Merchandise Mart and the Apparel Center are located here.Rogers Park and Devon Avenue
The Far North Side neighborhood of Rogers Park is one of Chicago's most diverse areas. This beach-filled lakeside community is home to Loyola University's main campus. Along its major thoroughfare Sheridan Road are multicultural shops and coffeehouses. Devon Avenue, its southern border, is an international marketplace featuring restaurants, bakeries and shops serving South Asian, Middle Eastern, Jewish and other cuisines. Area highlights include the Indo-American Center and landmarks of its Jewish heritage. South Loop and Printer's Row
Located beside Grant Park and the lakefront, this area's highlights include the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University; the Spertus Museum; the Museum Campus: John G. Shedd Aquarium and Oceanarium, The Field Museum of Natural History, The Adler Planetarium & Astronomy Museum; and the annual Chicago Tribune Printers Row Book Fair. The South Loop is one of Chicago's fastest growing neighborhoods. The Loop
Chicago's business and retail heart, the Loop's main thoroughfare is the famed “State Street.” Encircled by the elevated train known as the 'L', the area's world-renowned financial district is complemented by the Theatre District, The Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Harold Washington Library Center, a wealth of public art, and more. A fabulous selection of restaurants and hotels, a growing residential population, and the 24.5-acre award-winning Millennium Park complete the picture. Ukrainian Village
Ukrainian Village has a unique old-world charm. Located on the Near North Side, its quiet residential streets are punctuated by busy Chicago Avenue's Ukrainian shops and restaurants. Explore the European heritage of this area at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, the Ukrainian National Museum, and the Louis Sullivan-designed Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Uptown
This North Side lakefront neighborhood has become a port of entry for many recent immigrants, earning it the reputation as Chicago's "United Nations." Reflecting such diversity are the many shops, restaurants, cultural facilities and areas known for Vietnamese offerings. The area's legacy is as an entertainment destination, including the Aragon Ballroom, the Riviera Theatre and the Green Mill jazz club. West Loop and Randolph Street
Historically, a commercial district featuring produce and meat purveyors, and restaurant supply houses, this Near West Side neighborhood is now a mix of residential and businesses including Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Studios. A fun of-the-moment neighborhood, it is alive with the throng of diners frequenting the many Restaurant Row and Greek Town eateries. Many of the original buildings now house art galleries, lofts, photographers, restaurants and clubs, which are alongside remaining food markets. Cobblestone side streets add to the area's retro feel. 