Moving to a new city is intimidating and quite confusing. If Chicago is your pick, you are in for a treat. This diverse city offers a neighborhood that satisfies any desired lifestyle. From quaint family-friendly residential quarters to high-end lofts for young professionals, nature lovers, art lovers, and those with high-end taste will find a home here.

Before you settle down blindly pay your deposit, check out our guide for the 10 Best Neighborhoods in Chicago that satisfies every lifestyle and budget.

THE BEST NEIGHBORHOODS IN CHICAGO

Logan Square

Average  Rent: $1,205

Walkscore: 88

Why is it one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods?

   If you’re looking to live in the thick of all the city excitement, then Logan Park has your name written all over it. This trendy spot is filled by a community of upbeat urban creatives and trendsetters alike. There is no lack in variety here! During the day you can explore Logan Boulevard where regal homes line the street. Nearby you can catch a flick and the infamous Logan Theater, a vintage 1915 theater that shows everything top of the box office to your favorite indie films and classics. It is also host to the Chicago Underground Film Festival, the longest underground film festival ever.

Not sure what to eat? You can grab a bite at any of the neighborhood’s unique eateries. You’ll find anything from Michelin star rated spots, quirky noodle shops, pizza places, and quirky fusion concepts. There is also a year-long Sunday Farmers Market, minimalist boutiques and cozy coffee shops. If you want to explore the neighborhood’s night scene, you can pick between high-end cocktail bars or underground venues with entertainment or local breweries and distilleries. Once you’ve completed your craft whiskey tasting you can end the night with a sweet nightcap at the Ladies Room which has a secret bar hidden in their bakery.

Avondale

Average Rent: $1,117

Walkscore: 84

Why is it one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods?

    Avondale is Chicago’s next neighborhood, this under the radar neighborhood is booming with young down to earth individuals but it won’t be so secret for long. This urban neighborhood is being refreshed by the booming nightlife and eateries. You can explore Avondale’s historical sights such as St. Hyacinth Basilica (one of three in Chicago) or catch a show at Prop THTR a storefront theater that features classic literature-inspired original works. If you’re in the mood to shop til you drop, the neighborhood’s variety of pop shops keep the spontaneity alive for any shopping need. Grab a bite at one of the best old world buffets or order an Iron Maiden Burger at Kuma’s Corner … while listening to Iron Maiden of course. Feeling thirsty? Grab a locally brewed award-winning beer at any of the neighborhood taprooms or if your dreaming of tropical paradise, sip on a rum cocktail out of conch shell at Lost Lake, the cool upbeat take on a tiki bar.

Lakeview

Average Rent: $1,655

Walkscore: 91

Why is it one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods?

    Lakeview is one of Chicago’s laidback hang out neighborhoods by day and bursting with nightlife at night. It is one of Chicago’s biggest hubs for a night out on the town. It connects four smaller Chicago party towns each with their own personality; East Lakeview, Central Lakeview, Boystown and Wrigleyville along its shoreline strip over Lake Michigan. During the day, there’s plenty of shopping areas, local boutiques, and vintage record shops.

On a nice day, take a walk to the Lakefront Trail for a relaxing oasis perfect for an afternoon picnic. Come night time, Lakeview can offer you any night out you desire. Catch a world-renown Blue Man Group show that’s fun for the whole family or grab the best craft-brewed beer and enjoy a live organist at Music Box Theatre. Lakeview has a multitude of some of the best music venues, thriving theatre community, comedy and dance year-round. 

West Loop

Average Rent: $2,360

Walkscore: 96

Why is it one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods?

     If food is your passion then West Loop is your ultimate Chicago destination. This old meatpacking district neighborhood transformed foodie paradise has every taste and smell to satisfy your palette. In particular, a stretch known as Restaurant Row which is on Randolph Street is lined with the best high-end tasting menus, ramen joints and 5th generation owned sandwich shops. West Loop is also the home of Greektown a little haven of authentic Greek restaurants, bakeries, and delis as well as history at the famous National Hellenic Museum.

You can also indulge at Fulton Market which is a cool industrial strip of vintage warehouses. Between meals, you can explore this upbeat neighborhood’s art galleries, boutique hotels, and unique vintage shops. In the summer, West Loop also hosts the Randolph Street Market filled with live music, pop up bars and unique vintage finds. To top it off grab a sweet treat at Bombobar for Instagram worthy dessert.

Edgewater

Average Rent: $1,192

Walkscore: 89

Why is it one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods?

    It’s in the name itself, this neighborhood stuns with the best beautiful views along the edge of Lake Michigan. You can get that waterfront view you’ve always wanted without compromising your budget. This family-friendly hub is a charming reminder of the 1920’s Chicago, with well-preserved architecture and antique malls. You can stroll for hours at the Broadway Antique Market then take a much-needed shopping break and build your own bloody mary with over 250+ ingredients to choose from at Fireside Restaurant and Lounge.

Edgewater is a very culturally diverse neighborhood with primarily African and Eastern European immigrants giving you a divine culinary feast. Take your kids to the beach for the beach day and later immerse in an innovative storefront theatre production. Edgewater is the perfect lively neighborhood in the Chicago city atmosphere for you and your family.

Lincoln Park

Average Rent: $1,862

Walkscore: 94

Why is it one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods?

      Looking for a luxurious stroll in the park? Lincoln Park is worth checking out. This Chicago neighborhood is surrounded by some of the best-manicured gardens, lily ponds, and historic botanical gardens. Most residences have lakefront green space with swanky city views. What really sets this neighborhood apart is it’s infamous park containing one of the oldest free zoos, Lincoln Park Zoo, the Lakefront Trail, Theatre at the park and many other attractions. There’s definitely enough to do here to keep you preoccupied for your weekends.

After awing over the landscaped nature scenery, take a snack break at Vosges Haut-Chocolate for their multitude of globally inspired flavors (we recommend absinthe and coconut ash truffle). This chocolate lover’s paradise is also surrounded by beautiful boutiques and historic row homes. For a once in a lifetime dining experience, Lincoln Park’s Alinea has world-renowned Avante Garde menu and interactive presentation. Among these are other Michelin star-rated eateries like Boka. You can end your nights with a perfect nightcap at the year-round rooftop bar J. Parker with stunning Lake Michigan views.

Pilsen

Average Rent: $1,406

Walkscore: 88

Why is it one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods?

     Named one of the coolest neighborhoods to live in by Forbes, Pilsen is a Chicago neighborhood bursting with Latino culture. It’s vibrant murals, iconic music venues, and award-winning restaurants definitely make Pilsen stand out. This Chicago neighborhood is hard to miss with its colorful street art, all over massive buildings and structures which hint at the thriving art community. It’s not hard to discover some of the best emerging artists as this neighborhood contains monthly Gallery Nights every second Friday.

You will also satisfy any craving for authentic Mexican cuisine at Panaderias, bodegas, and family-owned restaurants all located close by to offbeat boutiques. After a bite to eat, you can indulge yourself in art history for free at the Museum of Mexican Art where you will find displays of the infamous photography and portraiture of Frida Khalo. Pilsen is also home to one of Chicago’s most beloved music venues, Thalia Hall. You can catch any show from live comedy to world-renowned DJ’s in this beautifully crafted building modeled after the Prague Opera House.

Lincoln Square

Average Rent: $1,205

Walkscore: 82

Why is it one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods?

      This family-friendly neighborhood gives you a little (or a lot) taste of Germany. You and your family can roam the Old World cobblestone streets packed with unique shops and eateries. Beyond its German roots, this Chicago neighborhood is one of the best spots for local owned shopping, such as the toy emporium Timeless Toys which will amaze the kids. It’s also home to the Chopping Block a local foodie destination.

There is also a diverse cuisine other than brats such as French eateries and high-end cocktail bars. Take the kids to catch their must-watch flick at one of our favorite old-world movie houses, The Davis Theatre. On a date night out without the kids, you have to check out a show at the famous Old Town School of Folk Music which is known to have launched many notable folk musicians. If you are more of a homebody but have some cabin fever curl up with a glass of pinot noir and a good book at the Book Cellar. 

River North

Average Rent: $2,695

Walkscore: 98

Why is it one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods?

     This ultra-stylish, ultra-high-end neighborhood is bound to give you the fast and furious Chicago urban living. Filled with sleek art galleries from converted warehouses, it’s also home to the city’s hottest night scenes where there are endless options for trendy bars and exclusive clubs. River North is the go-to for art and design lovers and well… people who like to party. It’s home to theMART which lays on the Chicago Riverwalk famous for producing the largest video production art installation. Just north of it you’ll find specialized art galleries anywhere from wax figurines and traditional Asain art. The architecture in this neighborhood is already off the chain, but come night time you’re in for a ride. Be prepared to eat and dance the night the way at TAO a restaurant and club infused joint. 

Bucktown

Average Rent: $2,013

Walkscore: 91

Why is it one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods?

      If you’re single and looking for mingling opportunities, this is your spot. Bucktown really gives you every ideal dating spot you could think of. The heart of this neighborhood meets at where Milwaukee and Damen Avenues intersect. There you will find some of the best record shops, noodle joints, cute vintage thrift stores, cool coffee shops, art galleries, book stores and classy eateries in Chicago. The liveliness continues into the nights with well-rated, bars, pubs, and clubs. During the day you will find joggers and cyclers on the 606 which is a trail line giving you an elevated view of some of Chicago’s most active neighborhoods on a 2.7n mile stretch. Whatever your dating style is, whether its artisanal drinks at cocktail bar Violet Hour or getting trapped in on an ‘L’ train escape room at Escape Artistry escape rooms, you’re guaranteed to find your perfect partner.  

Need Help Moving?

     Now that you know which Chicago neighborhood best suits your lifestyle, it’s time to start planning your move. Get help moving your all your things, bringing home new furniture from IKEA, and more with Dolly. Whether you’re going to call Avondale or Pilsen your new home, our friendly local helpers can handle all your moving needs. Got a new couch at West Elm to bring home? Ready to bring that old dining table to the dump? Or just need someone to cover your whole move? Dolly’s got your back all across the buzzing city of Chicago.

*Rent calculations gathered by RentCafe. WalkScores calculated by WalkScore.