This Awesome Chicago Neighborhood Guide Gives You The Low Down On Living There

What makes Chicago the greatest city in the Midwest? Well, a lot of things: all of its sports teams (yes, even the Cubs), its litany of famous comedians, its amazing architecture and, of course, the diversity of its neighborhoods. We’ve compiled this helpful list for folks drawn to the Windy City to give them an idea about which neighborhood is right for them.

Albany Park

Reputation: Cultural melting pot, working class folks
Hotspots: Seoul Road, Great Sea Chinese, Lawrence Fish Market
CTA: Brown Line (Kimball, Kedzie)
Albany Park is one of Chicago’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods. This neighborhood, known for its locally-owned family restaurants and numerous parks, is a great opportunity for folks looking for the prototypical American melting pot experience. Of particular interest is the stretch known as “Seoul Road," which delivers the best of Korean culture to the Windy City. If you’re thinking of moving, know that Albany Park has been moving away from a reputation for being unsafe, and while there are still pockets of crime in eastern parts of this neighborhood, on the whole it’s safer than other places in Chicago.

Ashburn

Reputation: Cheaper version of Beverly, very quiet
Hotspots: Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria, Farmhouse Chicken Strips and More
CTA: Orange Line (Kedzie) kind of
Compared to nearby Beverly, the homes go for a steal in Ashburn, and families looking to escape the city and settle down will find the same greenery, peace and quiet, and safety here as they would in similar Southwest side neighborhoods. As of now, Ashburn was eluded heavy gentrification, which has kept the general cost of living low and the community integrated. That being said, if you’re looking for a remotely exciting night out, you’ll be living pretty far from your destination. Ashburn never turns out, but that may be exactly what you’re looking for.

Avondale

Reputation: Big Polish population, amazing local cuisine
Hotspots: Staropolska Restaurant, Outdoor Grill, Kuma’s Corner
CTA: Blue Line (Addison, Belmont)
Avondale’s Polish heritage is one of the neighborhood’s defining traits. Besides the wealth of Polish delis and other local businesses, the cuisine has permeated the area. Hot Doug, profiled by Anthony Bourdain, is one of the best places to get a mean sausage in the city, though you’ll have to wait in line with the tourists whenever you get a craving. Some believe that this area will go the way of Wicker Park (i.e. popular with hipsters and destined for widespread gentrification), but for now, Avondale is a comparatively affordable and safe North Side neighborhood.

Beverly

Reputation: Affluent professionals, Irish families, suburban oasis
Hotspots: Horse Thief Hollow, Original Rainbow Cone, Top Notch Beef Burgers,
CTA: #103 Bus
Considered to be one of the safest, most affluent, and family-oriented neighborhoods in the city, you may not even recognize Beverly as being a part of Chicago—its hilly landscapes and lush greenery are just so disparate from the industrial, brick-laid city you might imagine. That being said, if you can afford the higher-than-average sticker price, Beverly will be a fantastic neighborhood to start a new family. One word to the wise: don’t move here if you want fancy public transportation because your options will be very limited.

Bridgeport

Reputation: Irish-American with some new diversity, ardent White Sox fans
Hotspots: U.S. Cellular Field, Nana, Pleasant House Bakery
CTA: Red Line (35th Street)
This neighborhood is known for a few things in the city: housing several famous mayors (both Daleys), its Irish-American culture, the beautifully renovated old architecture intermixed with new developments and, most importantly, the White Sox. The general atmosphere in Bridgeport is still working-class, so those looking for something closer to the Gold Coast side of the spectrum may want to steer clear. Also, Cubs fans, or really anyone who wants to insist that U.S. Cellular Field isn’t technically within the neighborhood’s boundaries, should look elsewhere.

Brighton Park & McKinley Park

Reputation: Cheap, diverse, safer than it looks
Hotspots: Tio Luis Tacos, Huck Finn Restaurants, La Palapa
CTA: Orange Line
These two neighborhoods are perfect for individuals seeking low-cost housing and diversity where they live. Brighton Park is home to the most authentic Mexican food in the entire city and is generally quieter than neighborhoods like Pilsen. Plus, it’s a quick ‘L’ trip to Midway if you’re going to be traveling. McKinley Park, smaller and a bit closer to downtown than the larger Brighton Park, is also one of the few neighborhoods that still offers low housing rates (compared to some ritzier North Side neighborhoods). Generally considered to have a bright future, McKinley Park should be your destination if you don’t mind living in an area that’s a little rough around the edges.

Edgewater

Reputation:Family-friendly, gay-friendly, exciting arts scene, nice beaches
Hotspots: Hopleaf Bar, m.henry, Hamburger Mary’s, The NeoFuturists
CTA: Red Line (Granville, Bryn Mawr)
Edgewater contains the historic Andersonville neighborhood, an area with strong Swedish roots that has grown more diverse in recent years and is a popular dining and nightlife destination, all easily accessible via public transit. Edgewater’s beaches are a great spring and summer destination for residents and are generally less crowded than those closer to downtown. Edgewater is also home to a large gay community, the most prominent in the city besides Boystown in the Lakeview neighborhood..

Hyde Park

Reputation: Affluent college students and their professors, architecture scholars
Hotspots: Museum of Science and Industry, Promontory Point, Valois, Native Foods Cafe
CTA: #2 Bus, #171 Bus
Hyde Park’s main draw is the University of Chicago, and the buzzing student body creates a small college town feel in the midst of the South Side. Bookstores, cafes, and delicious pizza joints abound in this neighborhood. What could be the drawbacks of reliving a slice of your halcyon college days? Well, if you’re currently car-less, getting downtown (or anywhere) is going to be a bit of a chore, as there’s no direct ‘L’ stop servicing Hyde Park. Also, you’ll want to get your tuition debts paid off because Hyde Park rentals and listing prices are higher than the Chicago average.

Irving Park

Reputation: Beautiful houses, peace and quiet, close to hipper neighborhoods
Hotspots: Smoque BBQ, Sabatino’s, Thai Aree
CTA: Blue Line (Irving Park)
The neighborhood of Irving Park has been flying under the radar for years. Not as densely populated as other places, the average rental rate and parking availability make it very desirable for those who are looking for a small city situation while still benefiting from all the Windy City has to offer. Folks who value trendiness may be put off by Irving Park, but the neighborhood has much to offer in the way of distinctive architecture and affordability. The Old Irving Park Historic District is known through the city for its beautiful homes. Plus, an easy 15-minute ‘L’ ride to other, hipper neighborhoods will let younger families take a night out on the town when the mood strikes.

Jefferson Park

Reputation: Very quiet, very safe
Hotspots: Gale Street Inn, Smak Tak Restaurant,
CTA: Blue Line (Jefferson Park)
This western North Side suburb is well-known, as are many of the neighborhoods towards O’Hare, for its high population of city employees, police and firemen alike, and as a result, it’s considered a very safe place to live. Much quieter than its eastern counterparts, Jefferson Park residents are more likely to be attending parent-teacher night than hitting up the bar. As a result, residents of the area looking to hit the town will want to find their fun to a neighborhood closer to the Loop. Anyone searching for a nice bungalow in a fine Chicago neighborhood and settling down should keep Jefferson Park on their radar.

Lincoln Park

Reputation: Upscale, fantastic outdoor activities,
Hotspots: Lincoln Park Zoo, Alinea, Urban Vegan
CTA: Red Line (LaSalle/Division)
When people think of desirable real estate in Chicago, Lincoln Park is one of the first areas that comes to mind. Many of the old brownstones have great curb appeal and the listing prices to match. The neighborhood is well-known for the eponymous park, which offers great view of the lakefront, a world-famous zoo, conservatory and great outdoor fun. DePaul University draws a large college crowd to the area, but the area is primarily popular with young families.

Lincoln Square

Reputation: Residential with a trendy undercurrent, young families
Hotspots: Spacca Napoli, San Soo Gab Pan, Fork
CTA: Brown Line (Western, Damen)
Lincoln Square is a bit of quaint suburban sprawl in the midst of a huge city. Homes are more spread out in this area, and the eponymous Lincoln Square is full of small businesses that have a penchant for delightful neighborhood nostalgia (a German apothecary, an old-timey bowling alley) that draw a trendy crowd to the area. The desirability of the area does come with a higher-than-average sticker price, however, and families seeking low-cost options in Chicago may want to consider an adjacent neighborhood, so they can still reap the benefits of Lincoln Square’s charm.

Logan Square

Reputation: Hipsters amok, Latino culture
Hotspots: Longman & Eagle, Revolution Brewing Co., Lula Cafe
CTA: Blue Line (Logan Square)
Logan Square ditched the unsafe reputation years ago and is now generally considered to be a hipster mecca of sorts, and for good reason. The population of young professionals, comparatively affordable housing, and vibrant community atmosphere—the farmer’s market on the boulevard is a favorite weekend outing—compliment the area’s nightlife down Milwaukee Ave. Despite a history of prominent Latino culture, some argue the neighborhood will go the way of Wicker Park—less affordable, less diverse, but hey! Nice restaurants!

Marquette Park

Reputation: On the rise, cheap housing, very diverse
Hotspots: Garifuna Flava, Geneo’s, Fat Johnnie’s Famous Red Hots
CTA: Orange Line (Kedzie)
Marquette Park is a solid South Side neighborhood that features a very diverse population (and when you get a nice melting pot, you get a smorgasbord of different restaurants, too). Generally quiet, Marquette Park also benefits from being comparatively low-cost to the rest of the city. Time-travelers from the 90s would be pleased to see the progress this neighborhood has made in the crime department. While statistics still crop up now and again, the progress that this prominent South Side neighborhood has made is noticeable and bodes for a bright future.

Near North

Reputation: Oprah-level ritzy, flooded with tourists, national landmarks in your backyard
Hotspots: Fogo de Chao, Bohemian House, Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf
CTA: Brown Line, Red Line (Chicago)
When you tell all of your out-of-state friends you live in (or are moving to) Chicago, this is the area that immediately pops into their heads—and who can blame them? Between the amazing shopping, world-class restaurants and entertainment, and the energizing enormity of the Near North Side, living in this area is famously addicting, if you can afford it. Even if you aren’t living in the Hancock itself, the condos and apartments in this area stand higher than the average price range like the city’s famous skyscrapers. The other potential drag is that you will never, ever be free of the swarm of tourists that are constantly descending on the city. You have been warned.

West Loop

Reputation: Nightlife destination
Hotspots: Girl & The Goat, The Publican, Carnivale
CTA: Green Line, Pink Line (Clinton)
West Loop is a strong contender for Best Foodie Destination in Chicago, with delicious offerings pouring out of the Little Italy and Greektown areas. The neighborhood also has some A+ offerings in the United Center (for hoops and hockey) and the numerous lounges that dot the east side of the neighborhood. If you’re looking to buy, there is a sprawling residential area to the west side of the neighborhood and lots of converted warehouses a bit closer to downtown. Bear in mind that once you’ve landed the expensive house, there’s still the cost of living to keep in mind, which may have folks looking for more affordable housing second-guessing the West Loop as a preferred destination.

North Center

Reputation: Married yuppies, married normal people
Hotspots: Sola, The Bad Apple, Glenns Diner
CTA: #85A Bus
The whole of North Center is a quiet neighborhood that has a lot to offer for those looking to settle down. Eateries abound, especially of the brewpub and upscale grill persuasion. The main area of interest is Roscoe Village, a sub-neighborhood, which is a nice microcosm of the whole of North Center, with numerous dog-friendly areas and Retro on Roscoe, one of Chicago’s biggest street festivals. The community in North Center is primarily UMC professionals, so if you’re looking for a diverse population or a general blue collar vibe, you may want to look elsewhere.

Northwest Neighborhoods

Reputation: Quiet and safe, good for families
Hotspots: Forno Rosso Pizzeria Napoletana, Eli’s Cheesecake World
CTA: Blue Line
Many of the neighborhoods in the northwest side, such as Hermosa and Dunning, are generally considered to be safe, quiet spaces. They’re perfect for those want convenient access to big city amenities downtown, but who want to have a more friendly, hometown-y feel to the place they live.

Pilsen

Reputation: Hipsters and Latinos living together, happening spot
Hotspots: Nuevo Leon Restaurant, Dusek’s, Honky Tonk BBQ
CTA: Pink Line (Damen)
This largely Latino neighborhood can be compared to San Francisco’s Mission district--it’s retained a good amount of its culture and grown more diverse over the past decade as more young white “hipsters" have flocked to the area (likely for its welcoming rental rates). Internet rumors of the area’s crime problems have been vastly overestimated—overall, Pilsen is just as safe as any other urban neighborhood in the city. If you’ve been dreaming of a diverse area that’s trendy, consider Pilsen.

Rogers Park

Reputation: Diverse, a bit far from downtown, gateway to the suburbs
Hotspots: The Grill Inn, Taste of Peru, bopNGrill
CTA: Red Line (Howard), Purple Line (Howard)
Situated at the topmost point of Chicago before the suburbs begin in earnest, Rogers Park is culturally and socioeconomically diverse neighborhood. This neighborhood boasts pleasant, quieter beachfronts, lush parks, and an easy trip to one of Chicago’s best suburbs, Evanston. The student population at Loyola and those who commute to Northwestern foster a great community vibe around the college campuses. As late as the mid-2000s, areas of Rogers Park were considered to be unsafe, but in recent years the area’s crime rate has decreased, though areas near the Howard Red Line stop are considered to be less desirable after dark.

South Chicago

Reputation: Lots of potential development, fairly quiet
Hotspots: Cocula Restaurant, Capri Pizza
CTA: No ‘L’ Service, #30 Bus
Right now, South Chicago is still an extension of many of the neighborhoods on the Far Southeast side—either low-key and middle class like Calumet Heights or Pullman, or a bit depressed with opportunities to develop, like Roseland. One major point that South Chicago has going for it is a huge urban development plan that has lain dormant for the past decade but may be picking up steam (opinions on where this project is going vary, of course). If you’re considering South Chicago, it’s likely that you’ll be investing in a fixer-upper, so if your dream has always been to build your home from the ground up, this South Side neighborhood may offer exactly what you’re looking for.

Feature image source: Flickr user Nick Nguyen Know Chicago? Tell us your favorite neighborhood in the comments below!