You don't need a car to survive in Chicago. Whether you work in the Loop or in the suburbs, the robust public transit system takes you everywhere you need to go. Many local residents rely on the services of the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), which carries more than a million passengers every year, for everyday commutes. If you want to know where to live in Chicago without a car, start with the places listed below. Movoto Real Estate has detailed information about houses in each of these places.

Live Large in the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is next door to one of the best shopping districts in Illinois. You can walk to this neighborhood from the northern part of the Magnificent Mile or peddle even further on one of the city's iconic, blue Divvy bikes. All the homes in this area, including this large, five-bedroom townhome on Sutton Place, are centrally located within the city and some have gorgeous views of Lake Michigan.

 

While you won't find many shopping malls in Chicago, the Gold Coast comes close to a shopper's paradise. A casual stroll through the neighborhood might lead to the lobby of the an exotic car dealership or into one of the area's high-end fashion boutiques. Living in Chicago often means easy access to the newest stores and the latest trends. You can ride the Red Line, the Brown Line or various buses to get anywhere in the city from the Gold Coast.

Explore the Outdoors in Logan Square

Public transportation in Chicago takes you far beyond the closest downtown neighborhoods. Logan Square looks totally different than the Gold Coast, and you see the variations when you check out its real estate. Homes in Logan Square, like this four-bedroom townhouse near Palmer Square Park, often have a little more space in their yards and are built with a lower density.

 

Around these parts, you're more likely to stumble across an independent coffee shop or craft brewery than a Bugatti dealership. The area is also within biking distance to one of the largest parks in Chicago. Humboldt Park is located just south of Logan Square, and you can get there within twenty minutes on your longboard if you're a competent rider. Logan Square is located on the Blue Line, which connects the northwestern and western parts of the city to downtown, and on several bus routes. A ride to nearby Chicago schools and offices in the Loop takes about a half hour on the train during the morning rush hour.

 

Walk or Bike Around Hyde Park

The south side neighborhood of Hyde Park has a similar mix of condos and single-family homes as other Chicago neighborhoods, but its unique amenities set it apart from anywhere else. This area includes a university, Washington Park and the Museum of Science and Industry -- all within walking or biking distance of your home.

 

While Hyde Park isn't at the center of public transportation in Chicago, the CTA services the area with several transit options. Residents here rely on buses more often than trains, and there are several ways to get you where you need to go. For example, two northbound routes take you from Hyde Park to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. This large attraction cares for more than 30,000 animals and offers occasional free days for residents of the city. Rides downtown from Hyde Park usually take 20 to 30 minutes.


 

Experience Classic Entertainment in Uptown

Uptown offers a mixture of housing options for commuters using public transportation in Chicago. This area extends north of Lakeview and includes an Asian cultural hub near the Argyle stop on the Red Line. It has several traditional Vietnamese pho restaurants and markets with authentic ingredients for your own kitchen. This is also one of the best spots to find spas in Chicago. Slightly further south, only a minute or two on the bus or train, a few of the city's oldest entertainment venues keep locals entertained with regular concerts. The Aragon and Riviera theaters are both within blocks of the Lawrence stop on the Red Line. There are Divvy bike racks and bus stops throughout this neighborhood as well, so you don't need a car to get around.

 

Check out these neighborhoods if you want to find homes for sale in Chicago, IL, where you won't need a car of your own. All of them have nearby access to bus stops and train stations, so you can get around without having to find a parking spot. Each one also has nearby access to Chicago schools and grocery stores. If you're ready to make a move, reach out to a local agent to check out a few properties in person.