Home to art galleries, vintage shops, and some of the country’s trendiest restaurants, Chicago is a city of contrasts. It is where culture, history, cuisine, and art blend perfectly. With a big city atmosphere and a strong sense of community, the city appeals to anyone from families with children to younger people. From Ravenswood, which is packed with microbreweries and distilleries, to artsy River North with its historic buildings and art galleries, Chicago is a spectacular city worth living in. Whether you’re thinking of moving to the Windy City or looking for a new place to stay, here are some neighborhoods that would make an excellent choice. Scroll down for the best places to live in Chicago, Illinois.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on May 20, 2024.
1. Lincoln Park (from USD 387)
Reasonable pricing for a B&B with free breakfast and kitchen access.
Beautiful old home with spacious rooms, fully available kitchen, large walk-in shower, and attentive hosts.
Convenient access to Fullerton Station, DePaul University campus, and nearby restaurants and bars.
Delicious homemade breakfast, well-stocked kitchen, and Mexican-style breakfast options.
Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s waterfront neighborhoods, home to Lincoln Park Zoo, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and North Avenue Beach. People choose to live here for its spectacular nature and outdoor offerings. With manicured gardens, an impressive indoor botanical garden, a lily pond, and a plethora of trails, Lincoln Park is an excellent choice for living in Chicago. The dining scene, museums, and outdoor spaces set this neighborhood apart and make it such an appealing destination.
Villa D' Citta
Address: 2230 North Halsted Street
1.27 km (0.8 mi) from Lincoln Park Zoo
2. Streeterville (from USD 304)
Reasonable pricing for its central location in Chicago.
Historic ambiance, well-equipped gym, and comfortable beds.
Conveniently situated on the Magnificent Mile, walking distance to major attractions, shops, and restaurants.
Numerous dining options nearby, but no in-house restaurant or breakfast service.
If you love that big city life and you want to be where the action happens, Streeterville is the ideal home for you in Chicago. Its historic Navy Pier is a family-friendly attraction with amusement rides, restaurants serving fresh seafood, and various shops. It’s the go-to place for summer concerts, fireworks, and outdoor movie screenings. If you’re looking to experience Chicago like a local, then enjoying a live music performance at night in Streeterville is a must.
Warwick Allerton Chicago
Address: 701 North Michigan Avenue
3.08 km (2.0 mi) from Lincoln Park Zoo
3. Magnificent Mile (from USD 257)
Magnificent Mile’s fame goes beyond the city of Chicago. Renowned worldwide for the shopping experience it offers, this neighborhood is home to popular restaurants, stores, and eye-catching architecture. The region hosts a mix of high-end boutiques and shopping centers hosted inside historic buildings. Some of the neighborhood must-see attractions include Water Tower Place, Chicago Sports Museum, and the non-profit Lookingglass Theatre Company.
The Whitehall Hotel - BW Premier Collection
Address: 105 E Delaware Pl
2.59 km (1.7 mi) from Lincoln Park Zoo
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4. Old Town (from USD 301)
Comedy clubs and buzzing nightlife are what Chicago’s Old Town is all about. Whether it’s a weeknight or the weekend, you can always catch a live show in this neighborhood. Living like a local couldn’t be easier when it involves discovering the latest trends in high-end boutiques, dining at Twin Anchors, or calming your sweet tooth at The Fudge Pot, a resident staple since 1963. Old Town is one of Chicago’s top residential areas with its luxury homes and historic architecture.
The Sono Chicago
Address: 1428 North Cleveland
1.61 km (1.0 mi) from Lincoln Park Zoo
5. West Loop (from USD 281)
Reasonably priced for the quality and location.
Beautifully designed spaces, comfortable beds, and lovely bathroom products. Communal areas are inviting and cozy.
Superb location in the hip West Loop neighborhood, with easy access to attractions and public transportation.
Amazing homemade breakfast with great quality, variety, and made-to-order options. The food scene in West Loop is unbeatable.
West Loop is Chicago’s former industrial region that has turned into a culinary hotspot. Old warehouses host some of the top restaurants in the city. The neighborhood’s most iconic spot is Restaurant Row, a portion of Randolph Street, which is where Chicago’s most famed eateries are. There’s plenty to explore and taste such as traditional bakeries, delis, ramen restaurants, and sandwich shops. Some places to check out include Fulton Market, art galleries, and antique shops.
The Publishing House Bed and Breakfast
Address: 108 North May Street
4.65 km (2.9 mi) from Lincoln Park Zoo
6. River North (from USD 386)
If you have a creative side or if you love exploring art galleries, wandering the streets, and admiring historic buildings from the Gilded Age, then you should consider living in River North. This stylish and hip neighborhood hosts a plethora of art galleries in some of its industrial warehouses. It is also home to clubs and bars that give it great energy. Living in River North, you’ll be close to The Merchandise Mart, a massive 1930s Art Deco building that hosts art galleries and studios. In the evenings, colorful projections take over its imposing façade, turning it into a visual spectacle.
Home2 Suites By Hilton Chicago River North
Address: 110 West Huron
2.98 km (1.9 mi) from Lincoln Park Zoo
7. Wicker Park
Hip and lively Wicker Park is famous for Milwaukee Avenue, a place with buzzing nightlife, restaurants, entertainment venues. Another one of Wicker Park’s highlight is North Damen Avenue, which has cafes and eclectic boutiques. At the crossroad between the two, you’ll find Six Corners, an area that hosts some of Chicago’s trendiest restaurants and cafes, art galleries, and bookstores. People living in Wicker Park love strolling along 606, a former rail line turned into an elevated green area with walking and biking trails and art displays.
1549 North Maplewood Avenue
Address: 1549 North Maplewood Avenue #1
4.91 km (3.1 mi) from Lincoln Park Zoo
8. Ravenswood (from USD 524)
Reasonable pricing for spacious, well-equipped apartments
Fully equipped kitchen, white fluffy towels, rooftop terraces, secure parking
Convenient access to downtown via bus or 'El' train, close to cafes and restaurants
Restaurant next door, easy access to grocery delivery, kitchen with full amenities
Ravenswood is a haven in North Chicago for craft beer and spirits enthusiasts. The neighborhood is well-known for its Malt Row, which is packed with microbreweries such as Dovetail Brewery, Empirical Brewery, and Begyle Brewing Company. There are also craft distilleries such as KOVAL. Beyond Malt row, the neighborhood is a family-friendly place to live in as it is surrounded by shops, museums, art centers, and green spaces. Locals like to spend time outdoors in Winnemac Park, sip local craft brews, or take in the art and sculptures at Lillstreet Art Center.
The Guesthouse Hotel
Address: 4872 North Clark
6.18 km (3.9 mi) from Lincoln Park Zoo
9. Lakeview (from USD 163)
With a beautiful shoreline with lots of entertainment, Lakeview is one of the best places to live in Chicago. The atmosphere is laidback but full of life as it is surrounded by shopping and dining options galore. East Lakeview is a shopping hotspot. The entire neighborhood is packed with bars and pubs, local restaurants, and a thriving artistic and cultural scene. Come summer, the streets become home to festivals, various performers, and live music.
Lively Rejuvenating 1BR in Outstanding Location - Roscoe 2M
2.62 km (1.7 mi) from Lincoln Park Zoo
10. Logan Square (from USD 90)
Situated in Northwest Chicago, Logan Square hosts part of the city’s historic and artistic legacy. Milwaukee Avenue is a commercial hotspot with various shopping venues and a go-to place for dining and meeting friends and family. It is sprinkled with hip restaurants, coffee shops, and taverns serving craft beer. Living in Logan Square means joining an incredible community with farmers’ markets, art galleries showcasing local talent, and street events.
Bright & Cozy 2BR Apt Perfect for Staycation! KL4
Address: North Kimball Avenue 1837
6.49 km (4.1 mi) from Lincoln Park Zoo
Live in one of Chicago's lively and vibrant neighborhoods
Few cities are as lively, diverse, and full of history as Chicago. Whether you’re a foodie looking to taste some of the most recent culinary innovations, a nature lover looking to spend time outdoors, or an art aficionado eager to explore some of the most quaint art galleries and vintage shops, you’ll find what you’re looking for and more in one of Chicago’s neighborhoods. Check out our guide on the best places to live in Chicago, Illinois. There’s definitely something you’re bound to enjoy on the list.
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