Chicago has always been the most popular city for young professionals. This is because Chicago is one of the most important hubs for major industries like commerce, finance, transportation, and culture. It is also included in the list of top tourist destinations in the United States of America. Chicago is known as the center of international commerce and trade. It also has one of the largest finance derivatives markets in the country. Headquarters of many major companies like Boeing, McDonald’s, and Allstate are located in Chicago. Hence, the city attracts the majority of the young professionals. Therefore, this article brings you the top 10 places to live in Chicago for young professionals who have just moved into the city.
Best Chicago Neighborhoods for Young Professionals
1. Chicago Loop
Chicago Loop is famous as one of the most popular and vibrant areas featuring parks, theatres, high-rise buildings, and eclectic eateries. The area also has the infamous Cloud Gate in the Millennium Park. It also is known for hosting famous events like Taste of Chicago and Lollapalooza.
The place is best for young professionals because of its central location in downtown Chicago. It offers excellent transportation and pretty easy access to all the workplaces. Chicago Loop is also famous for its nightlife offering bars and restaurants at walking distances. The median home value in the Chicago Loop is $389,244, and the median home rent is $2,502.
2. Streeterville
Streetsville is a neighborhood in Chicago famous for having some of the most lavish hotels and lively entertainment. The area is also home to prestigious universities as well as high-tech hospitals. It has one of the most popular family playlands, Navy Pier, which has the infamous Centennial Wheel. Streeterville is known as one of the best places for young professionals in Chicago because of various reasons.
One of these major reasons is the availability of urban luxury. The area features Saint Grand which is a luxurious property offering co-working space, rooftop views, and much more. Another reason is the lakefront views as well as the proximity to major corporate offices. The median home value in Chicago’s Streeterville is $613,293, and the median home rent is $2,435.
3. Rush & Division
Rush & Division is another one of the top places to live in Chicago, especially for young professionals. It is known as the nightlife hub of the city featuring multiple DJ Bars, Cocktail Lounges, Seafood Spots, and much more. It also has high-end fashion boutiques, as well as the infamous Washington Square Park.
The neighborhood is often considered one of the best spots to live in Chicago because of its vibrant lifestyle. It offers easy transportation because of its central location and a variety of trendy eateries. It is located near Loop. Therefore, it also offers close proximity to corporate places. The median home value in Chicago’s Rush & Division is $655,351, and the median home rent is $2,295.
4. Greektown
Greektown also falls under the umbrella of the best places to live in Chicago for young professionals. The community is now famous as the commercial district of Chicago. It used to be the community of thousands of Greek immigrants. Hence, the culture and construction are according to the Greek heritage. The community also features the infamous National Hellenic Museum.
Greektown is considered the best community for young professionals to live in because of its vibrant atmosphere. It is located near all the important corporate places in Chicago, as well as entertainment and nightlife options. The median home value in Chicago’s Greektown is $432,384, and the median home rent is $2,512.
5. River North
River North is another neighbourhood in Chicago which is located on the Near North Side. The community was once an industrial area. The infamous Merchandise Mart attracts thousands of customers. It also has artist studios opened in former warehouses converting River North into an area that sustains art galleries.
River North is also one of the top places in Chicago for young professionals to live in because of its prime location. It offers easy transportation, high-end stores, nightlife, and so much more. The community is also known as the hub for the rapidly growing art and culinary industries. The median home value in Chicago’s River North is $510,138, and the median home rent is $2,531.
6. Printer’s Row
Printer’s Row is also one of the most popular neighborhoods in Chicago known for being the printing hub of America back in the 1880s. The community offers tree-lined streets and affordable housing. It also features the infamous Sandmeyer’s Bookstore as well as the Dearborn Station and the clock tower.
The community earns a place in our list of the best places in Chicago for young professionals because of the peaceful streets and environment. All the necessary amenities are within walking distance, and the community offers excellent transportation. The median home value in Chicago’s Printer’s Row is $319,275, and the median home rent is $1,682.
7. West Town
West Town is a neighborhood bejeweled with various American restaurants and cafes. It features areas like Wicker Park famous for global dining, boutiques as well as live music bars. It is also home to Humboldt Park which has the infamous National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture.
As a young professional, living in West Town means you will have easy access to downtown Chicago. It also offers various culinary as well as affordable housing options. The median home value in Chicago’s West Town is $597,701, and the median home rent is $2,063.
8. Old Town
Similar to Greektown, the Old Town was once home to thousands of Greek immigrants as well. The neighborhood is famous for its old Victorian-style buildings and tree-lined streets. It features the famous Second City comedy club as well as the St. Michael’s Church that survived 1871’s Great Fire.
The young professionals who have that history lover inside them can definitely consider Old Town as the best place to live in Chicago. It offers a strong community feel as well as various other necessary amenities. The median home value in Chicago’s Old Town is $733,231, and the median home rent is $2,174.
9. West Loop
Also famous for being a former industrial zone, West Loop is another neighborhood famous for its nightlife and dining. The Restaurant Row offers global eateries while the French market is famous for local food. Randolph Street is famous for selling vintage items once a month.
For young professionals who are also foodies, West Loop is the place you should consider when moving to Chicago. It is known as the culinary heart of Chicago and offers top-tier eatery options along with affordable housing. The median home value in Chicago’s West Loop is $437,895, and the median home rent is $2,438.
10. Ukrainian Village
Ukrainian Village is one of the most peaceful and quiet neighborhoods in Chicago. The community is recognized by its brick-row houses as well as authentic Ukrainian eateries. It also features the Ukrainian National Museum which exhibits folk and fine arts.
If you love your peace and want to spend your spare time in a quiet neighborhood, Ukrainian Village is the place for you. The community offers antique shops, diverse culinary options, indie music avenues, and so much more. The median home value in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village is $597,833, and the median home rent is $1,882.
