Location Guide

Chicago Location Guide

Chicago's North West Neighborhoods

Wicker Park l Bucktown l Ukrainian Village l Wrigleyville l Lincoln Park

Chicago's Downtown Neighborhoods

Maybe the fastest up-and-comer for lofts in Chicago is the River West area of the city. Once a manufacturing area, high rents have chased the factories away and in their place is a thriving loft community featuring huge spaces that appeal to everyone from artists to young professionals. You will find lofts that feature doormen, fitness centers and indoor parking, and you’ll find giant open spaces that still resemble their previous selves. River West is bordered by Little Italy and Greek Town and is very close to downtown, Printer’s Row and more. River West is a great option if River North is just a little too pricey.

The West Loop, from Canal, 500 west, to Ashland, 1600 west, this is a neighborhood undergoing an apparent renaissance from its former industrial era. Droves of warehouses, factories and other commercial buildings located just west of Chicago's downtown Loop are in the process of being revamped as loft condominiums.

Properties in this newly refurbished area are attracting the attention of potential buyers as they are in close proximity to the city and are being deemed as part of the new and upcoming part of town. are being built in this area which is attractive to city dwellers because of it's proximity to the downtown workplace.

Adding a new dimension to the neighborhood, the infrastructure is quickly catching up to support the numerous residential units which have sprouted up all over the West Loop. Health clubs, video rental and a variety of fine dining restaurants, shops and groceries have arrived on the scene. A long time inhabitant, Harpo Studios (Oprah Winfrey’s production base) is centrally located in the West Loop area, as is Greek Town and the Randolph Street market district which has been deemed one of Chicago’s premiere restaurant rows.

The South Loop, encapsulating Fulton Market and River North, from Kinzie, 400 north, to Harrison, 500 south,; also has a high predominance of new and converted loft constructions. The primary distinction may be in the prices and amount of space. The South Loop properties have been in existence for quite some time and while of significant quality and character, the pricing structure of such more established buildings are not able to compete with the West Loop’s unabashed pace of development.

Uptown is a diverse area bordered by Lake Michigan, Irving Park Road, Clark Street, Ravenswood and Foster Avenue and offers many small independent shops, restaurants and neighborhood groceries. Uptown is fast becoming a popular spot for young middle-class families and investors looking for next big place in Chicago. Proximity to the lake is the big plus for this area at a price that can’t be beat any closer to downtown.

Printer’s Row is a favorite for loft dwellers looking to be close to the loop. Located on Dearborn Street starting at Congress Parkway, the small area is comprised of printing plants that have been converted into lofts and apartments. The area features restaurants, a farmers market and a strong literary undercurrent being home to the annual Printer’s Row book fair.