So, you’re planning to move to the best city in the world. Who can blame you? We have awesome sports teams, exciting nightlife, the best food (and pizza, don’t kid yourself), and plenty of areas in the city to choose from. If you’re already a little lost with all the options, don’t fear! We’ll give you the lowdown on the Chicago neighborhoods that fit what you’re looking for.

If you’re drawn to the lakefront, easy access to public transportation, and being able to bike everywhere you go…
Lakeview or Lincoln Park would be great neighborhoods for you! Both have quick access to the Brown, Red, and Purple lines, Lake Shore Drive, and are generally bike-friendly. With three Targets, Whole Foods, Jewel, a brand new Mariano’s, Trader Joe’s and plenty more, you can get groceries without issue, not to mention the many delicious restaurants in the area.

If you love the feeling of knowing everyone in your neighborhood, grabbing dinner at family-owned restaurants, and watching the Chicago White Sox… 
Bridgeport could be your next spot! As one of the city’s bigger neighborhoods, there’s plenty of options when deciding where to live. If you like to be active in the outdoors, take a stroll or go for a jog in Armor Square Park, and if you live for art, drop by the Bridgeport Art Center for one of their many shows or events.

If you appreciate lively and abundant culture, artwork, and SO much more…
Check out Pilsen! Recently named one of Forbes’ 12 Coolest Neighborhoods Around the World, it’s not a secret that Pilsen is insanely cool. Learn and cultivate artistic knowledge at the National Museum of Mexican Art, then spend some weekend time browsing the many trendy bars and restaurants nearby. Quick access to the Pink Line makes getting around easy for commuters.

If you love to spend your days near the water, in a museum, or just outdoors…
Home of Barack Obama, Hyde Park houses the adventurous Museum of Science and Industry, the insanely pretty University of Chicago campus, The DuSable Museum of African American History (the largest of its kind), and many parks mixed in with beautiful homes. You’ll love every moment in Hyde Park!

If you’re a Cubs fan, love to walk to your destinations, and start days with a smile…
Consider Northcenter and Roscoe Village! These two neighborhoods are close to Wrigley Field, have plenty of bar and restaurant options, and make getting around super convenient. You can also get to the lakefront to explore Lake Michigan just by walking.

If you want an eclectic, diverse, and awesome place to live…
You would love Uptown, Andersonville, or Edgewater. Edgewater has beaches and plenty of antique markets, while Uptown brings new and vintage together with jazz at the Green Mill and indie rock at Riviera. Andersonville is home to one of the biggest LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in Chicago, and many independent and locally-owned businesses.

If you dream big city style, love a quick pace, and want a place with a view…
South Loop, West Loop, or The Loop itself would be wonderful places for you! There’s always a new business popping up in the area, and public transportation is around every corner. Walk to the Museum Campus, lakefront, Grant and Millennium Parks and the River Walk with ease. If you work downtown or are looking to, why not live super close?

If you love the luxurious appeal of Chicago mixed with its unique art scene…
You’ll find Gold Coast and Old Town to feel right at home. Adorn yourself on the shopper’s dream of Oak Street, then dine at a Michelin-star rated restaurant in the Gold Coast. Go to hilarious shows at Second City and join friends and family for a meal at one of the many family-owned and operated restaurants in Old Town. When you’ve done all those things, each neighborhood has beautiful homes to marvel at.

If you can’t resist charm, small businesses, and adorably classic homes…
Take a gander at Lincoln Square and Ravenswood! Both of these hoods are absolutely wonderful places to find your next home. From the comfort and friendliness of the small businesses in the Square to the parks and many brewpubs of Ravenswood, you’ll be pressed to find a moment of boredom.

If you live for enticing nightlife, that huge ferris wheel, and trendy music…
River North and Streeterville could be excellent hoods for you! River North is home to many clubs ranging from ones serving just tequila and tacos to others with long velvet-roped lines. Streeterville houses famous Navy Pier, many fabulous French restaurants, and plenty more!

If you like expansive parks, Insta-friendly coffee shops, and many restaurants…
Pick one of these neighborhoods: Logan Square, Wicker Park, Bucktown, or Humboldt Park. Humboldt’s namesake park is gorgeous and makes spending time outside a breeze, and the neighborhood’s roots in Latino tradition make the neighborhood culturally alive for all. Plenty of dive bars for an evening nightcap, coffee shops galore, and a fun neighborhood attitude make Logan Square a true contender. Wicker Park and Bucktown share many places and streets, and with numerous storefronts to browse, bars and live music for evening plans, and renown restaurants with epic eats.

We know we missed a few, as Chicago has so many neighborhoods you sometimes don’t even know which one you live in! But we know one thing for certain: wherever you live or hope to live, you’ll love your stay in the famous Windy City.