Over 197,000 people work in private sector jobs within Chicago’s urban core, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security. This area is known locally as the Loop and serves as the primary hub for all things corporate. Despite the Loop’s heavy daytime traffic, recent Census statistics show just 33,442 residents actually call the Loop home.

The Loop has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing, events, restaurants and most of all, accessibility, but the hustle and bustle of the city center aren’t for everybody. And, since all roads (or nearly all L tracks) lead to the Loop, living outside of the city center and commuting to work is a practical alternative.

If you work in the Loop and are looking for a new apartment or condo nearby, consider the following popular Chicago neighborhoods.

West Loop/Fulton Market

Distance to the Loop: 1.3 miles

L Stations: Morgan (Green & Pink), Clinton (Green & Pink), Grand (Blue)

Metra: Ogilvie Transportation Center & Union Station

Walk Score: 86

Median Condo Price (60607), Jan. 2018: $382,000

Median One-Bedroom Rent Price: $1,990

The past five years marked a pivotal change for the West Loop landscape – tech companies like Google claimed office space, McDonald’s commenced construction on its new headquarters, luxury apartments were built and West Loop home prices naturally rose in response. Randolph Street is now coined “Restaurant Row” due to nationally-acclaimed eateries like Au Cheval, Avec, Blackbird, Sepia and Girl & the Goat. Newer commended hotspots like Elske, Oriole, and Roister prove that fine dining is the new norm in Chicago’s former industrial enclave. While food and drink may be a West Loop staple, the area also offers three major green spaces, two key transportation hubs and diverse housing styles ranging from industrial loft to contemporary new construction.

Old Town/Gold Coast

Distance to the Loop: 2.7 miles

L Stations: Sedgwick (Brown & Purple), Clark/Division (Red)

Walk Score: 96

Median Condo Price (60610), Jan. 2018: $370,000

Median One-Bedroom Rent Price: $1,900

Old Town has a timeless vibe, particularly from an architectural standpoint. Known for its Victorian-style buildings, old school pubs and local boutiques, the area caters to renters and buyers seeking a more traditionally picturesque environment. Aside from being centrally-located between Lincoln Park and River North, Old Town is a stone’s throw from Lake Michigan, Lake Shore Path and two major beaches (North Ave and Oak Street Beach).

River North

Distance to the Loop: 1.4 miles

L Stations: Chicago (Brown & Purple), Merchandise Mart (Brown & Purple), Chicago (Red), Grand (Red)

Walk Score: 96

Median Condo Price (60654), Jan. 2018: $427,000

Median One-Bedroom Rent Price: $2,000

River North is an enticing community for numerous reasons – proximity to the Loop, a top-rated nightlife scene, nearby shopping on Michigan Avenue, several staple restaurants and a strong city center feel. Unlike the Loop, where activity tends to quiet down after 6 p.m., River North is regular buzzing with locals and visitors both day and night. High-rise condominiums are a predominate housing type, as well as luxury River North apartments with impressive amenities.

Lincoln Park

Distance to the Loop: 3.9 miles

L Stations: Armitage (Brown & Purple), Fullerton (Brown, Purple, Red), Diversey (Brown & Purple)

Walk Score: 94

Median Condo Price (60614), Jan. 2018: $440,000

Median One-Bedroom Rent Price: $1,510

Lincoln Park has a little bit of everything to offer its residents. For starters, the tree-lined streets and lack of lofty buildings are a stark contrast from the mostly concrete landscape just a few miles south. Many Lincoln Park homes for sale are condos in walk-up buildings on single lots, helping provide a more tight-knit community feel without sacrificing accessibility to downtown. Plus, Lincoln Park holds some of the city’s most notable attractions, such as the Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago History Museum, North Avenue Beach and more. Aside from the beachfront, there are six public parks located in the neighborhood.

West Town

Distance to the Loop: 3.4 miles

L Stations: Ashland (Green & Pink Lines), Chicago (Blue Line)

Walk Score: 91

Median Condo Price (60622), Jan. 2018: $445,000

Median One-Bedroom Rent Price: $1,500

West Town, a broad area that technically encompasses Wicker Park, Ukrainian Village, Humboldt Park, and Noble Square, is known for its emphasis on locally-run small businesses over major commercial chains. Although it’s less than 4 miles from the Loop, West Town feels more like a small eclectic town with diverse arts and entertainment scene, family-run restaurants and historic churches. The 606, an old elevated railroad converted into a bike and running trail in 2015, runs 2.7 miles from its easternmost point at Ashland and all the way west to Ridgeway. Aside from providing unobstructed access to Logan Square, Humboldt Park, and West Town, the 606 trail includes art installations and landscape designs that convey West Town’s cultural significance.

Additional Options…

 

Streeterville

Distance to the Loop: 1.7 miles

L Stations: Grand (Red)

Walk Score: 97

Median Condo Price (60611), Jan. 2018: $394,500

Median One Bedroom Rent Price: $2,025

South Loop

Distance to the Loop: 2 miles

L Stations: Roosevelt (Green, Orange, Red), Cermak-McCormick (Green), Cermak-Chinatown (Red)

Walk Score: 93

Median Condo Price (60605), Jan. 2018: $350,000

Median One Bedroom Rent Price: $1,750

Lakeshore East

Distance to the Loop: 1 mile

L Stations: State/Lake in the Loop (Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, Purple)

Walk Score: 92

Median Condo Price (60601), Jan. 2018: $444,500

Median One Bedroom Rent Price: $1,970 (the Loop)

 

To inquire about buying a home or renting an apartment in a neighborhood near the Loop, contact Z Chicago today.