Chicago Real Estate by Neighborhood

Believe it or not, the city of Chicago has just over 200 individual neighborhoods and 77 specifically defined community areas that all range in size, culture, and lifestyle. When searching Chicago's expansive real estate market for your next place to call home, determining which Chicago neighborhood you prefer is often the first, and sometimes most challenging — decision you'll make in the entire process. And while you may think you have all the answers right away, purchasing a sleek downtown Chicago condo or a spacious single-family home on the city's north side is a major investment and choosing the right location is an important step towards making the right call.

Downtown Chicago Neighborhoods

As you might expect, Chicago's downtown neighborhoods are where you'll find some of the city's most expensive and most impressive properties currently listed on the market. From the vast selection of luxury high-rises in Streeterville and The Loop to the wide-range of lofts and boutique condo buildings scattered all over River North and the West Loop, the Downtown Chicago real estate market certainly has something for everyone. For the most part, look for the bulk of Downtown Chicago to be bounded by the South Loop to the south, the West Loop to the west, the Gold Coast to the north, the Chicago's spectacular lakefront to the east. To take a closer look at what each downtown neighborhood has to offer, break down your search and click on any of the featured areas listed below.

Near West Side Chicago Neighborhoods

In recent years, many of Chicago's west side neighborhoods have exploded in popularity. Of course neighborhoods like Bucktown and Wicker Park have long been established at this point, but with the addition of the 606 Trail and many other fabulous improvements, other West Side neighborhoods like Ukrainian Village, Logan Square, West Town, and even parts of Humboldt Park are now widely considered to be some of the most sought-after locations in town for active home buyers to consider. Luxury single-family homes similar to what you might find in Lincoln Park and Lakeview are now quite common all over the west side, while it's also a great location to start searching homes and condos with more of a modern/contemporary flair.

Western Chicago Suburbs

Only about 32 miles away from Downtown Chicago, the Western suburbs of Chicago are preferred by commuters due to its ideal proximity to public transportation and Chicago's transportation networks. It's noted historically as the first community in Illinois to be established by railroad system. Residents living here enjoy both family-owned businesses and restaurants as well as national chains that are both successful in this region. Some of the more popular communities, such as Brookfield, Burr Ridge and Oak Park hold both newer developments as well as rehabbed vintage properties that are on the market. Real estate opportunities in the Western suburbs are vast, ranging from modest apartment and condos to luxury single family homes. Homebuyers touring the area can easily find housing that best fits their budget and lifestyle.

Northwest Chicago Suburbs

The main attribute that defines the Northwest Side of Chicago is that it's largely made up of big residential communities. Away from all the popular attractions that bring first-time visitors to Chicago, this tight-knit community offers historic homes, well maintained parks, old theaters and large annual festivals. With mature neighborhoods such as Barrington, Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg being so close to O'Hare International Airport it's easy for tourists and Chicagoans alike to skip right over the quiet Northwest Side as they travel to and from the airport. At the city's northwestern border buyers who tour the area will find mostly upgraded single family homes as well as highrise condominium properties lining the waterfront. Begin your home search within this laid back community by clicking on any of the Northwest Side neighborhoods below.

North Side Chicago Neighborhoods

Over the years, Chicago's north side neighborhoods have established themselves as some of the more desirable places to live in the city. While neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Lakeview tend to get many of the headlines, the north side of Chicago is comprised of so many different little communities that all have something unique to offer potential home buyers. Furthermore, the variety of housing options all over the north side also help make it a great choice for just about anyone out there looking for a new place to live, regardless of whether you're looking for a vintage condo with plenty of charm and charter of a luxury single-family home with all the bells and whistles. To begin your quest to find the perfect home or condo on Chicago's north side click on any of the top neighborhoods below to start searching active listings in your preferred area!

Far North Side Chicago Neighborhoods

If there's one characteristic that describes the real estate market in many of Chicago's Far North Side neighborhoods, most would say it's diversity. Vintage courtyard condo and apartment building fill the area landscape from an attached housing standpoint but home buyers looking for something slightly bigger with a whole lot more privacy will also find quite the collection of Chicago-style bungalows and other luxury single-family homes that provide ample living space and unmatched curb appeal. And if you're also looking for value, most Far North Side neighborhoods offer very comparable homes and condos from a style and design standpoint but often price much less than other trendier locations like Lakeview, Lincoln Park, or Roscoe Village, which really aren't too far away.

North Shore Chicago Neighborhoods

The North Shore of Chicago is a collection of affluent suburbs that lie along the coast of Lake Michigan, just north of Chicago proper. The primary communities that comprise the North Shore include Evanston, Glencoe, Highland Park, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Wilmette, and Winnetka. Other nearby suburbs that do not border Lake Michigan such as Deerfield, Glenview, Northbrook, and Northfield are often included as well. If you're into movies, you have seen many of these communities in titles such as Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Home Alone, and Risky Business! The real estate here is largely high-end, but ranges from vintage condominiums to one-of-a-kind luxury estates. To begin searching these upscale properties for sale, click on any of the links below!

South Side Chicago Neighborhoods

As the largest region of the three distinctive sides of Chicago, the South Side of Chicago offers its residents a large array of social and cultural amenities. This area is home to 2 major sports league teams, the MLB's White Sox and the NFL's Bears. Homebuyers touring the area will be pleased to see the number of official landmarks and historical buildings as well as open parklands, conservatories and wildlife gardens. Real estate in this community includes mostly single story bungalows and studio-style condos. Housing in areas such as Bronzeville and Hyde Park are highly sought after due to their proximity to transportation and entertainment.

Need Help Finding Your Perfect Chicago Neighborhood?

Choosing which Chicago neighborhood is right for you can be challenging. However, learning about what each Chicago neighborhood can offer you can also be a fun and educational experience. So forget about the overwhelming part of the decision and embrace just how amazing Chicago's collective style is and how great it is to be a part of it. If you'd like help with your home search, or are new to the Chicago area and want some advice on where to live or which neighborhood may be the right fit, give our team of expert real estate agents a call today and start the process. Ted Guarnero and his team can be reached at 312-810-6693. Contact us today and start your home search tomorrow!