Moving to Chicago with your family? The Windy City offers world-class dining, affordable housing, plenty of family-friendly activities, and more. If you’re looking to live in Chi-Town, check out these five best Chicago neighborhoods for families!
| Neighborhood | Edgewater | Forest Glen | Hyde Park | Lincoln Park | Lincoln Square |
| Median Home Price | $403,792 | $429,400 | $351,294 | $702,485 | $502,433 |
| Median Rent Price | $1,289 | $1,152 | $1,300 | $1,835 | $1,423 |
| Safer than % of the City | 77% | 97% | 58% | 69% | 82% |
| Median Household Income | $80,652 | $108,750 | $58,761 | $132,432 | $98,301 |
| High School Graduation Rate | 89% | 93% | 96% | 97% | 90% |
Edgewater
If you’re searching for a vibrant, family-friendly Chicago neighborhood with stunning lake views and green spaces, Edgewater is the perfect option! This community is composed of affordable bungalows and American Foursquare-style homes, as well as historic high-rises—making it a perfect Chicago neighborhood for young families and one of the best places to rent a home in the city. Encompassing the popular Andersonville area, Edgewater has a little something for everyone—from vintage shops like Andy’s Art, Antiques, & Oddities and Broadway Antique Market to more than 20 theatre companies, including Raven Theatre and Babes With Blades Theatre Company. Residents who love to get outdoors will appreciate close proximity to spots like Foster Beach, Osterman Beach, and Lakefront Trail. And while parents can send their kids to top schools like Peirce School of International Studies and Senn High School, those looking to pursue higher education will have quick access to Loyola University Chicago!
Things to Do in Edgewater
Check out exhibits like We Are America, explore the Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration, or go on a guided tour of the Swedish American Museum. Play volleyball, practice gymnastics, or enroll your children in an after-school program at Broadway Armory Park—a massive indoor recreational facility. Enjoy the Lake Michigan shoreline, soak up the summer rays, or go on a family walk at Lane Beach. Play a round of pickleball, tennis, or golf at the Saddle & Cycle Club. Start your day with a Mochachino before digging into a Latina Omeletta, Chilaquiles, or Rustic Veggie Quiche at m.henry. Devour a Birria Taco, Mexican Fries, or Al Pastor Tostada at Edgewater Tacos. Experience authentic Senegalese cuisine like Yassa, Saka Saka, and Soupe Kandia at Teranga African Restaurant. Or try vegan favorites like Heavenly Curry, Golden Yuba Fried Rice, and Roasted Sesame Miso Ramen at Alice & Friends’ Vegan Kitchen.
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Forest Glen
“Chicago’s Finest Community” of Forest Glen encompasses the areas of Edgebrook and Sauganash, and is one of the best places to raise a family in Chicago! Located on the Northwest Side of Chicago, Forest Glen offers families a suburban, secluded feeling without being removed from the city center. With more than 500 homes in the neighborhood, residents can find a wide variety of single-family houses—including Victorian and Tudor-style homes—along tree-lined streets with spacious yards for the kids to play in. Here, you’re close to both public and private schools, like Edgebrook Elementary School, Sauganash Montessori School, and Queen of All Saints School. There are also unique Chicago attractions for families in this area, including the city’s half-sized replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa—the Leaning Tower of Niles!
Things to Do in Forest Glen
Play 18 holes, take a lesson with the resident pro, or join a golf league at Edgebrook Golf Course. Go birding, walk the trails, and end your day with a picnic at Bunker Hill. Check out the latest book, take the kids for homework help, or attend events like Magic Mittens Toddler Story Time and Craft at the Chicago Public Library’s Edgebrook Branch. Sign the kids up for ukulele, violin, or voice lessons at Northside Music Academy. Make your way to Edgebrook Coffee Shop & Diner for a Breakfast Sandwich, Veggie Hash, or Cold Brew. Savor Vietnamese favorites like Pho Nam, Marinated Grilled Pork Chop, and Tofu Spring Rolls at King Pho. Try traditional Indian and Nepalese dishes like Paneer Pakora, Aaloo Dum, and Tandoori Chicken at Curry Kitchen. Or feast on a Brown Line Burger or The Loop Burger with a side of Garlic Cheese Curds at Bust Outs.
Hyde Park
If you’re looking for a quiet, calm area where you can raise a family in Chicago without breaking the bank, check out the Hyde Park neighborhood! This residential area offers tree-lined streets with affordable housing options, ranging from Tudor and Craftsman-style homes to nice apartments for rent. Hyde Park is also home to quality schools in Chicago like Ray Elementary School and University of Chicago Laboratory Schools—as well as the prestigious University of Chicago. The university’s presence in Hyde Park is part of why the neighborhood is known as the city’s cultural hub, along with landmarks like the Hyde Park Art Center, Frederick C. Robie House, and DuSable Black History Museum & Education Center. Families looking for things to do in this Chicago neighborhood can also stay busy with fun community events like Hyde Park Holly-Day, Hyde Park Garden Fair, and the Hyde Park Jazz Festival.
Things to Do in Hyde Park
Pick up fresh fruits, veggies, or flowers at the Hyde Park Farmers Market. Explore a 1964 Boeing 727, experience the enchantment of Colleen Moore’s Fairy Castle, and learn about the James Webb Space Telescope at the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry. Spend the day swimming in Lake Michigan, go on a walk, or enjoy a picnic with the family at 57th Street Beach. Let the kids loose on the playground, play a game of baseball, or walk through the community flower garden at Nichols (John Fountain) Park. Start your morning with a cup of coffee, House Made Granola & Greek Yogurt, or a Veggie Burrito at Plein Air Cafe. Order Italian favorites like Spaghetti Al Cartoccio, Calamari Fritti, or Margherita Pizza at Nella Pizza e Pasta. Dine on mouthwatering Mediterranean dishes like Humble Lentil Soup, a Chicken Shawarma Wrap, or a Falafel Bowl at Cedars Mediterranean Kitchen. Or try the Taco Carnitas, Shrimp Taco Dinner, or Carne Asada Tortas at Tacos El Pastor 53.
Lincoln Park
Families seeking a Chicago neighborhood with great walkability and access to the outdoors should consider living in Lincoln Park! Though Lincoln Park is a popular neighborhood for young professionals, it also offers a variety of family-friendly activities in Chicago—including green spaces like the Lincoln Park Conservatory and the neighborhood namesake Lincoln Park, as well as community events like the Savor Lincoln Park food festival. The area is also near Wrigley Field, making it ideal for Chicago Cubs (MLB) fans. Lincoln Park residents can choose from a variety of housing options, ranging from vintage brownstones to condos with jaw-dropping views of Lake Michigan. This neighborhood also offers highly-rated schools like Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, Lincoln Park High School, and Francis W. Parker School, as well as a quick commute to The Loop!
Things to Do in Lincoln Park
Spend the day swimming, building a sandcastle, or riding a bike along the beach at North Avenue Beach. See Aardvarks, Chilean Flamingos, and Red Kangaroos at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Attend performances of shows like FEAT, Lookout, and A Visit from Portlandia at Steppenwolf Theatre. Check out exhibits like Facing Freedom in America, Imagining Chicago: The Dioramas, or The Fifth Star Challenge at the Chicago History Museum. Have brunch in Chicago at Batter & Berries, where you can order Lemon French Toast, a Chicken Fajita Omelette, or Cluck & Gravy. Stop by for a Cardamom Honey Latte, London Fog, or Mocha Scone at Colectivo Coffee. Treat the kids to R.J.’s Wings, Grilled Cheese, or Chicken Tenders paired with French Fries or Mac & Cheese at R.J. Grunts. Or get a taste of Italy with dishes like Bruschetta, Chicken Piccata, and Lobster Ravioli at Basil Leaf Cafe.
Lincoln Square
Known for its German heritage, Lincoln Square’s close-knit community feel makes it a perfect neighborhood in Chicago for families! Residents have easy access to shops and restaurants along Lincoln Avenue, plus gathering spots like Giddings Plaza—home to the neighborhood’s annual Apple Fest! You’ll also be able to enjoy time outdoors at a variety of parks—including River Park, Winnemac Park, and Welles (Gideon) Park—along with year-round, family-friendly events like the Summer Concert Series and Lincoln Square Farmers Market. Parents can feel confident sending their children to great schools in the area like James B. McPherson Elementary School, Queen of Angels Catholic School, and North Park Elementary School. On top of that, Lincoln Square is among the best places to buy a home in Chicago, offering plenty of affordable condos, as well as bungalow, brownstone, and American Foursquare-style homes.
Things to Do in Lincoln Square
Learn about Cambodian history, attend singing workshops, or get your kiddos involved in the Youth Leadership & Mentorship Program at the National Cambodian Heritage Museum. Explore the Cityscape Play Zone, play basketball, or sign up for a fitness class at Fit City Kids. Enroll in a guitar class, attend a concert, or sign up for Kids Summer Camp at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Relax at Story Time, attend a book club, or meet friends during a Tabletop Gaming Open Shop at the Sulzer Regional Library. Feast on Vegan BBQ Banh Mi and Banh Mi Tofu Xao Gung, or sip a Lychee Smoothie at Nhu Lan Bakery. Dine on Camarones Rancheros, Carne Asada, or Pollo en Mole at Garcia’s Restaurant. Try classic French cuisine like Ratatouille, Croque Madame, and Pommes Frites at Bistro Campagne. Or enjoy dishes like Whipped Ricotta, Spaghetti Alla Chitarra, and Grilled Korean Pork Shoulder at The Warbler.
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The team at Extra Space Storage understands that moving to a new city can be stressful, which is why we’ve created our Best Places to Live selections to help make the process easier. We’ve done the research for you—considering factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, and education—to provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area. Check out our methodology page today to learn more about how we select the best places to live.
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
