Moving to Chicago? With convenient public transit via the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses and the Chicago “L” trains, a strong job market featuring Fortune 500 companies and tech startups, and countless hidden gems to explore, Chi-Town is one of the best U.S. cities for singles starting their careers. Whether you’re looking for an apartment, townhome, or condo, here are the five best neighborhoods in Chicago for singles and young professionals!
| Neighborhood | Lake View | Lincoln Park | The Loop | River North | Ukrainian Village |
| Safer than % of City | 71% | 69% | 19% | 34% | 44% |
| Median Home Price | $556,847 | $702,485 | $331,150 | $434,335 | $466,646 |
| Median Rent Price | $1,744 | $1,835 | $1,699 | $1,552 | $1,690 |
| Median Household Income | $128,310 | $132,432 | $98,220 | $97,802 | $100,114 |
| Median Age | 31.5 | 33.9 | 35.0 | 40.7 | 34.7 |
Lake View
The relaxed and artistic neighborhood of Lake View is a close-knit community lined with unique townhomes and rowhomes—all close to the shore of Belmont Harbor and Lake Michigan! Because of its multitude of entertainment options—whether it be theatres, comedy clubs, or at the famous Wrigleyville where the Chicago Cubs (MLB) play—it’s easy to see why Lake View is one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago to rent a home as a young professional. If you’re furthering your education, there are nearby opportunities at the Aveda Institute Chicago, Chicago Medical Assistant School, and American Islamic College. Plus, you can easily get around the neighborhood and the rest of the city via the CTA’s Red, Brown, and Purple lines—or bus routes like 36 Broadway, 135 Clarendon/LaSalle Express, 146 Inner Lake Shore/Michigan Express, and 151 Sheridan.
Things to Do in Lake View
See theatrical productions like Bernadette: The Musical or catch the Lakeview Orchestra in concert at the Athenaeum Center for Thought & Culture. Learn why Chicago is one of the best U.S. cities for dogs by staying active with your furry friend at Belmont Harbor Dog Beach. Watch sci-fi and fantasy-inspired musicals and plays like TWIHARD! A Twilight Musical Parody, or take part in Live Action RolePlay at Otherworld Theatre Performance Venue and Bar. Train to become a comedian or have a laugh watching improv, open mics, and professional comedy shows at local comedy club The Annoyance. Start your day right by getting breakfast in Chicago with items like the Butcher Block Omelet, Hammy Sami, or Tres Leches French Toast at Eggsperience. Try the Le Dagobert sandwich, Quiche Lorraine, and a Croissant at French Cafe Paris. Find a new favorite dish like the Provoleta, Asado De Tira, Parillada Para Dos, or Berenjena at Chicago Argentinian restaurant, Tango Sur. Or indulge in dishes like Shrimp Ceviche, Rigatoni Bolognese, or Wood’s Dry Aged Steak Frites with Tiramisu for dessert at the upscale Wood Chicago.
Lincoln Park
Named after the largest park in Chicago—which winds its way down the neighborhood’s eastern border—Lincoln Park is known for its beautiful homes and tree-lined streets, making this Chi-Town neighborhood a great place for young professionals seeking a unique townhouse, brownstone, or brick rowhome. The neighborhood is also home to DePaul University, making it one of the best places to live in Chicago for university staff and students. Residents of Lincoln Park appreciate the blend of semi-suburban living with urban amenities like trendy restaurants and exciting Chicago nightlife—especially on Armitage Avenue! The area is also home to exciting community events, like Old Town’s 75-year-old Old Town Art Fair—featuring artwork in a variety of mediums, live music, local food, and a garden walk showcasing the neighborhood’s beautiful blooms. And if you ever need to get to another part of the Windy City, residents can find quick transit via the Red and Brown CTA lines.
Things to Do in Lincoln Park
Take a selfie under the Honeycomb on the Nature Boardwalk, and see everything from red pandas to penguins at the free Lincoln Park Zoo. Enjoy comedy acts from up-and-coming performers at a renowned Chicago-based comedy club, The Second City—or see live theatre shows like Amadeus and Mr. Wolf in one of the three performance areas at Steppenwolf Theatre. Soak up the sun and go for a dip in Lake Michigan at North Avenue Beach. Learn more about Chicago’s history and culture from permanent exhibits at the Chicago History Museum. Pick up an Iced Cold Brew Oat-Chata or Golden Light Tea Latte with an Almond Croissant for breakfast at Colectivo Coffee. Munch on the Charred Octopus, Rigatoni Caprese, or Gnocchi Al Brivido at a local favorite Italian joint, Sapori Trattoria. Get a taste of German food in Chicago with items like The Pretzel or Schnitzel paired with a classic Helles Lager from Prost! Or sip handcrafted cocktails like an Aperol Spritz, Champagne Cocktail, or Chicago Handshake at Marge’s Still in Old Town.
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The Loop
This iconic neighborhood gets its name from how seven of the CTA’s eight lines “loop” around 35 blocks of Chicago’s city center. Because The Loop makes up Downtown Chicago, singles and young professionals can find some of the best dining, nightlife, theatre, and museum options in the city just steps away from their front door! Residents living in The Loop can also find a variety of housing options for both buying and renting in Chicago, with close access to recreational areas like Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, Grant Park, and Millennium Park—home of Cloud Gate, commonly known as The Bean. Plus, with educational institutions like Columbia College Chicago and East-West University—not to mention headquarters of top employers like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Morningstar, and Baird Private Wealth Management—young professionals can benefit from The Loop’s central location!
Things to Do in The Loop
Spend the afternoon exploring African pottery, Greco-Roman sculptures, and Japanese woodblock prints at The Art Institute of Chicago. Catch Broadway musicals or performances from touring comedians and musicians at The Chicago Theatre. Stand 1,353 feet in the air over the Chicago cityscape on the Skydeck at Willis Tower. Walk, kayak, or take a boat tour along the Chicago Riverwalk—or grab dinner and a drink at Riverwalk institutions like O’Briens Riverwalk Café and Beatnik On The River. Chow down the Chocolate Banana Bread French Toast, Corned Beef Hash Skillet, or Classic Eggs Benedict at breakfast hot spot Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe. Sample signature sushi rolls like the Volcano Roll, Pink Lady, or Mango California at Ryo Sushi. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a Cinnamon Roll, Fruit Galette, or Cake Rainbow at Goddess and the Baker. Enjoy live music, shuffleboard, and over 30 beers on tap at 2Twenty2 Tavern—or sing and dance while sipping specialty cocktails at Brando’s Speakeasy, one of the best karaoke bars in Chicago.
River North
Just across the Chicago River and north of the Loop sits the downtown neighborhood of River North. This Windy City neighborhood, along with the rest of the Near North Side area, is known for its skyscrapers, fine-dining scene, and high-end shopping options, making it a common landing spot for young professionals looking to network and enjoy nightlife. Lavish art galleries, sleek high-rises, and historical buildings help create a unique and rare personality throughout this neighborhood in Chicago—which are only made better by nearby job opportunities at huge companies like GrubHub and Salesforce. And since Chicago schools like SAE Institute and The Chicago School also call this neighborhood home, it’s also one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago for college students!
Things to Do in River North
Peruse designer brands like Louis Vuitton and Burberry at department stores like Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and more that line The Magnificent Mile. Take in uninterrupted views of the Chicago River and Chicago skyline with your four-legged friend at Ward Park. Experience a digital art projection known as ART on THE MART, view luxurious furniture, and explore the Design Center at THE MART. Head down the street to explore exhibits like Yoko Ono: Music of the Mind, Wafaa Bilal: Indulge Me, and Pipilotti Rist: Supersubjektiv at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. Devour delicious donuts like the Tahitian Vanilla Iced, Wildflower Honey Glazed, and Pistachio Old Fashioned at Firecakes Donuts. Grab Wild Berry French Toast for weekend brunch or indulge in a dinner of Lobster Rolls or Braised Short Ribs on weeknights at The Hampton Social. Order the Roasted Bone Marrow, Potato Gnocchi, or Mushroom Risotto at Mediterranean restaurant The Purple Pig. Get a taste of Chicago nightlife by settling in for dinner, drinks, and incredible live music at House of Blues Chicago—or head to Sound-Bar, an upscale Chicago nightclub featuring talents like Morgan Page, Surf Mesa, and RayRay.
Ukrainian Village
An area originally settled by Ukrainian and Polish immigrants, this highly walkable Chicago neighborhood is a hot spot for artists and young entrepreneurs, thanks to its collection of restored brick buildings and warehouses, quirky bookstores and antique shops, and indie music venues. Residents in Ukrainian Village are also able to take advantage of its location near Wright College Humboldt Park—one of the City Colleges of Chicago—which offers education in visual arts, architecture, human services, and more. But if Windy City residents in Ukrainian Village need to commute to other parts of the city for school, work, or entertainment, the CTA’s Blue “L” lines and the 50 Damen, 49 Western, and 66 Chicago bus routes are located nearby.
Things to Do in Ukrainian Village
View pieces showcasing the shared experience of Ukrainian artists like Konstantin Milonadis, Wasyl Kacurovsky, and Alexis Gritchenko at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art. Find new or restored pieces of Mid-Century Modern furniture, pottery, clocks, artwork, and more at Velvet Goldmine. Purchase galactic-themed coffee beans, cold cans of coffee, or drinking chocolate at Dark Matter Coffee. Listen to live indie music with friends while sipping a draft beer and snacking on Pizza Friendly Pizza pan slices at The Empty Bottle. Get your fill of Varenyky, Crispy Potato Pancakes, and Chicken Paprikash in Baked Pumpkin at Tryzub Ukrainian Kitchen. Enjoy signature dishes like the Chicago Hot Dog, Piggy’s Fries, and various flavors of their Signature Mac & Cheese at Joey G’s Mac n’ Cheese. Chow down Cleo’s Homemade Chili, the Samuels Double Fatso’s Extreme, and a Char Dog at Fatso’s Last Stand. Or meet up with friends on the weekend to grab a drink from a diverse menu of cocktails and beers at EZ Inn.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
The goal of Extra Space Storage’s Best Places to Live selections is to help diverse audiences at varying stages of life make informed decisions about where to live. To provide a well-rounded and accurate view of each metro area, we consider factors like cost of living, job market, local attractions, education, and more. Learn more about our methodology today.
