What Are the Best Neighborhoods in Chicago?

The best neighborhoods in Chicago range from super-walkable hot spots like Wicker Park, to waterfront areas like Lake View and River North, to quieter places like Edison Park. Whether you prefer deep-dish pizza and jazz clubs within reach or you prioritize green space in the many historic parks, or skyline views from your balcony are your thing, Chicago has a neighborhood for any wish list.

Discover some of Chicago’s best places to live based on what matters most: 

• Affordability and value
• Lifestyle and community
• Luxury and high-end living
• Schools and higher education
• Quiet living

For affordability and value

Affordability might be the most critical factor in finding a neighborhood that meets your needs. The typical rent in Chicago as of October 2025 was $2,077, slightly higher than the national average of $1,949, but average rents dip lower for a studio ($1,495) or one bedroom ($1,750). Chicago also has plenty of for-sale listings priced below the national median, with the city’s median list price at $349,333 as of October 2025, compared to $405,967 nationwide. Here are four Chicago neighborhoods where the typical home value is considered affordable, meaning the cost of housing consumes less than a third of a Chicago middle income household’s budget.

Bronzeville

Bronzeville, on Chicago’s South Side, is one of the city’s more affordable places for homebuyers, with a typical home value of $278,512 as of October 2025, below the Chicago average home value of $338,938.

Once called the “Black Metropolis,” Bronzeville has long been a cornerstone for Black artists, musicians and entrepreneurs. Legends like Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole and Gwendolyn Brooks had ties here, and that creative heartbeat still echoes today. Locals love the relaxing vibes of Bronzeville, which features beautiful historic greystone and brownstone homes, an historic 1897 event venue now known as the Bronzeville Incubator, and Boxville, a quirky shipping container mall and community gathering space. 

Humboldt Park

With an average home value of $384,879 as of October 2025, Humboldt Park could be ideal for buyers or renters looking for value without giving up access to downtown. Here you’ll find historic apartment buildings, classic Chicago two-flats (multi-unit homes with one apartment on each floor) and an increasing number of new construction homes. 

Humboldt Park is anchored by its 200-acre namesake park, complete with a lagoon, boathouse and walking trails. Humboldt Park is also well-known for its cultural scene, including street art along Paseo Boricua, its annual Puerto Rican Festival and Chicago Latin Jazz Festival. 

Hyde Park

With a typical home value around $250,000, Hyde Park offers a range of for-sale apartment and condo options  that residents may find to be more affordable for a Chicago lakeside neighborhood. Hyde Park sits just south of Bronzeville, and is home to the University of Chicago and several museums, including the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. The biggest draw, though, might be how close it is to the lake: Locals often picnic at Promontory Point, one of the most beloved spots on the South Side.

Whether you’re drawn by its walkability or historic greystones, Hyde Park can offer a combo of big-city perks and waterfront living — without the high-end price tag.

Lake View

In Lake View, you’ll find waterfront, nightlife and convenience for less than the prices of adjacent neighborhoods. While there are some high-rise condos and other types of properties that edge higher, the typical home value in Lake View is $409,268, lower than nearby Lincoln Park ($619,471) and Roscoe Village ($637,103).

Lake View is also home to Wrigley Field, Belmont Harbor — one of the city’s biggest harbors — and some of the best brunch spots. You can’t beat Lake View’s lakeside location, either, offering easy access to Chicago’s 18-mile Lakefront Trail.

For lifestyle and community

Many Chicago neighborhoods fit the bill for culture, nightlife, restaurants and more. For instance, Logan Square or the West Loop are well-known for great dining, while Lake View is known for walkability. If we had to choose, these three neighborhoods, in addition to Avondale and Bronzeville, offer amenities for a range of lifestyles and preferences.  

Avondale

Avondale, just north of Logan Square, draws from its Polish and Latin American roots, with a dining scene that’s become part of Chicago’s expanding restaurant corridor along Milwaukee Avenue. That thoroughfare connects directly to the Blue Line for a quick commute to downtown.

Beyond the cuisine, Avondale has some recreational spaces, including Brands Park, which features a gym, playground and playing fields. The housing options range from brick two-flats and bungalows to newer, low-rise developments.

Bronzeville

Bronzeville isn’t only a more affordable part of Chicago — it’s long been a center of Black history and culture, home to writers, activists, musicians and more, including Ida B. Wells and Bessie Coleman.

Today, Bronzeville’s history endures through landmarks like the Bronzeville Walk of Fame and public art along Martin Luther King Drive. The neighborhood also hosts seasonal festivals and gallery events, and Bronzeville’s residential streets feature a mix of greystones, Victorians and brick two-flats.

Lake View 

In addition to its more approachable cost of living, Lake View stands out for its lively, well-rounded lifestyle. The neighborhood blends lakefront recreation, local culture, and year-round entertainment — anchored by destinations like Wrigley Field and Belmont Harbor. Within Lake View, Northalsted offers a vibrant LGBTQ+ community and energetic nightlife, while Wrigleyville buzzes with game-day excitement, rooftop bars, and classic Chicago spirit. Festivals, outdoor concerts, and a packed dining scene keep Lake View active in every season, making this neighborhood one of Chicago’s most dynamic places to live.

Logan Square

Located on Chicago’s Northwest Side, Logan Square is centered around historic boulevards and green medians. Its spacious layout and mix of old and new construction make Logan Square one of Chicago’s more architecturally varied neighborhoods. Logan Square also has a 93 Bike Score and 91 Walk Score, making it easy to go car-free.

The scene in Logan Square revolves around two things: food and nightlife. It’s home to acclaimed, Michelin-starred dining spots, along with the Logan Square Farmers Market that runs year-round on Logan Boulevard, moving indoors for the winter months. At night, Logan Square’s bars, lounges and music venues are dynamic local gathering spots.

West Loop

Once an industrial district of warehouses and factories, West Loop has evolved into one of Chicago’s most vibrant mixed-use neighborhoods. The West Loop features a combination of loft-style residences, luxury apartments and newly built condominiums, all just west of downtown and the Chicago River.

The West Loop is known for its celebrated Restaurant Row on Randolph Street, the Fulton Market District, and a number of galleries and museums. Meanwhile, Mary Bartelme Park and Union Park provide green spaces to walk off those good eats.

For luxury and high-end living

Chicago’s luxury housing market spans classic, historic neighborhoods and modern architectural hubs alike. Some of Chicago’s most well-known luxury enclaves range from Lincoln Park on the North End, to Wicker Park on the West Side.

Lincoln Park

North of downtown along the lakefront, Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s most established luxury markets, with elegant homes just blocks from the Lincoln Park Zoo, North Avenue Beach and the city’s largest park of the same name. Here, you’ll find residents frequenting the shops along Armitage Avenue and dining at some of Chicago’s finest establishments.

Lincoln Park is also appealing for its architecture, which includes renovated greystones, new-construction rowhouses and contemporary condos. The average home value in Lincoln Park is $619,471 as of October 2025 — but that’s only an average. In Lincoln Park, homes run anywhere from the more affordable mid-range into the millions, with the most premium listings around $10 million. 

Logan Square

Logan Square’s many amenities have made it a destination for high-end living. The average home value in Logan Square is about $500,000 as of October 2025, but the neighborhood overall tends toward luxury prices, with some rental listings up to $10,000 or more a month. Meanwhile, the more upscale homes in Logan Square are listed from $1 million to $3 million.

Many luxury developments in Logan Square come with open layouts, rooftop terraces and energy-efficient features. Those upgrades, plus the area’s Michelin-rated restaurants and other attractions, cement Logan Square as one of Chicago’s most premium options.

River North

River North — north of the loop and west of Michigan Avenue — is known for high-rises with coveted skyline views, industrial lofts and one of the largest concentrations of art galleries in the U.S. River North’s location offers direct access to the Chicago Riverwalk, Magnificent Mile and Hubbard Street restaurants. The Red Line at nearby Grand Station provides routes throughout Chicago.

As of November 2025, luxury listings in River North included homes up to $6.5 million. These listings are often in full-service buildings with amenities like a concierge and rooftop pool.

Wicker Park

Wicker Park is another high-end neighborhood in Chicago. With a mix of home styles, you’ll find everything from restored Italianate and Queen Anne properties to sleek modern builds within Wicker Park. Along the main thoroughfares, including Milwaukee, Damen and North Avenues, Wicker Park forms a hub of boutiques, cafes and upscale restaurants. Despite its high price tag, Wicker Park retains an indie vibe, with unique bars and coffee shops, vintage stores, and offbeat galleries. And just a short Blue Line ride from downtown, Wicker Park is home to The 606 Trail, a 2.7-mile elevated park and bike path.

For schools and higher education

Chicago boasts some of the top-ranked public schools in all of Illinois, including Payton College Preparatory High School, Northside College Preparatory High School, and Lincoln Park High School, along with world-class higher education opportunities. To name a few neighborhoods where you can find both well respected public schools and higher education consider checking out Hyde Park and Lincoln Park.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park rates well among Chicago neighborhoods for affordability, but it’s also home to the University of Chicago and Payton Prep, the top-ranked high school in Illinois, according to U.S. News & World Report. University students will find rental housing, as well as student-friendly amenities like bookstores, coffee shops, and food trucks. 

Lincoln Park

Aside from offering luxury lakeside living, Lincoln Park is an educational hub, with access to DePaul University, which is known for its small class sizes, Chicago-wide internship opportunities, and diverse student life—the university boasts over 350 student organizations for its roughly 21,000 students. Lincoln Park also has noteworthy public school options, with highly rated elementary and middle schools feeding into Lincoln Park High School. 

Even if you’re not looking for academics, Lincoln Park offers plenty of cultural learning opportunities, from the Chicago History Museum and Chicago Academy of Sciences to the Lincoln Park Conservatory.

For quiet living

Several neighborhoods in Chicago offer a quieter pace, yet remain within reach of downtown and Lake Michigan. Edison Park, Mount Greenwood and Norwood Park are just a few examples of neighborhoods that could appeal to anyone looking for calmer breezes in The Windy City.

Edison Park

Edison Park, situated on Chicago’s Northwest Side, is a primarily residential neighborhood made up of detached single-family homes and tree-lined streets. The area includes Olympia Park and several smaller parks that offer open space for recreation and community activities. 

Edison Park is known for its incredible Italian food, thanks to a large Italian American population that established the neighborhood's culinary scene over the last 150-plus years. 

Keep in mind: Although Edison Park is mainly quiet, its location near Chicago O’Hare International Airport can mean some flight noise.

Mount Greenwood

Mount Greenwood, located on Chicago’s Southwest Side, is a primarily residential neighborhood featuring a mix of classic bungalows, ranch homes, and newer construction. Mount Greenwood Park serves as a central hub, offering gardens, a pool, a skating rink, a musical playground, and athletic fields that support local recreation. The neighborhood is characterized by its spacious residential lots, community-oriented atmosphere, and generally quiet streets, making Mount Greenwood a long-standing choice for those seeking a more settled pace of city life.

Norwood Park

Norwood Park is one of Chicago’s oldest and most tranquil neighborhoods. It’s made up of some smaller areas, including Norwood Park East and Old Norwood Park, with Victorian and Tudor style homes on stately lots. Norwood Park’s curved street layout and mature trees help minimize noise and maximize privacy. In addition, Norwood Park has a namesake park, with walking paths, a public pool and shaded picnic areas. 

How to choose a neighborhood in Chicago

To choose a neighborhood in Chicago, begin with your non-negotiables like budget, transit, green space or school needs. Then, spend time in the neighborhoods that stand out. Walk the blocks, visit cafes and feel the pace.

Exploring from afar? Zillow offers neighborhood maps with walk scores and nearby school filters, as well as tools to help you determine your home-buying budget and commute.

Here’s a recap of the best Chicago neighborhoods for:

Affordability and value: Bronzeville, Humboldt Park, Hyde Park, and Lake View offer more approachable home prices alongside access to parks and transit.

Lifestyle and community: Avondale, Bronzeville, Lake View, Logan Square and West Loop feature walkable streets, dining options and plenty of local events and nightlife.

Luxury and high-end living: Lincoln Park, Logan Square, River North and Wicker Park combine upscale housing, architectural interest and proximity to Chicago’s premier restaurants and shopping.

Schools and higher education: Hyde Park and Lincoln Park stand out for access to leading institutions such as the University of Chicago and DePaul University, along with well-rated neighborhood schools.

Quiet living: Edison Park, Mount Greenwood and Norwood Park have a calmer residential feel and generous green space.

When you're ready to take the next step, connect with a local Chicago real estate agent on Zillow. A local expert can guide you through neighborhoods, set up tours and help you find a home that fits.

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Photos by Zillow Listing Media Services