West Loop vs River North vs Wicker Park (Chicago, Lincoln: neighborhoods, live)

[Kmanshouse]

I'm the opposite. River North is very noisy, full of traffic (before Covid), and is more of the window dressing of Chicago. I appreciate the upscale restaurants....5% of my life. Suburbanites LOVE River North - it's what they think of when they want to go downtown (other than Millennium Park, Mag Mile and Navy Pier).

West Loop is pretty awesome. I'd probably live there if I could afford it. It's a mix of a warehouse/meat packing style but with very high quality restaurants dripped in. Many of the top chefs in the city opened their restaurants there. It's expensive though.

Wicker used to be THE Bohemia neighborhood of Chicago - funky shops and artists. A little gritty. But it's gotten slicker the last 5-10 years and is more of a yuppie hood now. Everyone I know that has lived there loved it. Understand the commute would be tougher here, the Blue Line (pre-covid) is PACKED to the point residents groan every time a new condo building goes up.

[OKParker]

Originally Posted by Kmanshouse

I'm the opposite. River North is very noisy, full of traffic (before Covid), and is more of the window dressing of Chicago. I appreciate the upscale restaurants....5% of my life. Suburbanites LOVE River North - it's what they think of when they want to go downtown (other than Millennium Park, Mag Mile and Navy Pier).

West Loop is pretty awesome. I'd probably live there if I could afford it. It's a mix of a warehouse/meat packing style but with very high quality restaurants dripped in. Many of the top chefs in the city opened their restaurants there. It's expensive though.

Wicker used to be THE Bohemia neighborhood of Chicago - funky shops and artists. A little gritty. But it's gotten slicker the last 5-10 years and is more of a yuppie hood now. Everyone I know that has lived there loved it. Understand the commute would be tougher here, the Blue Line (pre-covid) is PACKED to the point residents groan every time a new condo building goes up.

I agree with this post the most. I would never live in River North but find WL and Wicker to be amazing neighborhoods. Definitely go for one of these two and you won't regret it!

[personone]

Originally Posted by OKParker

I agree with this post the most. I would never live in River North but find WL and Wicker to be amazing neighborhoods. Definitely go for one of these two and you won't regret it!

Yeah, although to me, as nice as the West Loop is, it still doesn't feel like a traditional Chicago "neighborhood." Although, it may be the best compromise. Most of the apartments are either modern/new construction or renovated lofts that are very trendy and modern in the inside. Also it is a lot less touristy than River North.


Wicker Park is cool, although it is much older housing stock, which some do not like (especially with the grueling winters). There are some new construction apartments scattered around though, although they are very expensive.


River North is definitely the trendy district. I don't agree that all of the restaurants are great. They have some good ones, although a lot fall into the "tourist trap" category IMO. The tourist presence is what really takes away from the true Chicago neighborhood feel IMO. Although the biggest plus is the abundance of modern apartments. For many, this is important, and in River North and Streeterville, the vast majority of apartment options are modern.

[romes591]

Thank you all so much for the advice! Are there any neighborhoods outside of these 3 that you would recommend?

Also, will I need a car if I live in Wicker Park? I am not planning to have one when I first move.

[TBideon]

A single 35-year old who can afford $2000-$2500 rent should absolutely live in West Loop/Fulton Market. You're the perfect demographic for that neighbohood.

As for other neighborhoods, different strokes for different people. If I were gay, I'd live in Andersonville hands down. If I were ten years younger (currently 38 and in South Loop), I'd be in Lakeview or Wicker. Maybe Logan Square. If I were married and had a kid, probably Lincoln Square or Southport.

[romes591]

Originally Posted by TBideon

A single 35-year old who can afford $2000-$2500 rent should absolutely live in West Loop/Fulton Market. You're the perfect demographic for that neighbohood.

As for other neighborhoods, different strokes for different people. If I were gay, I'd live in Andersonville hands down. If I were ten years younger (currently 38 and in South Loop), I'd be in Lakeview or Wicker. Maybe Logan Square. If I were married and had a kid, probably Lincoln Square or Southport.

How do you feel about Old Town? I have found some pretty nice places there well within my price range.

[TBideon]

It's fine and there's plenty of social activity on Wells, North, and a few other streets. Basically a smaller Lincoln Park.

[OKParker]

Originally Posted by romes591

Thank you all so much for the advice! Are there any neighborhoods outside of these 3 that you would recommend?

Also, will I need a car if I live in Wicker Park? I am not planning to have one when I first move.

No car needed for any of the neighborhoods that you've posted. Very walkable and transitable city.

[japster28]

Originally Posted by romes591

Thank you all so much for the advice! Are there any neighborhoods outside of these 3 that you would recommend?

Also, will I need a car if I live in Wicker Park? I am not planning to have one when I first move.

I'd look into the South Loop as well. Lots of new high rise development. A little lacking in terms of amenities compared to the other 3, but it has improved immensely in the past decade.

[personone]

Originally Posted by japster28

I'd look into the South Loop as well. Lots of new high rise development. A little lacking in terms of amenities compared to the other 3, but it has improved immensely in the past decade.

I agree, although IMO you don't get that traditional Chicago neighborhood feel in South Loop (tree-lined streets, parks, local restaurants/bars/shops with neighborhood-locals, etc.). I'd definitely add Lincoln Park, Old Town, and Lakeview to the mix.