Most Walkable Neighborhoods in Chicago
10. Fulton River District
Once a hub for Chicago’s meatpacking district, this neighborhood has seen a host of new developments in recent decades and is now a destination for fine dining, business, and entertainment. Residents have easy access to the Fulton Market, where some of the city’s best restaurants have flourished given their proximity to food wholesalers and the neighborhood’s historic butcher shops. There are plenty of places to work in the area as well — Google and Uber both have offices there and it is home to some of the nation’s highest-rated restaurants.
9. South Loop
With museums, parks, and easy access to downtown, South Loop residents don’t miss out on anything the city has to offer. Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears and many other events, is located here, as well as the Field Museum, the Arie Crown Theatre, and Grant Park. The Lakefront Trail is a popular route to jog or bike and provides a safe footpath to the rest of the city’s lakeside neighborhoods.
8. The Loop
The Loop offers the quintessential Chicago experience and, if you can afford to live here, you will be in the heart of the city. Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, and The Chicago Theatre are here, as well as the city’s iconic skyscrapers. Chicagoans commute from all over the city to the central business district located in the Loop, but residents of the downtown area have the luxury of walking to work.
7. Ukrainian Village
A home in Ukrainian Village is coveted among many Chicagoans due to the neighborhood’s affordability and proximity to downtown. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shopping options nearby, and the Blue Line train is within walking distance as well.
6. Wicker Park
Known as a success story in Chicago revitalization efforts, Wicker Park today offers a formidable shopping district, unique restaurants, and exciting nightlife. The neighborhood’s center is the Flatiron Arts Building, which hosts art galleries, comedy shows, and live music. Creatives in Wicker Park will not have to leave the area to find their community.
5. Noble Square
This neighborhood offers a quieter alternative to more bustling areas while still offering easy access to West Town’s amenities. Blue Line stops are a short distance away and Eckhart Park offers baseball diamonds, athletic fields, and a playground for family-friendly activities. “Movies in the Park” and other events are also hosted here, so entertainment for the little ones is always nearby.
4. Lincoln Park
With some of the city’s best Classical architecture, a walk through Lincoln Park makes for an enjoyable afternoon in itself. DePaul University’s campus is also here, so there are always students in the area, making Lincoln Park a vibrant and ever-evolving neighborhood. There is no shortage of things to do: the Lincoln Park Zoo, Steppenwolf Theatre, and Peggy Notebart Nature Museum are all Chicago institutions and are within walking distance.
3. West Loop
The most walkable “loop” on this list, the West Loop offers easy access to downtown without the crowds. That doesn’t mean the neighborhood has nothing going on — restaurants along Randolph Street offer a diverse array of dining options and you can also find wine, craft beer, and cocktail bars in the area. The West Loop is also a great place to shop for rare antiques, unique artisan goods, and vintage clothes.
2. East Village
Fans of colorful characters, record stores, and avant-garde dining will find everything they need in or around East Village. Division Street is lined with shops and unique restaurants, not to mention a CTA stop. The area also contains a small park with a playground.
1. Near North Side
A densely populated area, countless shopping options, and numerous train stops make the Near North Side the most walkable neighborhood in Chicago. The Gold Coast is the best place in the city to run up your credit card bill, while Navy Pier offers free or low-cost activities, like a ride on the brand new Centennial Wheel. Historic architecture, such as the Holy Name Cathedral, is all around and the famous Second City comedy club is not far. Residents in Near North Side stand at the gateway to some of the city’s most popular attractions.