What It's Like Living in River West, Chicago

River West is one of those Chicago neighborhoods that hits all the right trendy notes—a riverfront view, industrial bones, and shops with a chic angle. Though it’s often lumped in with the larger West Town neighborhood, River West is carving out its own unique identity.

Homes in the Neighborhood

View homes for sale in River West

The Union Pacific railroad tracks run right through River West, a testament to the neighborhood’s industrial roots. In recent years, residential development has been making headway in the neighborhood. If you’re home shopping in River West, you’ll likely come across some industrial buildings that have been repurposed into modern lofts and condos.

Given its proximity to downtown and newer development, the neighborhood’s median sale price is on the higher end in the mid $400s, according to Neighborhoods.com. Expect to see more multi-unit buildings on busy streets than single-family homes lining quiet residential byways. River West is a neighborhood with definite urban vibes, and it’s popular so home inventory can be tight. If you see a home you like, don’t spend too much time deliberating. 

River West on the Go

River West is in the ideal location for people who regularly commute and/or travel for work. The Chicago stop on the CTA’s Blue Line, right in the middle of the neighborhood, will take you downtown.

For driving commuters headed to the suburbs, the Kennedy Expressway serves as the western border of the neighborhood. Plus, River West residents have relatively easy access to both of the city’s airports. The Blue Line will take you right to O’Hare within roughly 40 minutes, while Midway Airport is about 50 minutes away via the Blue Line and Orange Line.

Staying Active

When you aren’t on the go to somewhere outside the neighborhood, River West has plenty to keep you active. OTG Boot Camp offers gym classes and memberships at varying levels of intensity. If the social part of working out appeals to you more, the neighborhood is also home to Chicago Sport and Social Club, which brings people together to play the sports they love.

Scoping Out the Food Scene

River West has quite a few pizza spots—D’Agostino’s Pizza and Pub and Pie-Eyed Pizzeria among them—to satisfy your cravings for a quick slice.

Sushi fans will be delighted to frequent Sushi X, an eclectic restaurant that blends its food with Japanese-inspired music and art. Jerk Jamaican Barbecue, another neighborhood staple, pairs its smoked meats with an impressive menu of craft beers. And if caffeine close to home is a priority, Cafe Blue serves hot and cold teas and coffees on Chicago Avenue.

Going Out in River West

If your idea of going out is grabbing drinks in your neighborhood bar, the Matchbox is River West’s go-to spot. This snug bar is only 15 feet across at its widest point, which makes it the ideal spot for rubbing elbows—literally—with your neighbors.

On the cultural side of things, River West has both an art museum and a performance space. Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art focuses on self-taught art that deviates from the mainstream. On a small side street near the convergence of Chicago and Ogden Avenues, Pegasus Theatre puts on shows with a focus on new, original voices. Started in Edgewater in the late 1970s, the theater company now calls River West home.

Going out in River West can also be an indulgent experience. Last year, Spanish company AIRE Ancient Baths opened a spa in a 19th-century River West factory building. The Greco-Roman-inspired space features thermal pools and massage treatments.

Shopping the Trendy Boutiques

River West has attracted quite a few upscale and unique boutiques that appeal to the shopper looking for something a bit different. ZipFit Denim does custom denim in its large showroom. And Fat Tiger Workshop takes a creative approach to street wear.

When it comes to home goods, River West has a couple of shopping spots. South Loop Loft, a River West boutique despite the name, has a vast collection of furniture, rugs, art, and decor. Armand Lee adds to the neighborhood’s upscale shopping scene with custom framing and mirrors.