Where to Live in Chicago Based on Your Personality

Your home style says a lot about your personality and what you like to do. But, your day-to-day life is affected by more than your own four walls. The look and feel of the neighborhood you live in also plays a big role. Why not find a Chicago neighborhood that matches your personality and interests just as well as your home? 

The city’s neighborhoods each have a distinct character. The extrovert who loves to go out on the town, the introvert who prefers to stay close to home, and the ambivert who loves a balance of both can all find their ideal neighborhood in Chicago.

Andersonville: The Weekend Shopper

If your idea of the perfect weekend is browsing local stores and maybe grabbing a bite to eat in between shops, Andersonville may be your dream neighborhood.

This North Side community is known for its collection of locally owned stores. Unearth furniture and home decor at The Brown Elephant thrift store, grab a gluten-free baked good from Defloured Bakery, or find your latest read at Women & Children First. Lady Gregory’s and the Bongo Room do a mean brunch, if you’re a firm believer in avoiding shopping on an empty stomach.

Clark Street is the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare for going-out restaurants, bars, and shops abound. But, if you like some peace and quiet after a weekend out, the neighborhood has plenty of residential pockets removed from the main action.

Beverly/Morgan Park: The Do-Gooder

People who like to get involved and make connections in their neighborhood will be welcomed with open arms in the sister neighborhoods of Beverly and Morgan Park. The Beverly Area Planning Association supports community involvement in these two South Side neighborhoods. A local newspaper (The Villager) keeps residents informed, and the planning association has a community room for local events.

Attend community meetings and seasonal events to keep in touch with your neighbors. During the summer, you can look forward to the neighborhoods’ regular parties. Beverly and Morgan Park throw some of the most block parties in the city.

Humboldt Park: The Committed Cyclist

Chicago is a bike-friendly city. Whether you like to bike for the exercise or because you are committed to reducing your carbon footprint, Humboldt Park is a strong contender for your perfect neighborhood.

The West Side neighborhood is served by a few bus lines but no major CTA train stop, which makes biking a popular mode of transportation for its residents. You can hop on The 606 for a quick route to other neighborhoods, or you can take a ride for enjoyment around the neighborhood’s massive and scenic namesake park. If you need a regular spot to service your trusty bike, Ciclo Urbano caters to both Humboldt Park and West Town.

Uptown: The Outgoing Music-Lover

Chicago is home to Lollapalooza, Pitchfork and Riot Fest; Jay Pritzker Pavilion and United Center; and myriad intimate music venues. A city of the blues and jazz, Chicago’s musical legacy is impressive. If music is one of your life’s greatest pleasures, Uptown is the place to be.

This neighborhood’s nightlife revolves around its entertainment district: The Riviera (affectionately known as The Riv), Aragon Ballroom, Green Mill, and Uptown Lounge are all within walking distance from one another. One any given night, you can find live music in this Chicago neighborhood.

Besides a stellar nightlife scene, Uptown also boasts plentiful public transit options, easy access to the lake, Asia on Argyle, and affordability, making it a top Chicago neighborhood.

Fulton Market: The Avid Foodie

If you ask an out-of-towner for the first thing that Chicago brings to mind, the answer will probably be food: deep dish pizza and hot dogs.

While we take our greasy delights seriously (yes, our pizza is better than New York’s; and no, you do not put ketchup on a hot dog), Chicago has plenty of options for the more discerning palate. If you fancy yourself a foodie, Fulton Market, a pocket within the West Loop, is a neighborhood after your own heart. The neighborhood’s Restaurant Row on Randolph Street is jam-packed with restaurants that boast long waiting lists and delicious meals worth the scramble to land a table. A few restaurants have even snagged Michelin stars.

Wicker Park: The Quiet Book Lover

“Quiet” might not be the first adjective that comes to mind for Wicker Park, but you might be surprised how easily it is to lose yourself in good book in this neighborhood.

If you would like to add to your own collection, you can wander the impressive stacks of Myopic Books on Milwaukee Avenue. Open seven days a week until 11 p.m., this shop is a favorite haunt of bookworms. If you’d like to put your library card to good use, the neighborhood also has the Bucktown-Wicker Park Library branch.

Plus, you can switch up your reading venue from your cozy home to a neighborhood spot. Check out Volumes Bookcafe for coffee, treats, and a welcoming place to crack open a book.