About River West
Quick Facts
Current Prices: $295,000 to $1,950,000
Closed Prices: $165,000 to $1,180,000
Median Sale Price: $450,000
Average $ per sq ft: $321
Association Fee Ranges: $0, $77 to $686/mo
Type: Attached Home (Condo, Townhouse, Loft, etc.), Single-Family Home
Age: 1900 to 2020
Sq. Ft.: 600 to 3399 Sq. Ft.
Bedrooms: 0 to 5 Bedrooms
Bathrooms: 1 to 5 Bathrooms
Around River West
Many of the former industrial buildings have been converted into large residential loft spaces, creating ample space throughout the neighborhood for potential residents. Those willing to meet a higher monthly price tag will be rewarded with modern condos and numerous amenities. These residences also provide short commutes to the Downtown area, the suburbs, and both airports, making River West a popular choice for those who want easy access to it all.
River West is budget-friendly relative to the other neighborhoods in the Downtown area. So while homes are more affordable than, say, River North or the Loop, it's probably more appropriate to compare its value to neighborhoods on the city's Northwest Side, which is to say that good deals aren't unheard of, but you need to keep a close eye on inventory. Speaking of inventory, River West doesn't have a lot of it.
The western side of the neighborhood offers the most food options, with several restaurants lining Milwaukee Avenue. The sandwich options will prove helpful for those grabbing lunch on the go, while diners and pizzerias provide more generous portions for diners in no hurry. Several coffee shops specializing in premium blends will also appeal to workers ducking out of the office for a quick pick-me-up.
The recent revitalization in the neighborhood has attracted new residents to the River West area, and further renovations are scheduled to create more housing in the near future. Much of the neighborhood still has an industrial feel, while newer developments add more a modern aesthetic to the landscape.
Art lovers are sure to enjoy the galleries throughout the neighborhood, giving them several avenues to enjoy a cocktail hour on a Friday night while perusing photographs, prints, and other creations from local artists. Afterwards, facilitate more creative discussion by dropping by one of the bars that serve up classic cocktails and a trendy atmosphere.
The many yoga studios and fitness centers in the area will allow you to start your Sunday with some treatment for both your body and mind. Take it a step or two further by sampling one of the dance studios, or give your legs a break by relaxing with a book at a cozy cafe. Feel free to get some coffee to go, then take a walk by the railroad tracks to see a great example of Chicago's tough industrial spirit.
The Blue Line, which runs from O'Hare Airport through the Loop and to the southwest part of the city, has a station in River West. From the station, it's typically no more than 10 minutes to the Loop. A bus line runs along Milwaukee Avenue, which is a major thoroughfare in the area and provides direct access to neighboring Wicker Park or the West Loop. Milwaukee Avenue is also historically friendly to cyclists and boasts long stretches of protected bike lanes. A popular route for cycling commuters—the street is somewhat affectionately known as "Hipster Highway"—drivers would be wise to be on the lookout for bikers.
Locals Love
- Access to the highway
- Being able to access the rest of Chicago quickly and easily
- Relatively quiet for location
Locals Don't Love
- Difficult parking
- High cost of living
- Living too close to loud trains
Neighborhood Reviews
0 Reviewsbuyers and sellers in this neighborhood.