Top 8 Best neighborhoods in Chicago with the Best quality of life – 2025

• Population: 28,504
• Pro: Access and connections to major highways
• Con: Only few parks around

West Loop is one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago and ranks as one of the city’s most walkable neighborhoods. Major companies like Google, McDonald’s (world headquarters), Vivid Seats, and Peapod are based in the West Loop of Chicago. West Loop holds its esteem on vintage and industrial aesthetics with contemporary amenities. It has well-maintained public schools and is also a roof for one of the best high schools in the nation, Whitney Young High School. This neighborhood has access to all major highways and connections to the airport, making it stress-free to get anywhere you need to go. Furthermore, it has excellent restaurants, turning the historic industrial warehouses into some of the city’s hottest places to eat. Although almost 60% of West Loop residents rent their home, it is still a reasonable affordable housing market for a large city with median home price of $444,867. 

(*Niche & Bungalow)

• Population: 32,777
• Pro: Modern architecture, rich culture & entertainment
• Con: Only one large park around

Bridgeport offers residents a suburban-rural mix; most residents own their homes. Many retirees live in Bridgeport. The Bridgeport Chicago neighborhood is famous for its cuisine, churches, and parks. People also come to experience the neighborhood’s food, diversity, and architecture. Getting around in this culturally rich South Side neighborhood is easy. Bridgeport Chicago offers homes ranging from cozy, 2-bedroom apartments in the city and affordable townhomes. Residents can conveniently find houses near schools, public transportation, and business offices. 

(*Niche & Movoto.com)

• Population: 52,233
• Pro: Rich history
• Con: Not the best for nightlife 

Oak Park is widely known as the “World’s Largest Village.” As a mature community, it remains vibrant and relatively wealthy. It has a diverse community of young professionals and families; it is ranked one of the best towns in Chicago. If you are looking to enjoy a serene neighborhood with a rich history that still embodies urban living, this neighborhood is the perfect spot. It has outdoor attractions and a thriving music scene with assorted dishes. The public transportation system can transport one into the city within minutes. 

(*Niche & Landing)

• Population: 27,179
• Pro: Borders lake Michigan on the East
• Con: Large number of hotels and tourists around

Streeterville is one of the best places to live in Chicago. It is located north of downtown and borders Lake Michigan on the East. Young professionals and students mainly live in this neighborhood. The public schools in it are above average. Furthermore, there are many transportation routes, including buses, individual transport, and green transport. It’s an overall good place to go for diversity in entertainment. Its beauty comes from its spectacular sunrises, and refreshing summer lakeside breezes.

(*Niche & Bungalow)

• Population: 29,358
• Pro: Large green spaces to explore nature
• Con: Only one nearby train station

The Old Town neighborhood gives extinguished access to Lincoln Park, a sprawling 8 km of gorgeous green space. Spend your time exploring nature or participating in numerous recreational activities, including beach volleyball, a skate park, archery, and a driving range. It has the Lincoln Park Conservatory, North Pond, Green City Farmers Market, North Pond, and the top beaches in Chicago, all located right around the old town neighborhood. Considered one of the most affluent neighborhoods of Chicago, the old town has a lot to offer- including one of Chicago’s most iconic restaurants: a Michelin-starred restaurant called Boka. 

(*Niche & Bungalow)

• Population: 23,783
• Pro: One of the trendiest hipster neighborhoods 
• Con: Not the best place to live with small children 

Many young professionals as well as artists live in Wicker Park. This neighborhood is known for unique boutique shops, record stores, art galleries, book stores, performance venues, and a popping craft cocktail scene. It is one of the city’s up-and-coming hotspots where you can discover cool taprooms, funky museums, vintage shops, trendy music clubs, and specialty stores. People in Wicker Park have a range of educational and professional backgrounds and tend to live as couples or roommates. Wicker Park offers its residents an urban feel, and most of them rent their homes. 

(*Niche & Bungalow)

• Population: 21,602
• Pro: Many families with young children in the area
• Con: Not many universities around

Andersonville has a plus in adopting many different cultures and lifestyles. It has wonderful educational opportunities for children from the magnet, charter, public, and private schools in the area. It is known for its stunning brick buildings, music venues, quirky vintage shops, and fine dining. Andersonville is safer than 53 percent of neighborhoods in the U.S. In general, it is considered one of the safer neighborhoods in Chicago. One major means of transportation is the Chicago Transit Authority’s redline elevated subway line, which connects with downtown Chicago and is a popular spot like Wrigley Field. Andersonville’s public schools are above average.

(*Niche & Point2)

• Population: 92,594
• Pro: Unique culture and arts scene
• Con: Higher humidity

Located in the North Side of Chicago, Lake View is known for its unique culture and arts scene. In Lake View is an excellent place to live for anyone who enjoys a high-energy nightlife and is arguably one of the best in Chicago — full of wild, uninhibited fun for everyone. This diverse, welcoming, and active community is excellent for art, shopping, culture, and many local restaurants and bars within walking distance. It has a growing crowd of young professionals, couples, and families looking for a quality life with plenty of weekend fun.

(*Niche & Bungalow)