Chicago renters, your next apartment is just around the corner! Whether you’re moving from across the country or the city, finding the best neighborhoods in Chicago is everything. To help you get a feel for the best areas of the city to live in, our team has compiled a guide, packed with insider advice from local Chicago residents and neighborhood regulars, to understand what makes each community shine.
Keep reading to learn more about the top Chicago neighborhoods to rent in!
Find your home with Inside Info Fremont.
Key Takeaways
Chicago offers a mix of vibrant, walkable, and welcoming neighborhoods perfect for renters with different lifestyles and preferences.
Lincoln Park and Evanston stand out for convenience, dining, and culture thanks to their convenient locations and proximity to the train lines.
As Chicago’s tech hub, West Loop is a rising contender with its central location, vibrant night life, and trending food scene.
1. Lincoln Park
Starting strong with a name that almost everyone knows, Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s most iconic and walkable neighborhoods. Renters say it’s charming, balanced, and full of lively restaurants and shops tucked right next to quiet and calm pockets of the neighborhood. Whether you’re in the mood for some activities or need some peace and quiet, Lincoln Park has it all.
The neighborhood of Lincoln Park is known for its tree-lined streets, boutique shops, local restaurants, fitness studios, and coffee shops. Residents can run errands quickly at nearby grocers, grab some grub, relax in the park, or hit up the lakefront, making Lincoln Park a walker’s paradise.
It’s also a few minutes away from the Red Line, giving residents easy access to other trendy neighborhoods in Chicago. The area is known for steady foot traffic, especially near DePaul University and along Clark, Halsted, and Armitage.
What sets Lincoln Park apart from other neighborhoods in Chicago is its access to nature and culture. There are beaches along Lake Michigan, running paths, museums, and Chicago landmarks, all in one neighborhood. Some nearby attractions include:
Lincoln Park Zoo (free!)
North Avenue Beach
Oz Park
Lincoln Hall
2. Evanston
Located just north of Chicago, Evanston is an area that blends suburban comfort with city convenience. Locals rave about Evanston’s walkability, diversity, and clean streets dotted with leafy trees. It’s perfect for renters who want space and quiet without giving up an easy commute to the city.
Downtown Evanston and South Evanston are extremely walkable with grocery stores, restaurants, transit options, and daily necessities all within blocks. Residents say the transit options are fantastic, including Purple Line stops and the Metra UP-N.
What more could a young Chicago professional want?
Evanston’s personality is shaped by its historic homes, lakefront access, and the energy of Northwestern University. All of these elements come together to create a community-driven atmosphere perfect for renters looking for a place in a good central location. Nearby attractions in Evanston include:
Ryan Field Stadium
Northwestern University
Downtown Evanston dining and shopping
3. West Loop
Up next on our list of the best neighborhoods in Chicago is West Loop, which has fully transformed from a warehouse district into one of the city’s most desirable places to live. Haute high-rises, in-demand restaurants, and a cool industrial aesthetic draw renters who want to be at the center of everything.
Think grocery stores, restaurants, fitness studios, coffee shops, and patios to soak in the sun on favorable spring, summer, and fall days. Residents describe West Loop as vibrant and filled with people well into the evening. What’s more, there are multiple trainlines and expressways nearby for an easy commute, wherever you need to go.
West Loop is the ultimate live-work-play neighborhood, with a booming tech scene and some of Chicago’s leading must-try restaurants. Around West Loop you can also check out:
Randolph Street aka "Restaurant Row”
Skinner Park (dog-friendly!)
Soho House
Time Out Market
4. Fulton Market
Neighboring West Loop is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Chicago: Fulton Market. This area is where tech companies, creative agencies, popular restaurants, and cocktail lounges line the streets. Fulton Market is modern and designed for renters who want urban convenience with a stylish edge.
Residents of Fulton Market say they walk everywhere, including to Whole Foods, train lines, and even work. Many are attracted to the neighborhood’s constant activity and buzzing nightlife.
Fulton Market is an exciting mix of innovation and culinary delights with a sleek cityscape as the background. Residents enjoy nearby attractions like:
Rooftop bars and cocktail lounges
Access to The Loop
Boutique retail shops and trendy restaurants
5. Lake View
One of the best neighborhoods in Chicago is a neighbor of Lincoln Park, and its name says it all: Lake View. Located right along Lake Michigan, this neighborhood is bustling, welcoming, and extremely convenient. Residents say it’s energetic but not overwhelming, making it a top choice for young professionals and transplants alike.
In Lake View, everything is within reach: coffee shops, grocery stores, gyms, theaters, and transit. Residents report that the neighborhood feels friendly and welcoming, especially around Broadway, Belmont, and Southport.
Lake View is all about community energy, which comes together with its lakefront views, legendary Chicago architecture, LGBTQ+ nightlife, Wrigley Field (Go Cubs, Go!), and endless dining options. Other exciting places to see near Lake View are:
Boystown
Belmont and Broadway Shopping
6. Bucktown
Last, but certainly not least, Bucktown is a rising Chicago neighborhood with a central location. Trendy and consistently cool, Bucktown has become a favorite for renters who want a creative vibe with quick access to other boroughs. Its proximity to Wicker Park, and Logan Square makes it a dream for those seeking artsy activities, good food, and walkable city life.
Residents of Bucktown love how easy it is to walk to restaurants and shops. Even better are the fast commutes, including about 10 minutes to West Loop, 15 minutes to downtown, and 17 minutes to O’Hare Airport. The neighborhood is considered accommodating and energetic, without being overcrowded.
Known as the “Midwest Williamsburg," Bucktown combines artistic charm with everyday convenience. Some attractions around the area are:
The 606 Trail
Wicker Park dining and nightlife
Indie boutiques and cafes
Explore Chicago Apartments at Inside Info Fremont
Now that you know all about the best neighborhoods in Chicago, it’s time to start exploring apartments that are fit for your lifestyle. Inside Info Fremont brings together spacious layouts, modern conveniences, and location that makes everyday living feel easy. Come see what we’re about!
