Spanning more than 26 miles of Lake Michigan waterfront, Chicago stands tall as one of the most prominent cities in America. For those looking to relocate to the city, we’ve teamed up with Olio City to curate a comprehensive guide full of specific tips for each of the Chicago’s top neighborhoods.

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is one of city’s ritziest neighborhoods, as evidenced by the many upscale boutiques, restaurants, and homes that line its streets. The neighborhood sits just north of downtown along the sprawling lakefront public park that shares its name. The park itself is home to running and biking trails, the Lincoln Park Zoo, and the largest farmers market in the city.

Can’t Miss Spots

Cocktails: The J. Parker
Live Music: Kingston Mines
Pizza: Pequods

Read more about Lincoln Park or find apartments.

Wicker Park

It’s hard to say where Wicker Park starts and Bucktown ends, but if skyrocketing property values are any indication, the entire neighborhood is a hot commodity. Despite recent hipster migrations to Logan Square, Humboldt Park, and Pilsen, Wicker Park and Bucktown are still Chicago’s go-to areas for a bespectacled spectacle of beards, bikes, and baristas.

Can’t Miss Spots

The 606: Chicago’s answer to New York City High Line—the 2.7-mile trail set out along an old railway line allows for bikers, runners, and pedestrians to scoff at the peasants below.
Drink: The Violet Hour
Cheap Eats: Big Star Tacos

Read more about Wicker Park or find apartments.

Logan Square

In the past few years, Logan Square has transformed into ground zero for the midwestern bohemian aesthetic. You’ll find shops, bars, restaurants, and cafés, all frequented by some of the trendiest folks around.

Can’t Miss Spots

Romantic Dinner: Osteria Langhe
Brunch: Lula Cafe
Party: Slippery Slope

Read more about Logan Square or find apartments.

Lakeview

Lakeview is big, but its easternmost stretch feels distinct from its more raucous neighbors to the north (Wrigleyville) and west (Boystown). The East Lakeview ‘hood is a harmonious mix of lakefront residences, quirky shops, and affordable eateries.

Can’t Miss Spots

Cheap Eats: Crisp
Vegetarian Haven: Chicago Dinner
Low Key Music Venue: Schubas

Read more about Lakeview or find apartments.

Hyde Park

A South Side gem, Hyde Park is known for hosting the 1893 World’s Fair, the University of Chicago and home to the DuSable Museum of African American History and the Museum of Science and Industry. Because of the University of Chicago, Hyde Park is largely a college town (read: dive bar central).

Can’t Miss Spots

Neighborhood Chill spot: Promontory Point
Greasy Spoon: Valois
Music: The Promontory

Read more about Hyde Park or find apartments.

West Town

At first glance, West Town might just come off as the industrial corridor you take to get from River North to Wicker Park. But if you head off the beaten path, you’ll find a diverse array of beautiful neighborhoods that would much prefer not to be lumped together (we’re looking at you, Noble Square). They’ve all got their own flavor, and they’re all flavors worth trying.

Can’t Miss Spots

Live Music & Drinks: The Hideout
Hidden Gem: Frontier
Romantic Dinner: Ada Street

Read more about West Town or find apartments.

South Loop

With its towering high-rises and proximity to downtown, the South Loop may seem like a jam-packed neighborhood with a rowdy nightlife scene. On the contrary, it’s actually much more laid-back, and welcomes those who want to see a quieter side of the city.

Can’t Miss Spots

Lunch: Manny’s Deli
Live Blues: Buddy Guy’s Legends
Fancy Night out: Acadia

Read more about the South Loop or find apartments.

Edgewater

Where Lake Shore Drive and Uptown end, Edgewater begins. Originally built as a summer retreat for the Chicago elite, present-day Edgewater is lined with ethnic restaurants and lakeside high-rises. Come for the views, stay for the food.

Can’t Miss Spots

Burger: Moody’s Pub
Cup of Joe: Metropolis Coffee
Dive Bar: Sovereign Liquors

Read more about Edgewater or find apartments.

Uptown

Head north on the Red Line and you’ll find a crossroads of music, food, and pan-Asian specialties all in one place. Nighttime brings live music galore: The Riviera and Aragon Ballroom both feature major touring bands, while the Green Mill serves up world-class jazz.

Can’t Miss Spots

Brunch: Tweet
Live Music: The Green Mill
Lunch: Tank Noodle

Read more about Uptown or find apartments.

West Loop

Chicago’s culinary capital, the West Loop prides itself in all things trendy and delicious. If you’re looking for speakeasy sake bars, industrial beams, or all-night-long dinners to brag about for the rest of the year, this food lovers collective is where you want to be.

Can’t Miss Spots*

Burger: Au Cheval
Cup of Joe: La Colombe
Romantic Dinner: Avec

*The West Loop in particular has entirely too make must-do’s to choose from! Make sure to read the full guide before you jump in and search for apartments.

PS – When you’re ready to go and want to know more about each neighborhood, all you’ll need is this post and the Olio City iOS app. Let us know which one’s your favorite!