Chicago is one of the most popular cities in the world, and with good reason. It has a rich history, great architecture, and is home to many of the country’s biggest companies (and corporations).
It’s also a city that caters to families. There are plenty of activities for children — from museums to parks to theaters — and plenty of restaurants that kids will love.
If you’re moving to Chicago with your family, here are some neighborhoods you should consider:
Best neighborhoods in Chicago for families
1. Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is a lovely neighborhood that has a great mix of history, entertainment, and culture. It’s also home to some of the city’s most popular attractions including the Lincoln Park Zoo and North Pond Nature Sanctuary. Lincoln Park is a great place to visit on any given day, but it’s particularly special during the summer when it hosts some of Chicago’s biggest festivals like the Blues Festival, Chicago Summerdance and so much more!
If you’re looking for a neighborhood that offers easy access to green space but is still close to all of the action, Lincoln Park is one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago for families.
2. Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of the most diverse and family-friendly neighborhoods in Chicago. It’s located on the South Side, close to Lake Michigan and South Shore Beach, and is home to the University of Chicago.
The area is known for its tree-lined streets and historic homes. There are several parks in the neighborhood, including Harper Court Playground, which has a swimming pool; Jackson Park; and Promontory Point Park.
Hyde Park is easy to get around on foot or by bike because it’s a fairly flat neighborhood with lots of sidewalks. The Metra Electric District line runs through Hyde Park, making it easy to access downtown Chicago or downtown Evanston by train.
3. Beverly
If you’re looking for a neighborhood that is safe and family-friendly, Beverly is an excellent choice. This area is known for its gorgeous parks and green spaces, historic homes and tree-lined streets. The neighborhood has an excellent school system, which makes it a popular place for families with children.
Beverly is located on Chicago’s far south side near Midway Airport. There are plenty of public transportation options in this neighborhood, including the CTA Green Line train that runs from Harlem/Lake to downtown Chicago and Midway Airport. The neighborhood also has easy access to the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290).
Beverly has plenty of restaurants and shopping options within walking distance of its residential areas. Residents also have access to several grocery stores in the area as well as other retail shops such as Walgreens or Target, making it easy to pick up anything you need while out running errands.
4. West Loop
West Loop is one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago for families. It’s close to downtown and has great schools, but it’s also an attractive place to live with lots of parks, green spaces, and a buzzing restaurant scene.
West Loop has everything you could want in a neighborhood: good schools, affordable housing options and easy access to downtown Chicago. The neighborhood has seen some significant changes over the last decade, with new development popping up all over the area.
One of the biggest draws for families is its proximity to downtown Chicago without the price tag that comes along with living there. West Loop is just minutes away from downtown via car or public transportation, making it easy for parents to get their kids to school or after-school activities and back home again in time for dinner.
Because West Loop is so close to downtown Chicago but not quite as expensive as areas like Lincoln Park or Wicker Park, it’s a great place for young professionals who want more space than they can afford in those popular neighborhoods but still want easy access to work and activities in downtown Chicago.
5. Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Chicago. Lincoln Park is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Chicago. It’s home to tons of great shops and restaurants, as well as beautiful parks and beaches. You’ll find plenty of things to do in Lincoln Park with your kids, including visiting the Lincoln Park Zoo, walking through the famous Lincoln Park Conservatory or splashing around at North Avenue Beach.
In addition to being a great neighborhood for families, Lincoln Park is also an ideal place for young professionals — it’s got tons of young people living there! So if you’re looking for a place that has a good balance between families and singles/young couples, Lincoln Park might be just what you’re looking for.
6. Lake View
The Lakeview neighborhood is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Chicago. It is easily accessible by public transportation and has plenty of shopping and dining options. Lakeview has a lot of great apartment buildings and houses for rent, as well as many beautiful parks and lakefront access to enjoy on sunny days. The neighborhood is safe and quiet, but it still has plenty of things to do for families with children or people who want some nighttime fun.
Lakeview is located on Chicago’s north side, just west of downtown. It has several large parks including Lincoln Park, which offers beaches and boating during the summer months. There are also several museums nearby such as the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium that are open year-round. Additionally, there are plenty of restaurants and bars throughout Lakeview that serve everything from sushi to pizza!
7. North Center
North Center is a great neighborhood for families, as it has a strong sense of community and it’s close to many amenities. The neighborhood is also highly walkable, with plenty of restaurants, shops and parks nearby.
North Center has some of the best schools in the city, including North Center Elementary School and Taft High School. There are also several parks in the area, including Lincoln Park and Wilson Park.
The cost of living in North Center is higher than average but still affordable compared to other parts of Chicago.
8. Andersonville
Andersonville is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Chicago. It’s located on the North Side and has easy access to public transportation.
This neighborhood is great for families because it has plenty of shops and restaurants, but it’s also safe enough for kids to play outside. There are also plenty of family-friendly events in Andersonville throughout the year.
Andersonville is home to many beautiful brick buildings with a variety of architectural styles. The neighborhood has a strong sense of community, with residents who love their neighborhood and want to maintain its charm.
9. Streeterville
Streeterville is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city, with some of the priciest real estate in all of Illinois. However, it’s also one of the most densely populated areas of Chicago.
This neighborhood has more than 25 parks and playgrounds, as well as several schools and universities within its boundaries.
It’s a great place to raise kids because there are so many activities available to them — from swimming pools and ice hockey rinks to theater groups and museums. You’ll also be close to downtown Chicago if you need to take a quick trip into the city for work or play!
10. Edison Park
One of the best neighborhoods in Chicago for families is Edison Park on the far north side of town. It’s home to several lovely parks, including Berger Park and Farnsworth Park, both of which offer plenty of green space for kids to run around in and play games like tag or soccer. Families can also enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Michigan by walking along the shoreline or taking a bike ride along Lakefront Trail.
Families who love animals will especially appreciate Edison Park — it’s home to an amazing wildlife center called Lincoln Park Zoo!
