Living in Chicago
A City of Neighborhoods
Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and flair. Rent and other costs of living will vary depending upon which neighborhood you choose to live in—typically, living closer to the Loop (downtown) will be more expensive. The following are some of the neighborhoods our students like to call home due to the mix of culture, access to transportation, and entertainment options.
*Descriptions sourced from the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture.
Close to Campus
Home to The Chicago School’s flagship campus, the West Loop is a foodie paradise. An explosion of excellent eateries has taken over this former industrial area, turning the historic warehouses into some of the city’s hottest restaurants.
Neighborhood Favorites
- Au Cheval (famous for its burgers)
- Momotaro (for sushi lovers)
- Greektown’s many bakeries and delis
A living legacy of Chicago’s Italian American past, Little Italy/University Village features homes, restaurants, and shops that have been part of the community for generations. Its streets brim with eye-catching architecture and a history that you can feel around every corner.
Neighborhood Favorites
- Maxwell Street Market
- Notre Dame de Chicago
- Conte di Savoia (restaurant staple since 1948)
A cultural melting pot known for its eclectic, artsy vibe. It’s one of the city’s up-and-coming hot spots, where you can uncover laid-back taprooms, unique museums, old-school vintage shops, Michelin-star restaurants, and tons of cool art—both in the galleries and on the streets.
Neighborhood Favorites
- Historic Ukrainian Village
- The Empty Bottle (music venue)
- AIRE Ancient Baths
The South Loop is where you’ll find three of Chicago’s biggest museums: the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium. You’ll also find celebrated jazz clubs and a mix of crowd-pleasing restaurants in this business district.
Neighborhood Favorites
- Buddy Guy’s Legends (blues club)
- Chess Records
- Moody Tongue (world’s only Michelin-starred brewery)
Lakeview’s laid-back atmosphere, convenient walkability, and picture-perfect shoreline make it a favorite area among locals. Spots such as lively Wrigleyville and the Belmont Theater District make it a major entertainment hub, too.
Neighborhood Favorites
- Wrigley Field
- The Laugh Factory
- Southport Corridor (shopping)
Just north of the Loop, the Near North Side is a vibrant blend of historic charm and modern energy. From upscale shopping to iconic landmarks that include the Wrigley Building and Tribune Tower, this neighborhood offers endless opportunities for dining, nightlife, and culture.
Neighborhood Favorites
- The Magnificent Mile
- Navy Pier
- Chicago Riverwalk
Beyond Campus
Named one of the coolest neighborhoods around the world by Forbes, Pilsen is rich in Latino culture and overflows with music, art, culinary tradition, and nightlife. It’s home to award-winning restaurants, iconic music venues, and sensational murals.
Neighborhood Favorites
- Chicago Arts District
- 16th Street Murals
- National Museum of Mexican Arts
Known historically as Chicago’s “Black Metropolis,” Bronzeville is a center of African American life, culture, and pride. This art-filled community is known for galleries, historic landmarks, and lively events such as the Bud Billiken Parade, the nation’s largest African American parade.
Neighborhood Favorites
- Bronzeville Walk of Fame
- Bronzeville Art District Tour
- The Forum (National Register of Historic Places)
Chicago’s century-old Chinatown transports you to Eastern Asia. Stroll through streets filled with traditional specialty shops, ornate architecture, colorful storefronts, and family-owned restaurants with dishes that will bring you back to this neighborhood again and again.
Neighborhood Favorites
- Chinatown Square
- Ping Tom Memorial Park
- Autea Sweets and Eats (authentic Chinese sweets)
Lakeview’s laid-back atmosphere, convenient walkability, and picture-perfect shoreline make it a favorite area among locals. Spots such as lively Wrigleyville and the Belmont Theater District make it a major entertainment hub, too.
Neighborhood Favorites
- Wrigley Field
- The Laugh Factory
- Southport Corridor (shopping)
This picturesque neighborhood is a nature lover’s dream—manicured gardens, a hidden lily pond, and tons of lakefront green space with sweeping city views. It also happens to be home to one of the country’s oldest free zoos and an acclaimed dining scene.
Neighborhood Favorites
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- Kingston Mines (legendary blues club)
- Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Old World heritage meets modern charm in Lincoln Square. Wander the cobblestone stretch of Lincoln Avenue that’s packed with unique shops and delicious restaurants. It’s a little bit of Germany in the midst of the big city, so you can schnitzel and Berliner your heart out.
Neighborhood Favorites
- Lincoln Avenue (shops/restaurants)
- Davis Theater
- Old Town School of Folk Music
A thriving, multicultural community of arts organizations, intimate music venues, locally owned shops, trendy cocktail bars, and beyond. Its creative energy and urban vibe make it a go-to for locals looking for the next cool thing.
Neighborhood Favorites
- Logan Square Farmer’s Market
- Logan Theatre
- Lula Café
With a long legacy as an entertainment hot spot, Uptown’s iconic venues have drawn some of the biggest names in music. This historic neighborhood is a haven for artists, foodies, and theatre lovers, with stunning views over Lake Michigan.
Neighborhood Favorites
- Storefront Theater District
- Broadway Antique Market
- Montrose Beach
If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path, under-the-radar Chicago, head to Rogers Park. You’ll find architectural gems, authentic global eateries, and a cutting-edge theater scene, all nestled in this welcoming lakefront enclave.
Neighborhood Favorites
- Mile of Murals
- Glenwood Avenue Arts District
- The Rhapsody Theater
Site of the Chicago World’s Fair of 1893, home to former President Barack Obama, and an incubator for Nobel Prize winners—basically, history is made in Hyde Park.
Neighborhood Favorites
- Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House (UNESCO site)
- Promontory Point
Housing Resources
Our housing partner, 4stay, helps students connect with local hosts, room providers, and potential roommates near our Chicago Campus location.
You can also search for apartments on your own with these popular services:
- Apartment People: apartmentpeople.com
- Apartment and Home Seekers: aptandhomeseekers.com
- Apartments.com: apartments.com
Things To Do in Chicago
There’s always something happening in Chicago. Whether it’s food, music, sports, nightlife or shopping that entices you, the Windy City has plenty to offer.
Chicago Bears (NFL Football)
Chicago Blackhawks (NHL Hockey)
Chicago Bulls (NBA Basketball)
Chicago Cubs (MLB Baseball)
Chicago White Sox (MLB Baseball)
Chicago Fire (MLS Soccer)
Chicago Sky (WNBA Basketball)
Chicago Hounds (MLR Rugby)
Getting Around Chicago
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) can get you almost anywhere in Chicago with “L” trains or buses. The CTA trains run along eight color-coded lines. For more information on the schedules or locations of these trains, visit transitschicago.com.
Payment Options
Ventra U-Pass: For full-time Chicago School students, Ventra U-Pass is your ticket to unlimited rides aboard all CTA buses and trains. Use your Ventra U-Pass on the CTA bus/rail system anytime, anywhere during an academic term.
Ventra Card: If you are not a full-time student, obtain a Ventra Card. This transit and optional prepaid debit card can be used to ride CTA trains and buses and make everyday purchases. Visit ventrachicago.com for more information.
Shared Transportation
Divvy shared bikes, e-bikes, and scooters are an easy way to explore Chicago on your own. With more than 900 bike stations across the city, you’re never far from transportation.
The Suburbs
If you are interested in living in suburbs and commutating to campus, there are two primary public transit options available.
- Metra: Rail service between the city and suburbs. Visit metra.com to learn more.
- Pace: Buses in and around the suburbs. Visit pacebus.com to learn more.