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How do you get your hands on one of Chicago's best neighborhoods? HomeSnacks has the answer here.
We know that when people are searching for the best neighborhood they are also looking for things like nice looking homes, great parks, and friendly neighbors; and Chicago's best neighborhoods have all that and then some. But, in order to rank the top ten, we had to give each neighborhood an actual concrete score. We call this a neighborhoods overall 'snackability'.
So, how did we determine Chicago's snackability? We consulted the latest data on income levels, unemployment rates, crime, and home prices for 77 Chicago neighborhoods with over 2,000 residents, and the top ten best neighborhoods in Chi-town for 2020 can be found below. Incidentally, this is our sixth time ranking Chicago's best neighborhoods, so trust us when we say that these are Chicago's best of the best.
Folks, there's a lot of fun to be had in Chicago's best neighborhoods. For example, you can walk Lake Michigan's shoreline for exercise if you choose to live in Lake View, you can visit the zoo daily if you choose Lincoln Park, and you can attend one of Chicago's best festivals if you choose to live in Edison Park.
Yes, the biggest cities in most states do tend to have the most problems; and while Chicago does have its fair share of problems and some pretty dangerous neighborhoods, it does have some of the best, most unique, neighborhoods to call home.
So, grab yourself a slice of deep dish 'za, head to a shady park in Forest Glen, and read on.
Here are the best neighborhoods in Chicago for 2020:
HomeSnacks is not your just your average website. We've been researching and ranking states and cities based on all types of criteria for the last five years. We've had more than 50 million people read our published articles and we've been featured in hundreds of media outlets for our best of the best rankings, including this Illinois feature by Patch.com. So, yes, we know what we're talking about.
So, what's the best neighborhood in Chicago for 2020? That would be North Center.
To see how your favorite Chicagoland neighborhoods compared, take a look at the list below; and if you don't see it there, head to the bottom.
For more Illinois reading, check out:
- Best Places To Live In Illinois
- Cheapest Places To Live In Illinois
- Best Places To Retire In Illinois
The 10 Best Neighborhoods To Live In Chicago
Population: 34,931
Rank Last Year: 3 (Up 2)
Median Home Value: $545,871 (First best)
Median Income: $99,384 (Third best)
More on North Center: Homes For Sale | Data
Not that you have to be a Cubs fan to live in Chicago's number 1 best neighborhood, but it wouldn't hurt considering it is located directly East of Wrigley Field.
Why is North Center such a great neighborhood? It has a big neighborhood feel with small neighborhood charm. North Center has a ton of stuff to do, too. It has bowling alleys, three parks, an indoor ice arena, a library, and a movie theater.
North Center is one of Chi-town's richest neighborhoods, so make sure you're making a cool $100,000/year before you make any life changing decision.
Population: 32,384
Rank Last Year: 5 (Up 3)
Median Home Value: $331,150 (Tenth best)
Median Income: $98,220 (Sixth best)
More on Loop: Homes For Sale | Data
Bordered by the Chicago River on its East side and Lake Michigan on its West, Chicago's second neighborhood, The Loop, is an integral part of the city's commercial core.
If you choose the Loop to call home you'll be front and center to the best shopping and restaurants on Michigan Avenue, great beach access just off of Oak Street, and some of Chicagoland's most scenic views.
So, grab yourself a slice of deep dish 'za from Giordanos and make your way to Millenium Park to see what all of the Loop buzz is all about.
Population: 97,804
Rank Last Year: 2 (Down 1)
Median Home Value: $373,419 (Seventh best)
Median Income: $88,165 (Ninth best)
More on Lake View: Homes For Sale | Data
Chicago's third neighborhood, Lake View, is one of the largest neighborhoods that made our top ten list with a whopping 97,804 residents.
So, what's the draw? We'll tell you. Lake View is bordered by Lake Michigan to the East, it holds Chicago's Pride Parade every June, and it has 30 theaters at one's disposal.
The best part about Lake View is that once you arrive, you won't have to get in your car again: you have access Chicago's L train at the corner of Addison and Lincoln Ave. We call this a 312 win!
Population: 64,965
Rank Last Year: 1 (Down 3)
Median Home Value: $508,008 (Second best)
Median Income: $99,720 (Second best)
More on Lincoln Park: Homes For Sale | Data
What do 64,965 Lincoln Park locals know that we don't? Well, besides that this neighborhood has some of the coolest tree lined streets, awesome residents, and the Lincoln Park Zoo, this neighborhood is the 39th in terms of crime.
Lincoln Park scored off the charts on our snackability scale with an emphasis on education and employment. So, if you're looking for a safe place to send your kids to school, walk your dog, and/or go to work, definitely give Chicago's fourth neighborhood, Lincoln Park, a second look.
Population: 11,128
Rank Last Year: 10 (Up 5)
Median Home Value: $345,364 (Eighth best)
Median Income: $98,327 (Fifth best)
More on Edison Park: Homes For Sale | Data
Picture yourself sipping wine at the Edison Park Fest, riding your bike through Brooks Park Zoo, and/or shopping at Whole Foods on Touhy Ave., and you'll know what it's like to live in Chicago's fifth neighborhood, Edison Park.
One of furthest neighborhoods from downton Chit-town, Edison Park has a great community feel with lots to do. If you don't believe us, check out the Edison Park Facebook page, it's on point.
Population: 41,305
Rank Last Year: 8 (Up 2)
Median Home Value: $381,276 (Sixth best)
Median Income: $72,563 (13th best)
More on Lincoln Square: Homes For Sale | Data
Lincoln Square should be called Lincoln "Art" Square. This neighborhood has provided its community with many outlets to stay connected to the creative world.
So we think the best day in the Lincoln Square neighborhood would go something like this: grab a quick martial arts workout at the Degerberg Academy, take a stroll by the Greater Rockwell Mural just outside of Beans and Bagels, then an evening show at the Davis Theater.
Wow, Lincoln Square, we know why you're Chicago's sixth neighborhood.
Population: 83,049
Rank Last Year: 4 (Down 3)
Median Home Value: $434,335 (Third best)
Median Income: $97,802 (Seventh best)
More on Near North Side: Homes For Sale | Data
The Navy Pier, The Magnificent Mile, or just the fact that this neighborhood is one of the most electric in Chi-town are all great reasons people should flock to Chicago's Near North Side neighborhood.
And if that doesn't seal the deal, the Near North Side neighborhood has great Lake MIchigan beach access, ten huge parks to explore, and some great shopping.
And, folks, it's pretty safe. So there's no excuse to get moving to Chicago's seventh neighborhood for 2020.
Population: 73,470
Rank Last Year: 7 (Down 1)
Median Home Value: $338,254 (Ninth best)
Median Income: $67,769 (17th best)
More on Logan Square: Homes For Sale | Data
Located at the three-way intersection of Milwaukee Avenue, Logan Boulevard, and Kedzie Boulevard is Chicago's eighth neighborhood for 2020.
This is one of the only neighborhoods on the list coming from the northwest side of Chi-town. And can we just say, if you're into brewery beer, this is your neighborhood. Chicago has over 150 breweries and 12 of the best are in Logan Square. And if you're into that whole "historical vibe," Logan Square has stately greystones type homes. If so, lucky for you, this neighborhood is the ninth for affordable housing.
Population: 18,298
Rank Last Year: 11 (Up 2)
Median Home Value: $421,818 (Fourth best)
Median Income: $112,032 (First best)
More on Forest Glen: Homes For Sale | Data
Want to be part of the exclusive club that gets to call Chicago's ninth best neighborhood home 2020? Well, you're going to have to have a great job and be able to drop some cash on a home because Forest Glen is our first in terms of income and fourth for housing.
Also, don't come here thinking that you're going to cause trouble. Forest Glen is ranked third for both violent crime and property crime.
On a lighter note, it's one of the smallest neighborhoods on our list. And word on the street, you can rub elbows with Forest Glen's finest at the Edgebrook Golf Course.
Population: 84,995
Rank Last Year: 6 (Down 4)
Median Home Value: $407,865 (Fifth best)
Median Income: $81,403 (Tenth best)
More on West Town: Homes For Sale | Data
Rounding out the list as Chicago's tenth best neighborhood for 2020 is West Town.
This quintessential Chicago neighborhood with vibrant streets, unforgettable festivals, and year-round fun is super great and super safe. Probably why it's one of the most populous cities northwest of the Loop.
We think that you should start scrolling through Chicago's Property Shop to find the perfect West Town place sooner than later: we wouldn't want you to miss out on West Town's Winterfest.
How We Determined The Best Chicago, IL Neighborhoods In 2020
In order to rank the best neighborhoods in Chicago, we had to determine what criteria defines a "best".
Using crime, census, and extrapolated BLS data, we arrived at the following set of criteria:
- High incomes
- Low unemployment rates
- Low crime
- High home prices
- High population densities (A proxy for things to do)
We then ranked each neighborhood with scores from 1 to 77 in each category, where 1 was the best.
Next, we averaged the rankings for each neighborhood to create a best neighborhood index.
And finally, we crowned the neighborhood with the lowest best neighborhood index the "Best City Neighborhood In Chicago." We're lookin' at you, North Center.
Read on below to learn more about what it's like to live in the best places Chicago, Illinois has to offer. Or skip to the end to see the list of all the neighborhoods in the city from best to worst.
Putting A Bow On Our Analysis Of The Best Neighborhoods In Chicago
If you're measuring the neighborhoods in Chicago where crime is low and everyone wants to live, this is an accurate list.
As we mentioned earlier, the neighborhoods in Chicago aren't all good. Riverdale takes the title of the worst neighborhood to live in Chicago.
We ranked the neighborhoods from best to worst in the chart below.
For more Illinois reading, check out:
- Richest Cities In Illinois
- Safest Places In Illinois
- Best Cities For Singles In Illinois
- Most Expensive Places To Live In Illinois
Detailed List Of The Best Neighborhoods To Live In Chicago For 2020
Rank | Neighborhood | Population |
---|---|---|
1 | North Center | 34,931 |
2 | Loop | 32,384 |
3 | Lake View | 97,804 |
4 | Lincoln Park | 64,965 |
5 | Edison Park | 11,128 |
6 | Lincoln Square | 41,305 |
7 | Near North Side | 83,049 |
8 | Logan Square | 73,470 |
9 | Forest Glen | 18,298 |
10 | West Town | 84,995 |
11 | Albany Park | 51,193 |
12 | Norwood Park | 37,477 |
13 | Irving Park | 55,070 |
14 | Jefferson Park | 26,594 |
15 | Edgewater | 48,951 |
16 | Near South Side | 21,930 |
17 | Dunning | 43,244 |
18 | Mount Greenwood | 18,990 |
19 | Avondale | 37,884 |
20 | West Ridge | 73,660 |
21 | Beverly | 20,831 |
22 | Pottage Park | 64,285 |
23 | Hyde Park | 24,100 |
24 | Montclare | 12,903 |
25 | Bridgeport | 32,495 |
26 | Uptown | 55,359 |
27 | Hermosa | 24,225 |
28 | North Park | 18,562 |
29 | West Elsdon | 19,771 |
30 | Belmont Cragin | 77,859 |
31 | Rogers Park | 53,183 |
32 | Clearing | 24,934 |
33 | Brighton Park | 44,212 |
34 | Garfield Ridge | 35,441 |
35 | Near West Side | 61,845 |
36 | West Lawn | 33,314 |
37 | Kenwood | 14,112 |
38 | Ashburn | 43,133 |
39 | O'hare | 12,706 |
40 | South Lawndale | 73,519 |
41 | Lower West Side | 33,150 |
42 | Mckinley Park | 16,026 |
43 | Morgan Park | 23,647 |
44 | Gage Park | 40,693 |
45 | Hegewisch | 9,039 |
46 | Armour Square | 13,391 |
47 | Archer Heights | 13,239 |
48 | Humboldt Park | 55,833 |
49 | Calumet Heights | 13,240 |
50 | Douglas | 19,514 |
51 | Washington Heights | 26,845 |
52 | East Side | 22,550 |
53 | Austin | 97,012 |
54 | Grand Boulevard | 22,603 |
55 | Avalon Park | 9,638 |
56 | South Shore | 47,197 |
57 | Chicago Lawn | 53,841 |
58 | Oakland | 5,180 |
59 | West Garfield Park | 17,277 |
60 | Woodlawn | 22,658 |
61 | East Garfield Park | 20,100 |
62 | Auburn Gresham | 45,607 |
63 | New City | 41,153 |
64 | Roseland | 42,306 |
65 | Chatham | 30,760 |
66 | North Lawndale | 35,417 |
67 | West Pullman | 27,416 |
68 | South Chicago | 27,113 |
69 | Grand Crossing | 32,217 |
70 | Pullman | 6,565 |
71 | South Deering | 14,598 |
72 | Burnside | 2,423 |
73 | West Englewood | 30,662 |
74 | Fuller Park | 2,348 |
75 | Washington Park | 11,871 |
76 | Englewood | 25,858 |
77 | Riverdale | 7,361 |