Chicagoland's 7 Most Walkable Neighborhoods
October 04, 2021
Neighborhood
Chicago is an incredible city for those who don't want the hassle and environmental impact of owning a car. With amazing restaurants in nearly every corner of the city, easily accessible public transit, and beautiful parks, walking trails, and beaches, it's no surprise that Smarter Travel has named Chicago America's sixth-most walkable city for 2021, or that Walkscore.com has rated Chicago a "very walkable" city.
For those who eschew cars in favor of other modes of transportation, some neighborhoods are more accessible than others. Here we will break down Chicago's seven most walkable neighborhoods.
1. East Ukrainian Village
Ukrainian Village, on Chicago's west side, is a vibrant, fast-growing neighborhood with a wealth of hip, trendy restaurants, theaters and entertainment options, coffee bars, shopping options, and even museums. What's more, this walkable paradise has great access to public transportation and the rest of the Chicagoland area, and is a great place to simply walk around and check out the historic architecture and incredible cultural offerings.2. West Loop
One of Chicago's oldest and most historic areas, the neighborhood now known as the West Loop has come a long way from its early days as a meatpacking district and home to factories and warehouses. Now considered one of the city's hippest and most upscale neighborhoods, the West Loop is home to some of Chicago's most famous restaurants and Union Park, where the city's annual Pitchfork Festival is held. In addition, the West Loop provides any number of entertainment offerings. If you're bored of the Michelin-starred restaurants studding Randolph Street, you can take up axe throwing, enjoy a social evening bowling, or spend a quiet afternoon browsing an independent bookstore. The West Loop is also close to downtown and easily accessible by public transportation.3. River North
A familiar spot to those in Chicago's tech sector, River North offers great walkability and access to restaurants, art galleries, and unparalleled architecture. Art lovers can enjoy the River North Art Galleries; dozens of art galleries, each with a distinct collection. Those who favor architecture can walk the neighborhood to see the historic Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, and Holy Name Cathedral.4. Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park residents can walk or bike to miles of nearby beachfront, enjoy walking and biking paths, beautiful parks, a free zoo, or a wealth of dining and entertainment options, all without needing a car. With the DePaul University campus nearby, those who enjoy the arts or an academic lecture series are in luck — the university offers a wealth of options in practically every subject.5. Streeterville
Residents of Streeterville can take advantage of its unparalleled shopping options. From the ultra-sophisticated storefronts that line the Magnificent Mile to the architecturally stunning 900 Bridge, to the upscale urban shopping and dining options at the Shops at North Bridge, there is something for every shopping lover's taste and budget. Moreover, the walkable nature of the neighborhood also means that you'll never need to worry about parking, only enjoying the upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment options.6. Noble Square
If fast-paced bustling areas aren't your thing, but you still want a walkable, accessible neighborhood, Noble Square offers the best of both worlds. With easy access to West Town's amenities but a quieter pace, this neighborhood combines the best of Chicago's busier areas with a more family-friendly environment. For example, Eckhart Park's baseball diamonds, athletic fields, "movies in the park" events and playground mean outdoor entertainment for kids is always accessible, and easy access to public transportation ensures you always have the rest of Chicago at your fingertips.7. Oak Park
If big city life isn't for you, fear not — the Chicagoland area has a number of walkable suburbs on offer. Oak Park is an expansive neighborhood, but assuming you live near your kids' school, you can walk or bike anywhere you need to be. In addition, Oak Park has three libraries, exceptional public transportation, and its own large downtown areas, meaning that the amenities of a big city are always available, even if you don't want to travel into Chicago.When Home Means More, You Need A Team With More To Offer
No matter which neighborhood you choose, home is about so much more than just four walls. Buying or selling a home is a big deal, and our homes have never been more important. That's why your local Baird & Warner agent is with you at every step of the way, from finding the perfect home to connecting you with local experts in mortgage and title. Whether it's the beginning of a story or the end of a chapter, we're here to help.Tags:
