Guide to Moving to Chicago - How to Find the Best Neighborhoods in Chicago?

Which Neighborhoods to Live in Chicago?

Moving to Chicago can seem really daunting at first! The city is so large, and you may not know where to get started. Trust me. In 2007 when this rural kid from Wisconsin moving to the big city, I didn’t know where to start either. The prospect seemed overwhelming at the least. I was online searching for neighborhoods, yet didn’t know the lay of the land or where to start.

Luckily, I had a family friend who lived in Chicago find my first apartment that I never saw before I picked up the keys.

Let me be that friend…

Complete Guide Where To Live In Chicago, Neighborhood Map Tour!

North Side Chicago Neighborhoods

The Complete Guide Where To Live In Chicago, Neighborhood Map Tour! North Side Chicago Neighborhoods is our video to assist you in your endeavors. I will personally walk you through the main neighborhoods that we help our clients move to and from. The city may seem large, but once you have perspective, it helps.

The neighborhoods we will cover:

South Loop - Pilsen / Tri Taylor - West Loop - Loop / New East Side - Near North Neighborhood (River North, Streeterville, Gold Coast, Old Town) - Lincoln Park - Lakeview - Uptown - Edgewater - Rogers Park - Lincoln Square / Ravenswood - Albany Park / Mayfair - Northwest Neighborhoods (Jefferson Park / Forest Glen / Portage Park) - Avondale / Logan Square - West Town (Wicker Park / Bucktown / Ukrainian Village)

For more in depth details on a particular neighborhood, make sure to visit and subscribe to our Youtube Channel . Here we will be posting neighborhood guides, so you can get a better feel for each one!

5 Reasons Why to Move to Chicago and Why We Love It!

Top 5 Reasons Why People Love Chicago

Samuel Ciochon, a renowned Chicago Realtor, recently unveiled a captivating YouTube video outlining the top five reasons why people are enamored with the vibrant city of Chicago. With a wealth of experience and knowledge in the Chicago real estate market, Ciochon sheds light on what makes Chicago a desirable place to live. Let's delve into the top five reasons revealed in the video:

1. Cleanliness: One of the top reasons to love Chicago is its dedication to cleanliness. The city invests in maintaining a clean environment for residents and visitors alike.

2. The Lake Access: Chicago's prime location along Lake Michigan offers residents easy access to beautiful beaches, scenic waterfront views, and a variety of outdoor activities.

3. The Architecture: Chicago is renowned for its remarkable architecture, with iconic skyscrapers and historic buildings that showcase a mix of styles from different time periods.

4. Cultural Attractions (including the culinary scene): Chicago boasts a vibrant cultural scene with world-class museums, theaters, music venues, and a diverse culinary landscape that caters to all tastes.

5. World Renowned City with Diverse Population: As a global city, Chicago attracts people from all walks of life, creating a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions that contribute to the city's unique identity.

Samuel Ciochon's insights into why people love Chicago highlight the city's unique blend of culture, cuisine, natural beauty, and economic opportunities. Whether you're a longtime resident or considering a move to the Windy City, these factors make Chicago a truly special place to call home.

Embracing the Magic of December in Chicago: Your Guide to the 15 Best Events

Top 15 Holiday To Do’s In Chicago!

As the Windy City wraps itself in the festive embrace of December, Chicago comes alive with an array of events that capture the spirit of the season. From the twinkling lights of holiday markets to the enchanting displays of Christmas trees, there's a sense of wonder waiting around every corner. Here’s your personal guide to the best events in our city this December 2023.

1. Christkindlmarket (Loop, until Dec 24): Daley Plaza transforms into a quaint German village, brimming with handcrafted gifts, aromatic food, and the comforting warmth of hot beverages. It's a slice of holiday tradition right in the heart of Chicago.

2. "Disney100: The Exhibition" (Bucktown, until Jan 22, 2024): Step into a world of magic and nostalgia at this exhibit that celebrates Disney’s rich history. Interactive installations and rare artifacts await to delight both the young and the young at heart.

3. Winterland at Gallagher Way (Wrigleyville, until Jan 7, 2024): Wrigley Field becomes a winter wonderland, complete with ice skating, carnival rides, and festive joy. It's a perfect spot for making holiday memories.

4. "Christmas Around the World" (Hyde Park, until Dec 31): The Museum of Science and Industry invites you to marvel at a Grand Tree surrounded by over 50 trees, each representing different communities and their unique holiday traditions.

5. City of Chicago Christmas Tree (Millennium Park, until Jan 7, 2024): The iconic Christmas tree in Millennium Park is a beacon of holiday spirit, its lights twinkling like stars in the winter night. Plus it is a free event.

6. Christkindlmarket Wrigleyville (Wrigleyville, until Dec 31): Experience the charm of the Christkindlmarket in a more intimate setting at Gallagher Way. It's a cozy spot for holiday cheer.

7. ZooLights (Lincoln Park, until Jan 7, 2024): Lincoln Park Zoo dazzles with its annual holiday light display. It's a magical evening stroll among the animals. Grab a spiked mulled wine at the bar and wander! Mondays are free, but tickets are still required.

8. Lightscape (Suburbs, until Jan 7, 2024): Venture to the Chicago Botanic Garden for a breathtaking lights display. The Sea of Light is a must-see spectacle.

9. Light Up the Lake (Streeterville, until Dec 31): Navy Pier's winter experience is a festive blend of outdoor light displays, ice skating, and live performances. The lakefront has never looked more enchanting.

10. Illumination: Tree Lights at Morton Arboretum (Suburbs, until Jan 6, 2024): This holiday light show combines LED lights, music, and special events for an unforgettable evening.

11. Sparkle Light Festival (until Dec 31): Rosemont's Impact Field is transformed into a luminous holiday wonderland, with millions of lights and winter attractions.

12. Light of Christmas Drive Thru (Armour Square, until Dec 31): Experience the magic from the comfort of your car at Guaranteed Rate Field, adorned with over a million LED lights.

13. Aurora Festival of Lights (Suburbs, until Dec 25): Phillips Park hosts a spectacular drive-through light show, organized by the Rotary Club of Aurora.

14. Holiday Magic at Brookfield Zoo (Suburbs, until Dec 31): Over a million lights illuminate the zoo, featuring a 600-foot-long tunnel and stunning illuminated sculptures.

15. CTA Holiday Train and Bus (until Dec 22): Catch a ride on the holiday-themed CTA train and bus, complete with festive lights, decorations, and Santa sightings.

Additional holiday events this next month: Don't miss the Santa Hustle 5K, the Chicagoland Toys For Tots Motorcycle Parade, TBOX Bar Crawl, The Chicago Themed Nutcracker and Tuba Christmas.

December in Chicago is a time of enchantment, a canvas of snowy streets and sparkling lights, each event a brushstroke in the city's festive portrait. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just visiting, these events offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of our city during the most wonderful time of the year. Embrace the magic, and let these experiences become part of your holiday story.

Chicago Lifestyle S1, E2: Gold Coast

The second episode of the Chicago Lifestyle is out, and this week, we are exploring the Gold Coast neighborhood! Come take a stroll down the tree-lined streets, cruise along the lake shore, people watch on the triangle. In today's episode, we interview an iconic Gold Coast steakhouse staple and a Southern BBQ place with an impressive collection of whiskeys. This is the neighborhood where you come to get inspired.

One of the main draws to the city of Chicago is the bustling area called Gold Coast, which represents one of the wealthiest zipcodes in the United States. An urban playground for those on the hunt for fine dining, cotoure shopping and spectactular people watching, this neighborhood gives locals and visitors everything you could imagine.

Grounded to the east by the lake, indoor/outdoor life sometimes hard to discover in Chicago is right outside your door. Even though the neighborhood is large, plotted between Chicago Ave and North Ave, west to Lasalle Blvd, the Gold Coast can have two different feels based on the north section or the south section. The northern section, known for its famous streets such as Astor, Banks, State and Dearborn, is the quintessential residential side streets one comes to expect in Chicago. Along these streets, you will find vintage mansions, unique walk ups and towering condo buildings along tree-lined streets. In the southern part, sometimes known as the "Viagra Triangle", the commercial space is the main attraction. Oak St, Rush St and Michigan Ave are the pillars of the shopping and cuisine world. Brands such as Prada, Jimmy Choo, Tom Ford and Bloomindales have made home on the Rodeo Dr of Chicago.

---

Shop Local

Gibsons Steakhouse

1028 N Rush St

Hours: Monday through Sunday 11am to 2am

In the land of steakhouses, there has been one that is at the tip of the tongue for most Chicagoans since 1989. Gibsons Steakhouse has been a major contender in the restaurant sector, priding itself on the quality of the meats it selects for restauranteurs. A pioneer of the Rush St dining experience, it has established itself as the go to for everyone. Serving lunch and dinner this two story restaurant is able to cater towards all of your needs. This celebrity meeting hotspot is evident in the decorated walls clad with photos of past celebrity visits. In the summer, guests people watch with the best of them by dining outside on the wrap around terrace.

Gibsons Group has opened other restaurants, too. Check out Gibsons Italia and Hugos Frog Bar.

For more information and the menu at Gibsons Steakhouse, visit their website here.

Chicago Q

1160 N Dearborn Ave

Hours: Weekdays: 11am to 10:30pm, Weekends 10am to 12am

The Gold Coast welcomes you to the South. A bit of Savannah styled southern charm is nestled on the quaint street of Dearborn near Division. With Art Smith at the helm, Chicago Q has to be one of the best BBQ places in the city. The process starts with their meat selection, which is extremely high quality. Unlike most BBQ restaurants where they have a singular style of BBQ for connoisseurs to pick from, Chicago Q makes several different styles from Texas, Missouri, the Carolinas and Tennessee. Outside of BBQ, the Q is known for its vast selection of rare and unique bourbons. No matter what the season, guests can come cozy up near the bar in the winter or enjoy the warm summer nights on the terrace. Either way, residents should definitely make Chicago Q their ritual hotspot.

For the menu and further details on Chicago Q, check out their website here.

Chicago Lifestyle S1, E1: River North

Welcome to the Chicago Lifestyle Series! The season premier with host Samuel Ciochon has officially released on our Youtube as of 7pm on Tuesday September 10th. In this first episode, we are exploring the River North Neighborhood by interviewing Richard Townsend of the Driehaus Museum, Giuseppi Tentori of Boka's GT Prime and GT Fish & Oyster, and a couple past clients that live in the neighborhood.

The Chicago Lifestyle series is a way for individuals to visit and understand each Chicago neighborhood by connecting with local businesses and residents of each neighborhood. In the season premier, Samuel Ciochon, the host and a Chicago Realtor with Compass, will take you into the depths of the city by exploring River North.

When most people think of Chicago, they think of either the Loop or River North. There are destinct differences in the two neighborhoods though. River North gets its name from being, you guessed it, north of the Chicago River. Bordered to the South and West by the river, its northern border is typically deemed as Chicago Ave and while the eastern border to Michigan Ave (or better known as the "Magnificent Mile"). This pocket in the Near North Side is a diverse melting pot of the best the city has to offer. Even the different micro-pockets within the neighborhood give off a different feel for the residents. Needless to say, there is a little bit of something for everyone, which is unlike any other neighborhood.

Unlike the Loop, River North housing is incredibly diverse in this neighborhood. Known for it's high rise developments, residents can also find a mixture of homes ranging from vintage to new, high rise to low rise, single families and lofts.

On top of it, River North is grounded by great commercial space which brings big companies and jobs to the neighborhood. Merchandise Mart was the largest commercial space when it opened in 1930 with over 4M sq ft of space, and is now host to a bunch of tech firms including an incubator called 1871.

The city never sleeps in this neighborhood and is known for it's restaurant and bar scene. With two nightlife hotspots in the neighborhood, one can find the level of trouble they want to get into. Kinzie, Hubbard and Illinois streets are where a host of nightlife bars have congregated for an easy bar hop experience! If you are looking to dance, the Franklin St corridor has all of the best underground clubs! On top of going out, River North is home to many fine dining experiences with many restaurant groups putting their heavy hitters here, while a large steakhouse community is peppered throughout the neighborhood too, including our third interviewee GT Prime.

---

Shop Local

The Driehaus Museum

40 E. Erie St

Hours: Tues to Sun. 10am to 5pm

The Richard H. Driehaus Museum is a hidden treasure in the center of the cathedral district in Chicago's River North. We interview Richard Townsend, the Executive Director, as he gives us an insight into the rich history of the museum and what you can expect to find when you enter the front doors. Completed in 1883, the Nickerson Mansion is the perfect backdrop for a museum that specializes in art, architecture and design. The Driehaus always has a multitude of events and exhibitions taking place. You can tour the home, see an exhibit or even come to a private concert!

For the Driehaus Museum site and a list of all the exhibitions, click here.

GT Prime and GT Fish & Oyster

Prime: 707 N Wells St, Fish & Oyster: 531 N Wells

On the ever expanding Wells St hub, a once thriving furniture retail section has now become host to many restaurants, including two of Chicago's best restaurants - GT Prime and GT Fish & Oyster. Flagged by famed Chicago restauranteur and chef, Guiseppe Tentori, these two restaurants mystify the tongue and play at the mind! Chicago Lifesytle was lucky enough to sit down with Guiseppe himself to see why he loved River North so much that he put two of his three restaurants here. GT Prime, the newest adventure of the Boka Restaurant Group, is a different take on the classic steakhouse but done with a flare that only Mr. Tentori is known to bring to his dishes. On top of award winning meals, the atmosphere will draw you in. There is something primal about animal trophies, rich fabrics, mood lighting and watching the chefs cook over open fire.

For the websites and to reserve your spot, click here for GT Prime and here for GT Fish & Oyster.

Chicago Lifestyle Season 1 Official Trailer

Chicago Lifestyle Trailer Release!

It is officially out. The Season 1 trailer for Chicago Lifestyle has officially dropped on our Youtube, and we are so excited to show you what we have been cooking up!

Again, welcome to the Chicago Lifestyle! Throughout this first season, we ask that you explore along with us while we interview local business owners and residents of each neighborhood. We will be visiting some of Chicago's best known neighborhoods, such as the Loop, River North and West Loop, all while giving you a local's perspective and the inside scoop. Chicago has 77 neighborhoods with many micro-neighborhoods to explore. This is my favorite part of Chicago!

Just wanted to wish a couple thank you’s!

Maxx Walters for the filming, producing and editing of these films!

To all of the residents: Thank you so much! I know you were a little apprehensive about what you were doing or how you looked on the camera, but you are golden! You are our life line!

To all of the businesses: Thank you so much too! Your graciousness to let set aside time and space to start this fledgling project was unbelievable! We appreciate you so much!

... Last but not least, Compass. I'm so excited to work with a visionary company that allows me to spread my wings and start a new series about our city! It is so crazy!