Best Chicago Neighborhoods for Families
Families can certainly thrive in the big city too
4 Min Read
4 Min ReadAre you moving to Chicago as a family? Or perhaps planning to start a family soon? Finding the perfect apartment to raise your children in is important. However, even more so is ensuring that the neighborhood you relocate to is family-friendly.
City living can offer its own version of bliss. Urban bliss can be found in many neighborhoods in Chicago.
In addition to being a great place for young professionals, singles, or students, there are also perks of city living with kids.
From world-class international schools to beachfront parks, Chicago is a perfect place for families to resettle.
Checking for a family-friendly neighborhood
When apartment hunting in Chicago with a brood, you may have to redefine your must-haves. There are a few factors to tick off the list for finding the best neighborhoods for families in Chicago.
First, safety and crime levels have to be considered. When you visit a potential neighborhood, look out for other families in the community and for kids playing outside. You can see what age range of pre-teens or older lives nearby.
Plus, other young families out and about who could become part of your local social network.
Check which amenities are around. Fortunately, Chicago has many zoos, aquariums, and parks for kid-friendly entertainment and outdoor play areas.
The city also has world-class museums and art galleries with great family membership deals. There are many top schools and universities in Chicago as living in an area accessible to a good education is a must.
In addition, consider the commuting time to and from work, and the size of an apartment for a growing family.
Choosing your neighborhood is one of the most important decisions you’re going to make when considering your move. It definitely pays to get it right the first time.
However, to ease the pressure of finding the perfect place on short notice you could opt for a furnished rental. For instance, the fully-furnished, equipped and serviced properties offered by Blueground.
Above all, every apartment is move-in ready from day one and is offered for mid to long-term stays. The flexible lease terms allow tenants to change apartments and move neighborhoods until they find the perfect match.
Depending on the building, there are unique amenities (rooftop pool anyone?) that can be enjoyed by the whole family, in addition to the individual apartment features. Browse the Blueground website to find your family’s future Chicago home.
with that in mind, the following are the top five areas in Chicago that we think are particularly family-friendly.
West Loop
This former industrial area is a rapidly-growing neighborhood, with award-winning preschools, stunning loft apartments, and culinary gems for city-loving families.
West Loop has many activities to keep families active. Kids can rock climb at Brooklyn Boulders or take acting classes at the Chicago Children’s Theatre.
As one of the most happening neighborhoods in town, the “Restaurant Row” is somewhat of a mecca for foodies. The whole family can dine out, whether it’s at a Neapolitan pizzeria or cookie-centric bakery. You’ll surely find something to satisfy everyone.
South Loop
South Loop is known as a great place to start a family. Regeneration in the neighborhood has made the standard of living rise. New high-rise, multi-family apartment buildings can be found bordered by lakes and gorgeous Chicago parks.
All in all, families can take advantage of living next to the Museum Campus. Must-see family museums include the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, and the Shedd Aquarium.
Weekend outings can be made to the South Loop Market or McCormick Bird Sanctuary.
Lincoln Park
As well as being a very safe and quiet area, Lincoln Park offers lots of outdoor space and apartments with lake views. Local attractions and activities make it ideal for young families. The lakefront trail and beaches are the perfect places for the whole crew to unwind.
Along with the Lincoln Park Zoo, there are many indoor play areas from Kids City to Kids Science Lab.
Chicago’s premier preschools are in this neighborhood, as are family-friendly foodie hotspots. For instance, the most kid-friendly restaurant in Chicago is RJ Grunts. Parents can enjoy shopping at Armitage Avenue’s independent boutiques and high-end stores.
By night, go see some stand-up comedy or a theatre performance.
Lakeshore East
A contemporary downtown neighborhood, Lakeshore East offers an abundance of green spaces and public areas for families to explore. Tucked away in a quiet enclave, it’s safe and conveniently located steps from the city’s main shopping district, the Magnificent Mile.
Family-friendly landmarks here include the botanical gardens with a gated children’s play park and the bustling Village Market.
With access to easy public transit, the central downtown location makes it one of the best bases for the whole family to fully experience the city.
River North
River North is a vibrant neighborhood in the center of the action that many young couples choose to start a family in.
Cultured by day, local non-profits like Open Books offer literature-based learning activities for kids. The area’s Erie Park has a state-of-the-art playground and hosts monthly Movies in the Park.
Socially conscious preschools in this area take a unique approach to early childhood learning.
For families that appreciate design, River North is an ideal location to shop for furniture, antiques, and homeware.
