Local Lifestyle, Chicago, IL

10 Hip Neighborhoods in Chicago for Young Professionals

By Lindsay Goebel Last Updated September 22, 2022 3 min read

Chicago, the windy city, or chi-town as the locals call it, is a hotspot for young professionals. As one of the biggest cities in the United States, Chicago is a growing tech hub with an excellent transportation system. 

There are several hip neighborhoods for young professionals in Chicago; in fact, there were so many cool neighborhoods that it was hard to narrow our list down to just ten. 

Nevertheless, here are the ten hippest neighborhoods for young professionals in Chicago: 

The Loop

The Loop is a bustling neighborhood in the heart of downtown Chicago. This iconic community is home to Chicago’s finest attractions like the Bean, the Chicago Riverwalk, the Skydeck, and the renowned river cruises. Additionally, the Art Institute of Chicago is a must-visit. 

If you’re alright with this energetic neighborhood’s hustle (and tourism), you can find several condos for sale lining Grant Park. 

River North

True urbanites love the vibrant River North neighborhood in the Near North side of Chicago. Young professionals enjoy this neighborhood’s nightlife, shopping, art, and scenery. Because River North was once an industrial hub, the architecture is a stunning mix of warehouses and highrises. 

When buying real estate in River North, you’ll find several 1-2 bedroom condos sprinkled throughout the neighborhood. 

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is a quieter, more luxurious neighborhood in downtown Chicago. Residents enjoy beautiful streets lined with mature trees and greenery. The Gold Coast is home to some architectural delights, including designs by Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan. 

The odds of snagging a vintage row home on Lake Michigan are rare, but you may be lucky enough to find a condo within the block.  

Lincoln Park

Plant enthusiasts gravitate toward the Lincoln Park neighborhood. This picturesque community has parks, gardens, and lakefront green spaces. Aside from the conservatory, zoos, and botanical gardens, Lincoln Park offers premier shopping and dining. 

Young professionals can find historic row homes for sale alongside condos and apartment buildings. 

Bucktown

Bucktown is a hip neighborhood for artists and musicians. Only a few miles from downtown Chicago, Bucktown’s architecture features more low-rise buildings and single-family homes. Young professionals draw to Bucktown because of its proximity to the affluent Lincoln Park neighborhood. 

Enjoy good food options, coffee shops, live music, and theater in one of Chicago’s trendier neighborhoods. 

Near North Side

Young professionals who crave big-city vibes find the Near North Side neighborhood intriguing. Locals enjoy shopping and eating along the Magnificent Mile, Chicago’s premier shopping district. Additionally, Near North Side is blocks from Oak Street Beach on Lake Michigan. 

You can find decently-sized 1-2 bedroom condos in the Near North neighborhood. 

Ukrainian Village

West of the Chicago River, you’ll find Ukrainian Village, a low-key residential neighborhood lined with row homes and brick bungalows. Chicago is home to over 54,000 Ukrainian and Ukrainian-American residents, and Ukrainian Village is an exciting place to learn about the culture and history of Ukraine while enjoying authentic Ukrainian food. 

Hyde Park

Students, young professionals, and architect enthusiasts adore the Hyde Park neighborhood. Nestled between Washington Park and Lake Michigan, Hyde Park is home to the University of Chicago campus and the Museum of Science and Industry. 

Additionally, designers and architects love to visit the Frederick C. Robie House, designed by mid-century architect Frank Lloyd Wright. 

West Loop

Arguably one of the hippest neighborhoods in Chi-town, the West Loop offers locals abundant food, drink, and vintage shopping options. The French Market food hall frequently hosts local food vendors, and Randolph Street Market provides a monthly vintage shopping experience. 

Young Professionals enjoy living near plenty of transportation options, including the Metra trains at Grand Union Station. 

Roscoe Village

Local eateries, hip taverns, and eclectic shops line this quirky “village within the city.” Roscoe Village is a charming neighborhood with green space and a walkway lining the Chicago River. Young Professionals enjoy this little neighborhood hideaway tucked within a fast-moving metropolitan city.