Near North Side
The Near North Side is one of Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods, but the term has come to include the entire area north of downtown. The area encompasses the neighborhoods of Streeterville, River North and Gold Coast.
The Near North Side is among the most desirable places to live in the city – due to its access to efficient public transport, world-class restaurants, prestigious schools, plus parks and the lake.
A pedestrian-friendly area, there is an assortment of housing ranging from one bedroom condo to a historic mansion.
Chicago
The Chicago metropolitan area encompasses the Windy City and its surrounding suburbs in northeast Illinois. The Chicago Metro area has an estimated population of 9.4 million. It is the second largest metropolitan area in the US.
Chicago real estate is quite diverse, consisting of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. Buyers will find plenty of residential units to choose from.
Schools and employment
The city is served by Chicago Public Schools (CPS). With over 600 schools, it is the third largest school district in the nation. Click here for the full list of schools under the CPS.
For advanced learning, residents can go to the following colleges and universities:
• University of Chicago
• Illinois Institute of Technology
• DePaul University
• Loyola University Chicago
• University of Illinois at Chicago
• Kendall College
Attractions and Recreation
• Millennium Park
A former industrial site, Millennium Park won theRudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence in 2009. Highlights include the 3.5-acre Lurie Garden, along with notable structures like the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, BP Bridge, Cloud Gate, Crown Garden, Boeing Galleries, Harris Theater, McDonald’s Cycle Center, Chase Promenade, the four Exelon Pavilions, and the Wrigley Square and Millennium Monument.
• Lincoln Park Zoo
The zoo’s naturalistic exhibits feature animals like lions, bears, monkeys, camels, and exotic birds. Located north of Chicago, this family-friendly attraction is a wildlife oasis in the midst of skyscrapers and apartment buildings.
• Navy Pier
This Chicago landmark on Lake Michigan brings you some of the city’s most iconic attractions, including the Centennial Wheel, Pepsi Wave Swinger, and Pier Park. The pier is more than 100 years old and has a total area of 50 acres. It also features public art and exhibitions.
• Art Institute of Chicago
Browse the art collection at the institute. Previous exhibitions have featured works by international artists like Onchi Kōshirō, David Garrard Lowe, and Andrew Lord.
• Museum of Science & Industry
With over 400,000 square feet of space, the museum is one of the largest in the world. It features exhibits on the Space Race, modern farming, coal mining, Pixar films, and other fascinating topics.
• Magnificent Mile & Oak Street
The Magnificent Mile spans 13 blocks of premium retail and has over 460 stores, 275 restaurants, and 60 hotels. Landmarks include the John Hancock Center, the Old Chicago Water Tower District, the Tribune Tower, and the Drake Hotel. Just a few steps from Michigan Avenue, tree-lined Oak Street features high-end retailers like Patek Philippe, Prada, and Escada.
• Chicago Botanic Garden
At 385 acres, this popular outdoor attraction features 27 gardens, four natural areas, and six miles of pristine lake shoreline. It also boasts an acclaimed Bonsai Collection. The Chicago Botanic Garden opened its doors to the public over 40 years ago and continues to attract droves of tourists.
• The Morton Arboretum
Encompassing 1,700 acres, this attraction features a public garden, outdoor museum, library, herbarium, and a program that specializes in tree research. Board the Acorn Express tram ride for a one-hour tour that takes you through the arboretum’s wetlands, woodlands, and prairies. Explore the Children’s Garden, with its sparkling streams and giant tree root slides.
• Fashion Outlets of Chicago
Make an adventure of it and dig up those finds at an enclosed brick-and-mortar mall. Shop for designer goods from American brands.
Relocation
Chicago real estate has plenty to offer buyers and renters alike. Here are some things you need to know before moving to the Windy City.
1. Choosing a neighborhood
Chicago is a city of neighborhoods – all 77 of them. Before moving to the city, you need to decide where you want to live. Lincoln Park has its own zoo, conservatory, and nature museum. River North which provides access to the Central Business District or the Loop, and offers water taxis up and down the Chicago River.
Other Neighborhoods:
Gold Coast
Lakeview
Streeterville
West Loop
If you want more information on Chicago real estate, let the Walker Group Chicago assist you. Call me, Carla Walker, at 312.342.0078 or send an email to CarlaWalker(at)atproperties(dotted)com.
2. Getting Around
Like most big cities, parking can be a pain in Chicago. It can also be pricey. Take advantage of public transport to save yourself the stress. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), the city’s bus and train system is highly efficient. So before you buy a home or sign a lease, make sure that you have access to public transport, and that the commute is doable.
3. Choose the right moving company
There are numerous companies specializing in residential and business-related moves in Chicago. These companies offer a host of services, including packing, home or business relocation, and internal and single-item transfers. Shop around for a mover and compare rates. You can start your search online. You can read reviews on sites like Yelp and Angie’s List.
We’re here to help make your move smooth. Let us know how we can assist you. Email us at carlawalker(at)atproperties(dotted)com or call 312.342.0078.