The 10 Best Neighborhoods In Chicago, IL For 2024


The best Chicago neighborhoods are North Center and Lake View for 2024 based on Saturday Night Science.

Best Neighborhoods In Chicago
Source: Flickr User ::RodrixParedes:: | CC BY 2.0

How do you get your hands on one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods? HomeSnacks has the answer here.

We know that when people are searching for the best neighborhood they are also looking for things like nice looking homes, great parks, and friendly neighbors; and Chicago’s best neighborhoods have all that and then some. But, in order to rank the top ten, we had to give each neighborhood an actual concrete score. We call this a neighborhoods overall ‘snackability’.

So, how did we determine Chicago’s snackability? We consulted the latest data on income levels, unemployment rates, crime, and home prices for 77 Chicago neighborhoods with over 0 residents, and the top ten best neighborhoods in Chi-town for 2024 can be found below. Incidentally, this is our tenth time ranking Chicago’s best neighborhoods, so trust us when we say that these are Chicago’s best of the best.

Folks, there’s a lot of fun to be had in Chicago’s best neighborhoods. For example, you can walk Lake Michigan’s shoreline for exercise if you choose to live in Lake View, you can visit the zoo daily if you choose Lincoln Park, and you can attend one of Chicago’s best festivals if you choose to live in Edison Park.

Yes, the biggest cities in most states do tend to have the most problems; and while Chicago does have its fair share of problems and some pretty dangerous neighborhoods, it does have some of the best, most unique, neighborhoods to call home.

So, grab yourself a slice of deep dish ‘za, head to a shady park in Forest Glen, and read on.


Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Methodology | Summary | Table


The Best Neighborhoods In Chicago For 2024

  1. North Center
  2. Lake View
  3. Lincoln Park
  4. Edison Park
  5. Edgewater
  6. Lincoln Square
  7. Logan Square
  8. Albany Park
  9. Dunning
  10. Near North Side

HomeSnacks is not your just your average website. We’ve been researching and ranking states and cities based on all types of criteria for the last five years. We’ve had more than 50 million people read our published articles and we’ve been featured in hundreds of media outlets for our best of the best rankings, including this Illinois feature by Patch.com. So, yes, we know what we’re talking about.

So, what’s the best neighborhood in Chicago for 2024? That would be North Center.

To see how your favorite Chicagoland neighborhoods compared, take a look at the list below; and if you don’t see it there, head to the bottom.

For more Illinois reading, check out:

The 10 Best Neighborhoods To Live In Chicago

North Center Chicago, IL

Source: Public domain

Population: 20,512
Median Home Value: $661,838 (Second best)
Median Income: $133,268 (Second best)
More on North Center: Data | Real Estate

Sure, it has a boring (if accurate) name. North Center is located in the north-central part of the city. That doesn’t mean the neighborhood itself is boring. At least not in a bad way.

Instead, you get everything a resident could want in the restaurants and stores along Roscoe St. and Western Ave. in the heart of the neighborhood. This is complimented by a slew of parks, especially on the Chicago River on the western part of the area.

There is a wrinkle to worry about. All these benefits come with a cost. The average home price in North Center reaches $661,838.

Lake View Chicago, IL

Source: Wikipedia User | GFDL

Population: 57,436
Median Home Value: $556,847 (Third best)
Median Income: $128,310 (Fourth best)
More on Lake View: Data | Real Estate

Just like the name suggests, Lake View runs up against Lake Michigan. This gives it some of the best views in the city.

You’ll get more than that, though. The neighborhood also contains landmarks like Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs baseball team, and amusements like the Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course.

As a result, you have some of the most sought-after addresses in Chicago. A booming economy also helps, with a median income of $128,310 and an unemployment rate of 2.9%. The cost of living can get pricey, however. The median home value tops $350,000.

Lincoln Park Chicago, IL

Source: Wikipedia User Thshriver | CC BY-SA 3.0

Population: 14,732
Median Home Value: $702,485 (best)
Median Income: $132,432 (Third best)
More on Lincoln Park: Data | Real Estate

New York has its Central Park. Lincoln Park isn’t as big and doesn’t get the same kind of press. But it counts as a similar attraction for the people of Chicago. (Just don’t confuse this Lincoln Park with the early 2000s Nu Metal band with a similar name.)

With this sprawling green space as a centerpiece, it’s no wonder than that the surrounding neighborhood lands at number 3 on the list of best areas of Chicago for 2024.

Beyond the normal park activities, locals can also enjoy the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Lincoln Park Conservatory. If they get bored of that, they can head over to the shores of Lake Michigan and sit out on Fullerton Beach.

Edison Park Chicago, IL

Source: Public domain

Population: 10,847
Median Home Value: $446,771 (Sixth best)
Median Income: $138,875 (best)
More on Edison Park: Data | Real Estate

You’ll notice a lot of parks and glens on this list. Sometimes (like with Lincoln Park), this comes with an actual sizable spread of grass. Other times, it’s more of a marketing ploy.

That’s the case here. Edison Park doesn’t contain a giant park of its own. However, you’ll find some pleasant smaller outdoor spots around the neighborhood. Meanwhile, a short trip will get you to places like the Sidney Yates Flatwoods or Algonquin Woods.

Located on the far western part of the city, Edison Park can be considered the start of the suburbs. As such, you’ll get that affluent suburban feel, with median incomes of nearly $100,000.

Population: 12,213
Median Home Value: $403,792 (11th best)
Median Income: $80,652 (15th best)
More on Edgewater: Data | Real Estate

Population: 5,093
Median Home Value: $502,433 (Fourth best)
Median Income: $98,301 (Ninth best)
More on Lincoln Square: Data | Real Estate

Lincoln Square sits near the southern boundary of giant Rosehill Cemetery, the final resting place of both the inventor of Cracker Jack and founder of Goodrich Tires. You fans of retail history will also find the graves of Mr. Sears and Mr. Montgomery Ward.

So, having an enormous graveyard nearby is a bummer. But the rest of the neighborhood justifies its position as the number 6 best area in Chicago for 2024. The economy chugs along with a median income of $98,301 and an unemployment rate of 3.7%.

Other than the buried corpses nearby, the main drawback comes from the price of real estate. (And not just for grave plots.) The median home price sits at $502,433.

Population: 80,075
Median Home Value: $401,754 (12th best)
Median Income: $75,761 (20th best)
More on Logan Square: Data | Real Estate

Logan Square is located in the northwest side of the city. It lacks some of the headline attractions of the other spots on this list. Still, it counts the number 7 best neighborhoods in Chicago for 2024.

How does it achieve this rank without lake views or a world-famous tourist draw? Well, first, it features a strong economy. The median income sits at $75,761 and the unemployment rate hovers at 3.2%. Beyond this, it area has plenty of smaller draws. Milwaukee Avenue has its share of restaurants, bars, and stores.

Like many of the areas on this list, Logan Square can get pricey. Some locals have trouble scraping together the mortgage payments needed for the $401,754 median home value.

Population: 53,172
Median Home Value: $333,172 (18th best)
Median Income: $68,766 (23rd best)
More on Albany Park: Data | Real Estate

Here’s another entry on this list that comes with a cemetery nearby. The northern border contains the Bohemian National Cemetery. What can we say? It provides a good home for both the living and the dead.

Built along the Chicago River in the northwest part of the city, it sits a little off the beaten track. Still, a relatively short drive (traffic permitting) will get you into the heart of the city. At the same time, Albany Park lets you enjoy some of the benefits of escaping the bustle of downtown. This includes such scenic areas as River Park.

Population: 7,475
Median Home Value: $266,325 (29th best)
Median Income: $80,857 (14th best)
More on Dunning: Data | Real Estate

Near North Side Chicago, IL

Source: Wikipedia User Jrissman | CC BY-SA 3.0

Population: 83,049
Median Home Value: $434,335 (Eighth best)
Median Income: $97,802 (11th best)
More on Near North Side: Data | Real Estate

Chicago has a few iconic landmarks. There’s the Willis Tower – once the tallest skyscraper in the world. There’s Lake Shore Drive, a picturesque stretch of road that runs along Lake Michigan. And there’s Navy Pier, a carnival-like attraction jutting out into the water.

Two out of three ain’t bad. The Willis Tower is further south. But the Near North Side provides a home for both Navy Pier and a stretch of Lake Shore Drive. Meanwhile, if you like shopping, you can head to the famed Magnificent Mile portion of Michigan Avenue.

In other words, you’ll never get bored living on the Near North Side. And with a local median income of $97,802, you’d like have the money to enjoy everything.

Methodology: How We Determined The Best Chicago, IL Neighborhoods In 2024

To rank the best neighborhoods in Chicago, we had to determine what criteria define “best” and then apply Saturday Night Science to it.

Using FBI crime, Census, and extrapolated BLS data, we arrived at the following set of criteria:

  • High incomes
  • Low unemployment rates
  • Low crime
  • High home prices
  • High population densities (A proxy for things to do)

We then ranked each neighborhood with scores from 1 to 77 in each category, where 1 was the best.

Next, we averaged the rankings for each neighborhood to create a best neighborhood index.

And finally, we crowned the neighborhood with the lowest best neighborhood index, the “Best City Neighborhood In Chicago.” We’re lookin’ at you, North Center.

Read on below to learn more about what it’s like to live in the best places Chicago, Illinois has to offer. Or skip to the end to see the list of all the neighborhoods in the city, from best to worst.

We updated this article for 2024. This report is our tenth time ranking the best neighborhoods to live in Chicago.

Summary: Putting A Bow On Our Analysis Of The Best Neighborhoods In Chicago

If you’re measuring the neighborhoods in Chicago where crime is low and everyone wants to live, this is an accurate list.

The best neighborhoods in Chicago are North Center, Lake View, Lincoln Park, Edison Park, Edgewater, Lincoln Square, Logan Square, Albany Park, Dunning, and Near North Side.

As mentioned earlier, the neighborhoods in Chicago aren’t all good. Riverdale takes the title of the worst neighborhood to live in Chicago.

The worst neighborhoods in Chicago are Riverdale, Englewood, West Englewood, South Deering, and Grand Crossing.

We ranked the neighborhoods from best to worst in the chart below.

For more Illinois reading, check out:

Best Neighborhoods To Live In Chicago For 2024 Detailed Data

Rank Neighborhood Population Home Value Median Income
1 North Center 20,512 $661,838 $133,268
2 Lake View 57,436 $556,847 $128,310
3 Lincoln Park 14,732 $702,485 $132,432
4 Edison Park 10,847 $446,771 $138,875
5 Edgewater 12,213 $403,792 $80,652
6 Lincoln Square 5,093 $502,433 $98,301
7 Logan Square 80,075 $401,754 $75,761
8 Albany Park 53,172 $333,172 $68,766
9 Dunning 7,475 $266,325 $80,857
10 Near North Side 83,049 $434,335 $97,802
11 Jefferson Park 44,365 $310,691 $80,034
12 Forest Glen 981 $429,400 $108,750
13 Avondale 17,551 $380,113 $89,062
14 Montclare 17,009 $263,270 $65,268
15 Irving Park 14,312 $441,985 $75,411
16 Uptown 23,995 $303,767 $51,654
17 Mount Greenwood 16,972 $269,300 $108,072
18 Norwood Park 37,477 $293,731 $77,558
19 Near South Side 21,930 $318,671 $80,646
20 Bridgeport 39,979 $333,879 $56,947
21 Hyde Park 19,521 $351,294 $58,761
22 West Town 25,333 $466,646 $100,114
23 Rogers Park 53,425 $248,403 $52,286
24 Loop 32,384 $331,150 $98,220
25 Hermosa 19,875 $250,500 $54,924
26 Pottage Park 64,285 $248,275 $59,222
27 Beverly 13,407 $300,525 $117,969
28 West Ridge 73,660 $235,196 $54,223
29 Kenwood 8,429 $345,162 $58,158
30 North Park 6,243 $287,950 $67,555
31 O’hare 15,966 $248,033 $61,241
32 Humboldt Park 37,291 $316,581 $59,973
33 Garfield Ridge 29,267 $238,720 $85,614
34 West Elsdon 18,486 $199,358 $63,586
35 West Lawn 33,502 $200,950 $58,820
36 Belmont Cragin 77,859 $204,209 $46,654
37 Clearing 24,934 $174,810 $61,588
38 Brighton Park 45,668 $194,459 $48,123
39 Near West Side 14,333 $417,656 $74,122
40 Mckinley Park 13,349 $237,842 $57,365
41 Ashburn 14,277 $183,500 $78,791
42 Lower West Side 33,150 $208,108 $40,724
43 South Lawndale 73,519 $138,019 $32,212
44 Gage Park 34,548 $163,377 $43,411
45 Armour Square 13,391 $221,250 $27,790
46 East Side 20,439 $126,038 $57,157
47 Woodlawn 14,167 $286,922 $39,524
48 Calumet Heights 10,401 $152,656 $63,036
49 Washington Heights 5,668 $154,075 $56,829
50 Chicago Lawn 15,636 $146,417 $37,465
51 Oakland 3,673 $342,700 $43,288
52 Douglas 19,514 $145,570 $39,212
53 Morgan Park 15,013 $145,444 $53,937
54 Archer Heights 50,854 $186,394 $36,405
55 Austin 97,012 $149,598 $36,124
56 Chatham 18,683 $172,638 $49,214
57 Avalon Park 3,004 $197,100 $42,981
58 South Shore 40,415 $163,136 $38,548
59 Grand Boulevard 22,603 $158,817 $36,187
60 Hegewisch 10,538 $115,344 $51,716
61 South Chicago 28,988 $143,288 $44,876
62 Burnside 8,750 $137,000 $44,243
63 East Garfield Park 18,665 $222,929 $28,558
64 New City 41,153 $110,614 $32,588
65 Fuller Park 1,575 $191,980 $29,302
66 West Pullman 26,366 $103,967 $46,956
67 Pullman 1,682 $172,000 $44,734
68 Auburn Gresham 45,607 $115,671 $32,470
69 North Lawndale 35,417 $126,400 $26,510
70 West Garfield Park 13,178 $185,909 $32,582
71 Washington Park 9,339 $193,900 $24,568
72 Roseland 17,708 $121,809 $39,713
73 Grand Crossing 11,286 $146,640 $31,984
74 South Deering 5,403 $102,086 $31,584
75 West Englewood 20,571 $107,861 $32,258
76 Englewood 36,917 $113,739 $26,828
77 Riverdale 165 $85,600 $19,067
About Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar has been in the real estate business for almost ten years now. He originally worked for Movoto Real Estate as the director of marketing before founding HomeSnacks.

He believes the key to finding the right place to live comes down to looking at the data, reading about things to do, and, most importantly, checking it out yourself before you move.

If you've been looking for a place to live in the past several years, you've probably stumbled upon his writing already.

You can find out more about him on LinkedIn or his website.