NEAR WEST
CONTACT TERRIChicago Near West Has It All!
West Loop Lofts, Condos, and More!
What was once an area mainly dominated by manufacturers, warehouses, and wholesale food suppliers is now one of the hottest growing residential and business areas in Chicago. It consists of several unique and inviting neighborhoods, including Ukrainian Village and and West Town, offering a variety of homes for sale in Chicago Near West!
Why is this area so hot? Well, it’s got the best of everything! Not only can you find West Loop converted Lofts and Condos for sale, but it’s home to some of the most exciting start-ups and major players on the employment scene. Google, Uber, Twitter, Sara Lee, Quaker Oats, United Airlines, and McDonalds are just a few of the companies with offices in the Chicago Near West area. Add to that some of the finest restaurants in the country, a growing art and retail community, and plenty of neighborhood parks. With easy access to public transportation, I-290 and I90/94, and a quick bike ride or pleasant walk to downtown Chicago, what’s not to like?
Near West Geography
Find Your Chicago Near West Home in a Neighborhood That’s Right for You!
New West Boundaries include:
- Division to the North
- Western and Ashland to the West
- The River and Kennedy Expressway to the East
- South Blue Island Ave. and I-55 to the South
Near West real estate area zips codes include 60606, 60607, 60608, 60610, 60612, 60622, 60623, and 60661.
Near West Chicago consists of a number of distinctly different neighborhood areas, including, from north to the south:
West Town
A community Located just west of downtown, this area includes the neighborhoods of Ukranian Village, East Village, Noble Square and Wicker Park. Here, you’ll find great restaurants, shopping, and lots of fun festivals throughout the year. If you’re looking for great community vibe, then look to West Town!
West Loop
Just on the edge of downtown, this is one of the fastest growing neighborhoods. Very walkable and always plenty to do, this area was once filled with factories and warehouses. It now has a innovative spirit with new restaurants of every liking, boutique shopping and art galleries.
Fulton River District
Another area mainly known for its warehouses and industry, it now shares the neighborhood with upscale apartments, as well as Near West lofts and condos for sale. It’s got a great vibe and is home to Restaurant Row on Randolph Street where you can find some of the best restaurants in Chicago.
Greektown
This celebrated neighborhood is more than just authentic Greek restaurants. You’ll also find a number of Greek businesses, bakeries, restaurants, cafes, and the National Hellenic Museum. The area hosts yearly parades celebrating national holidays. Close to downtown, it’s a wonderful place to live offering upscale condos and lofts throughout the area.
Little Italy, Tri-Taylor
If you want to be part of a Chicago neighborhood, start your search here. Single-family homes, townhomes, apartments and condos surround the area. Taylor St. between Morgan and Ashland is host to some of the finest Italian restaurants. The area shows its growing diversity with the addition of a number of ethnic eateries, including Thai, Mexican, and Japanese. It’s also home to the Italian American Sports Hall of Fame and the famous Mario’s Italian Ice.
University Village
Including the University of Illinois in Chicago (UIC) and the growing Illinois Medical District – There’s something about being near a college campus that makes a neighborhood seem full of life. People of all ages are about walking through the neighborhood – whether you’re walking to class, to work, or taking your children to school, it’s a unique and inviting feeling. UIC is at the center with magnificent single-family homes on tree-lined streets, townhomes, luxurious condos, and apartments lining the periphery. There’s also plenty of restaurants, shops, and parks. With access to public transportation, expressways, and just minutes from downtown, it’s the perfect place to find your dream home.
Pilsen
This is an ever-changing, multi-cultural community with an exciting and growing art scene. Pilsen was a port of entry for many immigrants, including Irish, German, and Czech. In the 1960’s many Mexicans moved to the area when their neighborhood was displaced by the growing UIC campus. Pilsen is known for its authentic Mexican restaurants, grocers, shops, and bakeries. It’s also home to the National Museum of Mexican Art. Pilsen is also famous for its colorful and beautiful murals located throughout the area. Enjoy an afternoon stroll and make sure to check out one of the many unique thrift and vintage stores on 18th St. If you’re looking for an active, youthful community, this is the neighborhood for you.
Featured Listings
See Terri’s featured listing for the Near West. Having worked in the city for over 15 years, she knows all about the homes for sale in Near West Chicago. In addition, she raised her family downtown, so she can answer all your questions about city living!
Near West Real Estate and Living
Wondering which Near West neighborhood is right for you? There are many exciting options. Chicago Real Estate here mainly consists of West Loop lofts and condos for sale. The lofts can be vintage brick and timber, concrete, or soft lofts. The Fulton River District is one of the latest manufacturing and transportation corridors turned into a residential neighborhood. Here you can find warehouses converted to loft condominiums, as well as new construction high-rise condominiums and apartments. You can also find some townhomes and converted homes, as well as single family homes in the West Town area.
Near West Amenities
The Near West is conveniently located close to downtown Chicago. With two Metra train stations (Union and Ogilvie), access to three CTA train lines (Blue, Green and Pink), and convenient on/off ramps to I-290 and I90/94, the Near West neighborhoods are a commuter’s dream! Add to that the number of exciting new start-ups and tech-driven businesses, you could find yourself living and working with minimal stress in the Near West community! No matter which neighborhood you choose, rest assured you’ll never go hungry! Whether it’s fine dining or casual fare, the Near West boasts the best variety of eateries and nightlife. Enjoy flaming saganki cheese and dolmades in Greektown, Italian favorites in Little Italy and Tri-Taylor, and authentic Mexican cuisine in Pilsen. Or, check out some of the hottest new chefs and trendy spots in the Randolph Street corridor and Fulton River District. Of course, with all of that access to great food, you may need to get out and move around!
The Near West has a number of parks located throughout its neighborhoods. Mary Bartelme Park has a children’s playground, an expansive lawn, and an off-leash fenced dog park. Skinner Park includes a number of baseball fields, tennis courts, and plenty of open space. In addition, Union Park hosts the annual Pitchfork Music Festival! You can also walk to the United Center to watch the Bulls, the Blackhawks, or catch a concert! The stylish, urban mix of the Chicago Near West offers the best of restaurants, nightlife, a growing art scene, parks, and schools. In addition to a number of boutique shops, the area is home to a Target, Mariano’s, Whole Foods, and Jewel grocery stores. The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), adds a vibrant, youthful aspect to the area. Chicago’s only public research university has 30,000 students, 15 colleges, a hospital, and a health sciences system. Adjacent to the campus are midrise condos, lofts, and homes for sale in Near West Chicago.
Near West Schools
There are a number of highly recognized Chicago Public Schools located in the Near West neighborhoods, including Whitney M. Magnet Young High School, ranked the 5th most challenging high school in Illinois (Washington Post, May 2017), and Mark T. Skinner Elementary. It’s also home to a number of private and religious schools, including St. Ignatius College Prep and The Frances Xavier Warde School– Old St. Pat’s campus. For up-to-date information about schools, review the School Finder Map.
For up-to-date information about CPS schools, review the School Finder Map. Terri is your Chicago real estate expert. She’s raised three children in the city and can help you navigate the education system. Contact her today to find the perfect home and school for your family!
Talk to Terri Buseman - Your Chicago Realtor
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