Welcome to Downtown Chicago
Thriving heart of Chicagoland, where industry and innovation flourish
Consisting of West Loop, Gold Coast, Fulton Market, and River North, Downtown Chicago is an established metropolis of sophistication and development. Here, new industries find fertile soil for growth, with dozens of Fortune 500 companies finding their origins in Chicago. West Loop, Gold Coast, and River North contain a thriving technological industry rivaling Silicon Valley, with constant innovation driving a digital revolution.
With such an industry in its backyard, it is no wonder Downtown Chicago has experienced a boom in residential growth. Sleek high rises punctuate the landscape, with luxury condominiums and chic townhomes dominating the real estate market. The architecture and the atmosphere offer the perfect marriage of established prestige and innovative business. In short, Downtown Chicago is the place to be for access to the foodie scene, concerts, sporting events, and easy access to public transportation.
What to Love
- Booming technology and industry
- Increase in residential growth
- Upscale clubs and bars offering vibrant nightlife
- Established Michelin-rated dining options
- The modernized Fulton Market and Randolph Street
- United Center
- Merchandise Mart
- Riverwalk
Local Lifestyle
West Loop’s atmosphere lends itself to working professionals and people ready to be on the ground floor of the latest action. As a testament to Downtown Chicago’s status as a hotspot for the legacy technological industry, Google and Facebook have set up headquarters in the West Loop Fulton Market neighborhood. For this reason, working professionals have become the defining residents of the community, occupying renovated lofts that give off industrial glamor.
Fulton Market and Randolph Street epitomize Downtown Chicago’s resilience and character. The former served as a meat-packing warehouse and industrial district in the 19th and 20th centuries. In the past several years, it has gentrified and accepted new hotels, bars, restaurants, commerce, and corporate headquarters for tech giants Google and Facebook. Meanwhile, Randolph Street in West Loop has evolved from primarily industrial space to a diversified boom market with new high-rises, excellent restaurants, and residential buildings (many of which have been adapted from old warehouses).
The Gold Coast is classic elegance. Stunning homes in the classic Georgian style dominate the residential architecture, mixed with modern high-rise buildings. The cosmopolitan flair of River North reflects the high-style galleries, clubs, and cocktail bars, making it the most sensational art district. On par with New York’s SoHo, River North has been affectionately dubbed SuHu for its bold personality and distinctive vibe.
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
As the heartbeat of the city, Downtown Chicago is renowned for its astounding nightlife. Chicago’s food scene has taken off, with restaurants like
Girl & the Goat, adored for its earthy sophistication, and
Monteverde, which elevates regular tavern fare to delicious fine dining.
Alla Vida is known for its sumptuous pasta, and
Avec creates a taste of the Mediterranean in River North. Each is proudly placed in the cache of Michelin-rated dining spots.
Each eatery is as satisfying in its aesthetic as in its cuisine. Capturing the opulence of the neighborhoods in stunning design, residents always remember the upscale pleasure of a night out in Chicago.
Aba glows under their spectacular bar, pairing craft cocktails with delicious Mediterranean dishes. For a variety of options in one location,
Time Out Market Chicago is 50,000 square feet of restaurants, cafes, and artisanal cocktail bars, with chef-driven menus that are every foodie's dream.
River North is a luxe mashup of excellent restaurants, shops, bars, and nightclubs. The neighborhood is home to several of the city’s finest art galleries and interior design studios, some of which dot the
Chicago Riverwalk. Among the best restaurants in the area,
Avli River North and
Sunda Chicago stand out for their excellent Greek and Asian fusion cuisine, respectively.
The affluent and breathtaking Gold Coast features high-end boutiques that complement the charming luxury homes interspersed throughout the neighborhood. Check out the Oak Street District, one of the nation’s most lavish and comprehensive retail areas. The world’s top designer brands are found here, as are some can’t-miss, one-of-a-kind boutiques, like
Morgenthal Frederics,
Vince, and
Wolford Boutique. Besides shopping, you can go bar-hopping on Rush Street, then start the following day at trendy spots like
3 Arts Club Cafe.
Things to Do
As the hub of Chicagoland, naturally, there are countless events available to residents. Fulton Market District, once the meatpacking district of old Chicago, has experienced exponential residential growth, sparking an influx of local markets like
Taste of Randolph.
A constant stream of events is held at
The United Center, home to Chicago Bulla and Chicago Blackhawks. As the largest arena in America, Chicago has hosted major sports events and world tours of some of the greatest artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. Pitchfork Musical Festival and West Loop Art Fest are beloved by residents for their appreciation of local creative arts.
Those with a yen for the Gilded Age should make a beeline for the
Richard H. Driehaus Museum. Also known as Chicago’s Marble Palace, the museum typifies the glamor and history of River North. As a newcomer to Chicago, one of the best ways to familiarize yourself with the city is by taking an architectural tour via the Chicago River. The River North neighborhood positively bursts with landmarks and some of the most fun bars in the Windy City.
The Gold Coast neighborhood is a highly walkable and beautiful place to take the dog on a stroll. There is gorgeous urban architecture on every block, especially
Astor Street, where you can take in 19th-century mansions and hotels. The
Porchlight Music Theatre operates out of the Gold Coast, as does the
Newberry Library.
Schools
Downtown Chicago has a wide array of higher education options, including:|
