Midwesterner

First and foremost, Hyde Park is home to The University of Chicago. This is a prestigious (and expensive school) that is also quite expansive with a medical pavilion, undergraduate school and graduate school. The University of Chicago Law School is also situated in Hyde Park.

Much of the infrastructure in Hyde Park supports the students and staff. There are a lot of great restaurants, cafes and bookstores. I attended this school as an undergrad and definitely had some favorites along 57th including The Medici and Cafe Florian. Both of these places had great pizza. They are both also the kind of place where you can sit drinking coffee and having a thought provoking conversation.

The architecture of the homes in Hyde Park is pretty interesting. There are some mansions and very stately homes. The school itself has a very gothic look, which copies something like what you would see in Oxford, England. There are beautiful "quads" with lots of trees and grass.

One issue that I experienced living in Hyde Park is that it isn't easy to get to the North Side without a car. Otherwise, you need to take a bus and then the El. This can take a long time and also seem very unsafe. This is particularly true if you are coming home late at night. Therefore, if you don't have a car you may end up feeling a bit isolated in this part of town.

The Near South Side is a neighborhood in Chicago that mostly hosts tourists and people seeking entertainment. It is conveniently located directly south of the Loop and is right on beautiful Lake Shore Drive.

From what I have seen there aren't many people living in this neighborhood overall. While it is not highly populated, you do see a fair amount of lofts and condos. Many of these are very cool, as they were converted from old factories. There are also interesting lofts in Printer's Row. Generally, this is a pretty pricey place to live. In many of these lofts and condos, you will have spectacular views of the Lake. However, you are probably not going to have as much space as you would have in other parts of Chicago.

Another major plus to this neighborhood is that not only is it accessible to all the arts,shopping and entertainment that downtown has to offer, it is also easy to get to most of the places in Chicago via public transportation.

In the Near South Side, you can find famous attractions including Soldier Field, the Field Museum, the Aquarium and the Planetarium. See what I mean? This part of town is a must-see for tourists. Also most people going to Chicago for conferences go to the Near South Side, as this is where the huge convention center McCormick Place is located. The Near South Side definitely reminds you that you are living in a world class city!

Pullman is yet another South Side neighborhood. In fact, it is amongst the furthest South. This means that you won't have a particularly fast commute to the loop or any North Side neighborhood. Plus, as far as activities go, there isn't a whole lot of entertainment in Pullman. But all in all, if you don't mind a short drive, this is a very attractive neighborhood to live in for a variety of reasons.

There are definitely some very interesting things about Pullman. First of all, there is very interesting architecture. Some people in Pullman have done restorations on their older homes. This neighborhood even hosts walking tours, which point out the significant buildings and historic homes. When the area was built, it was viewed as a sort of model community. Now the "Pullman Historic District" serves as somewhat of a time capsule.

Due to the interesting architecture, some movies have been shot in Pullman. For example, the Road to Perdition with Tom Hanks showcased a lot of the local buildings. If you are visiting the city, it is well worth the drive to check out this unique place.

This is a pretty quiet neighborhood without a lot of action. In fact, it seems to be much safer than the other South Side neighborhoods.

Calumet Heights is a South Chicago middle-class neighborhood with a bit of a average feel. Drive through this neighborhood in the dead of winter in Chicago and you will know what I mean. There isn't anything really special about Calumet Heights, it is just a lot of sprawl with small houses that have fairly average architecture. You will see lot of bungalows and split-level dwellings. There is definitely a suburban feeling here... even though you are still in the city. On the bright side, residents have yards and big sidewalks.

While Calumet Heights is home mostly to African-Americans, you will see other ethnicities as well. In fact, overall, this neighborhood is pretty diverse. Fairly recently, a lot of Latinos have moved in.

As far as what there is to do, it isn't too earthshattering. There is the Marcus Western Heights Cinemas on Hilltop Avenue. Calumet Heights does also have a branch of the excellent Chicago chain restaurant Leona's.

Like many South Side neighborhoods, it can take awhile to get to other parts of the city. The Red line runs through South Chicago, but you will likely have to take a bus to get to the El. This can be a bit of a hassle if you don't feel like spending a lot of time on public transportation.

The name "Goose Island" might lead you to believe that Chicago has a tranquil island within it that is full of green grass, rolling hills, and lots of beautiful geese. Well, if you believe that, you are at least partially correct. Chicago does have a small island, albeit an artificial one. This island is right on the Chicago river. However, you won't see a lot of nature, nor will you see actual geese. In fact, this area has a bit of an industrial feel.

This small part of Chicago has a lot of pretty nice, upscale homes. You will find a lot of new and modern real estate. This is also an area that is pretty accessible to popular neighborhoods like Wicker Park. You likely won't even notice that you are on an actual island due to the fact that the streets look pretty typical.

You might have heard of "Goose Island brewery." This is a restaurant/bar that is located in both Wrigleyville as well as the Clybourn corridor. Goose Island does indeed have some pretty decent beer. It is a pretty big restaurant that has a lot of beers on tap. Also if you go on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, you can get a tour of the brewery and a taste of the beer!

Oakland is a mostly African American neighborhood that is situated near the lake in South Chicago. While this is a pretty poor area overall, there are some interesting things to note about this neighborhood. You can see some interesting artistic and cultural attractions. Also this part of town has some homes that were designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Like many of Wright's homes, the ones in Oakland have a very interesting and diverse style.

Little Black Pearl Art and Design Center is place dedicated to displaying art from those living in the neighborhood. This is one of those places that shows a lot of local spirit and gives the neighborhood its own unique charm. There is also the Hyde Park Art Center. This center provides various programs and promotes modern art and relationships between mentors and students.

There are also some very famous people who have lived in Oakland. You can find Nation of Islam's founder Louis Farrakhan's house on Woodlawn Avenue. It is a rather impressive home to behold! Not too far away is Mohammad Ali's former home too. There are some new developments including modern homes and condos. This neighborhood is different from what you will find in virtually any city and is definitely interesting to check out.

I love Roscoe Village! I used to go to this part of town all the time to enjoy restaurants and bars. There are a lot of trendy spots where you can get really good food on Roscoe Street. For example, Kitsch'n on Roscoe is a really cute place with great decor. I also like Volo Restaurant. It is a great wine bar that also has nice atmosphere. They also accommodate special diet requests like gluten free food. There are also plenty of vegetarian items on the menu.

Another great thing about Roscoe Village is that you can easily find parking usually. This is a nice change of pace from the rest of the city. It is also in fairly close proximity to well-trodden areas of North Chicago including Belmont, and Wrigleyville. On the negative side, it isn't that easy to get to the subway from Roscoe Village. You probably will want to have a car.

It is important to note that you will see a lot of "yuppies" in this area. There are many professionals and young families. The area used to be less expensive to live in, but seems to have steadily rose in price.

Roseland in Chicago is a fairly sizeable neighborhood. It is pretty far south and about 13 miles from downtown. Therefore, it isn't too fast of a commute. Most residents of Roseland are African American and this is a very poor neighborhood as well.

While the name "Roseland" might give you the impression that Roseland is a sunny place full of flowers, the fact is that this area of the city is pretty unattractive. Add in the cold, grey winter days and nights, and you have yourself a pretty depressing place. There aren't a lot of parks in the area, and it isn't too close to the Lakefront either.

One bright spot in Roseland, however, is a little place called Old Fashioned Donuts. I can't say I have ever gone there myself since I don't eat donuts, but I have heard many people rave about this place. It is a real hole in the wall, but supposedly the donuts are delicious. They are very bad for you though with tons of grease. Who knows? Old Fashioned Donuts may be worse for you than even Krispy Kreme.

Now while you may be tempted to go to Roseland for the donuts, keep in mind this is a pretty dangerous area. There are shootings taking place fairly regularly. In other word, proceed with caution

When I attended The University of Chicago in Hyde Park, South Chicago was one of those neighborhoods that was a bit depressing to drive through. It is a predominantly working class neighborhood without a lot of glitz or glamour. However, on the bright side, South Chicago is situated on the Lake.

This area is mostly black, but there are people of other ethnicities who live there as well. You will see Mexicans and Polish people in sizable numbers. There are a lot of little restaurants and stores owned by the locals. You can find many of these on Commercial Avenue. Also there are some interesting and very authentic blues clubs. If you go to hear blues downtown or on the North Side, you won't always get this kind of authenticity.

There is some interesting development going on in this neighborhood. For example, there are plans for a new airport and also to use sustainable principles to rebuild areas of this part of Chicago. Even though this doesn't appear initially to be the most uplifting area, the truth is that there are some interesting things going on behind the scenes!

South Shore is mostly African-American area that is near the lake in the Southern part of Chicago. In fact, it is farther South even than Hyde Park. As a result, South Shore isn't particularly close to downtown. However, it is right on Lakeshore Drive, so that is a definite plus when it comes to convenience. Apparently, Michelle Obama is from South Shore Chicago, so that is one claim to fame for this neighborhood.

As far as safety goes, South Shore seems to be a little sketchy. While there are some wealthy residents, there is also a good amount of crime. This neighborhood contends with some gang violence too. If you move to this part of Chicago, you probably won't feel too safe overall.

South Shore does have some interesting landmarks that are definitely worth checking out. For example, there is the South Shore Cultural Center. This is an impressive looking building on the lake and has some historic significance as it was built in the early 1900's. The South Shore Cultural Center is situated on a huge piece of land. There are a variety of different things to do at the center including golf, horse back riding, tennis and different classes. Plus, this is where Barack Obama and Michelle Obama were married!

Tri-Taylor is the neighborhood near University of Illinois at Chicago in the West Loop. It is also right next to Chicago's medical area. This neighborhood is definitely way more interesting than it used to be. It seems to constantly be under development with a variety of new housing complexes, businesses and restaurants springing up all the time.

Tri-Taylor is a good place for foodies, as it is right near Little Italy and Greektown. You can't go wrong with those parts of town when it comes to food. You will also find some interesting architecture with historic rowhouses giving Tri-Taylor a unique and interesting look.

This might very well be a good place for people looking to buy in Chicago. After all, there are a lot of new developments. Also the prices seem pretty decent especially considering the proximity to downtown. You also have the advantage of great access to public transportation, schools and medical facilities. However, on the other other hand, it is not the most quiet neighborhood and some may be irritated by all of the college students in the area.

Living in Hyde Park when I attended University of Chicago, I drove through West Pullman a few times. I was not very impressed. This is an unattractive neighborhood that is pretty industrial. I don't think it would be a very healthy living environment by any means. Also quite a lot of the shootings and murders you hear about in Chicago take place in West Pullman, so I definitely can't give it more than one star for safety.

In the 20's it seems that this neighborhood was more of a thriving place. It was packed with people from different ethnicities including people from Poland, Hungary and Lithuania. After all, this neighborhood is pretty conveniently located and not too far from downtown. However, there have been some major changes since that time.

One of the reasons that West Pullman is so rundown now, is that it actually has some problems with toxicity due to the different industrial plants (mostly shut down now.) Residents have experienced health problems.

However, on the bright side, the area hosts a huge solar plant. It generates energy that supports over 1000 homes in Chicago. Also there is West Pullman Park, which offers some respite from the dreary surroundings.

When I attended The University of Chicago, we were told not to go past 60th street, because if we did we would enter the dangerous neighborhood of Woodlawn. We were issued whistles to carry around with us and blow if we saw any criminal activity. The school had a huge police patrol to try to keep crime from the surrounding areas from entering onto the campus. This South Side Chicago neighborhood has a convenient location and one that is near a great school and hospital. However, still there is a lot of crime and gang activity in Woodlawn.

South Side Chicago tends to be quite segregated when it comes to race. For example, Woodlawn is about 98% African American. Back in the 1950's the neighborhood was actually mostly white and was home to a lot of University of Chicago professors. Some professors and students do indeed live in Woodlawn, but they have to be pretty careful about the crime.

On the bright side, there has been some progress in stabilizing Woodlawn. There are some new developments and the University is also lightening up on its formerly dramatic stance where students were told not to go there. Hopefully, things are turning around for the best.

Many lifetime Chicago residents have little or no knowledge of the Austin area, which is extremely odd considering the simply enormous size of the area's population. When it comes to populated areas within the city limits of Chicago, few can match that of Austin. Located on the far West Side of Chicago, the Austin area is home to almost 120,000 residents easily making it one of Chicago's more populated neighborhoods. Yet, despite its large population, for many Chicago residents living in the downtown area or in areas such as Wicker Park and Bucktown, the Austin area remains just a place on the map.

Geographically, Austin takes up a sizable portion of the total Chicago landmass. This fact alone makes it an interesting area. The area shares a border with areas such as Oak Park and Berwyn. The area is rich in history and was originally spearheaded by a real estate speculator by the name of Henry Austin in the 1860s. By the late 1880s the Austin area found itself absorbed by the ever growing Chicago. Some areas of note around the Austin neighborhood are Berwyn and Oak Park, both of which have seen dramatic demographic changes and economic hardships in recent years.

On the South Side of Chicago is the area known as Kenwood. The Kenwood area also has access to a good deal of the lakefront and, as a result, a variety of housing and businesses that have good views of the lake. The area was once one on the more sought after addresses in the city and is still home to a a variety of high profile landmarks such as the Blackstone Library. The Blackstone Library is an impressive structure that is part of the Chicago Public Library System and stands out due to its impressive and noteworthy design. Kenwood is also very close to The University of Chicago school and hospital.

Another landmark located in the Kenwood area is the Hyde Park Art Center. Recently, the Hyde Park Art Center moved into a new space that is nothing short of impressive. The simple fact is that this impressive space has to rank right at the top of interesting places to go and things to do in Chicago. A wide variety of activities take place in the Center and there is always something of interesting on the horizon. If you like art and art exhibitions, then you will find some thought provoking ones here. No matter where you live in the city, this is worth the drive.

The O'Hare area of Chicago at the furthest most edge of the city. If you look at a map of Chicago, it is the perplexing and mysterious looking area that is seemingly attached via a thin land bridge. This is, of course, due in part to the fact that the massive O'Hare area is also home to the impressively large O'Hare airport which for decades has remained one of the world's largest and busiest airports. While this area may have a relatively small population at around 10,000, there is no denying O'Hare's impact on Chicago, surrounding suburbs and, in fact, the entire Midwest. Honestly, I wouldn't want to live in the O'Hare area as not only is it far from downtown, but also the constant planes would drive me crazy!

It would be foolish to pretend that the O'Hare airport does not dominate the entire area, for it does. However, there are other notable points to the area as well. The O'Hare area is also home to the headquarters of a variety of large businesses, including US Cellular and Bally Total Fitness, to name two. Yet, it is the presence of the airport that provides much of the vitality and the economic activity for the reason. Numerous businesses, restaurants and hotels are encircle the airport serving travelers from around the world.

As the name strongly indicates, West Lawn is an area that is located in Western part of the city of Chicago, specifically, the Southwestern part of the city. Unlike many Chicago neighborhoods, West Lawn enjoys a great deal of diversity, as there are both large White and Hispanic populations with people and immigrants from a variety of different backgrounds. Czechs, Poles, Germans, Italians, Irish, Lithuanians and Mexican-Americans are all represented in this diverse area. Of course, this translates to a variety of interesting types of food!

In what is a piece of history the West Lawn area is also home to the Ford City Mall. What makes the Ford City Mall such an interesting mall is that it was once an aircraft manufacturing facility owned and operated by the Ford Company. Many airplanes were built at this facility during World War II, for example. Today this facility has been converted into a sizable shopping mall. The Ford City Mall has been a fixture in the area for decades and is home to wide variety of stores and movie theaters. In fac, there are well over a hundred different shopping locations in the Ford City Mall.

No doubt the Ford City Mall's presence looms large over the area, but get out and explore as it is far from being the areas only source of activity. The cultural diversity of the West Lawn area means that there are independent restaurants and businesses to explore as well.

North Center is an interesting area located on the North Side of the city of Chicago. North Center is a notable neighborhood in Chicago in that it has a great deal of activity and business, yet, it also maintains a lot of residential housing and quiet streets. Although housing prices are going up, this is still an attractive area to live in due to its easy access to a wide variety of activities and the fact that much of the city's best attractions are a quick ride away. One of the North Center's most popular areas is Roscoe Village, which is often sited for its interesting architecture.

The WGN television network, which is carried nationally via cable, is located in the North Center area and is quite prominent. The DeVry Institute of Technology can also be found in this area and maintains a large campus.

The number of restaurants and entertainment options is one of the big reasons that the North Center and areas like Roscoe Village stand out. The area's interest in art and music and its relatively large percentage of independently owned businesses help make North Center an interesting area to visit and live in.

There is a lot going on in the Near West Side of Chicago. This area has historically been a real hub of activity as it was home to Little Italy, Greek Town and lively Maxwell Street. Maxwell Street, however, is now really a thing of the past, replaced by millions of dollars of new development in and around the University of Illinois at Chicago campus.

Part of the Near West Side's charm is Little Italy. This area has a very distinct feel that you probably won't find too many other places. In addition, there are numerous great restaurants and small, but very authentic, eaters and local businesses. The Little Italy area is known for great food both on the high end and for those on a budget. No doubt more than one dining excursion to this area is required! Other area highlights include the Italian American Sports Hall of Fame and the Hull House area.

Little Italy gives you a ton of great eating options, but so does Greektown! Greektown is located nearby and this means awesome dining options. Many of the restaurants in the area stay open a little later to cater to the college crowd, which also serves to make the Near West Side area an energetic one.

Little Village is one of Chicago's more populated areas with over 90,000 residents. The area is largely Hispanic with a large Mexican and immigrant population. Chicago has always been a home for immigrants. Historically, Little Village has seen more than one wave of immigration coming through the neighborhood including the Poles.

Mexican Independence Day is a very big deal in Little Village. If you are in for an amazing and lively parade, then this has to be one of Chicago's best places to go. I went once and it was pretty amazing, as there is no shortage of activities and people. In fact, this might be one of the best people watching events in the city every year, but be warned, it can get crowded!

Little Village is also home to some pretty fantastic restaurants that are definitely worth a try. The large number of immigrants from Mexico mean that you can find the "real deal" when it comes to Mexican food. Just keep in mind that if your only trip to the area is during the Mexican Independence Day parade, you can probably forget eating at any of the restaurants or at the very best you will be waiting a very long time. If you are going to try out some of the local restaurants, your best bet is to go any other time of the year!

Irving Park is on the Northwest side of Chicago and is a racial diverse area with both large White and Hispanic populations. If you like the idea of restoring an old house, this is the place for you. Where the area really shines is all the old buildings that can be found there. You can get a decent value for your real estate dollar. If you are into old buildings and 19th century architecture, then you will love Irving Park, as there are many different examples of turn of the century architecture that can be found throughout the area. This is no doubt one of the major reasons for the creation of the Irving Park Historical Society which has been working for decades to preserve many of the old buildings in the area.

Architecture and history buffs should take note that some of the buildings in the area date back to the 1870s! By Chicago standards, these are rare finds and really stand out. The style of the architecture varies form Bungalow style homes to Craftsman as well.

Adding to the area's charm is Old Irving Park which has many historical buildings and the Independence Park area. Bottom line is that if you love architecture, you will find this area of interest!

Hermosa, not to be confused with the famous Hermosa Beach in California, is a neighborhood on the West Side of Chicago that has a little bit of unexpected history. So how much to do like animation? How much do you like Disney movies? If you answered both of these questions with "a lot" then you might just find the Hermosa area to be a must see. As it turns out, the Hermosa area is the birthplace of Walt Disney, yes, the same Walt Disney that launched the wildly successful Walt Disney company!

Fans of Walt Disney, as well as history buffs that love undiscovered trivia, will be pleased to learn that they can still visit his childhood birthplace location to this day. If you are a fan of Disney and his work, then this is really an interesting little side trip to take.

Today the neighborhood is predominantly Hispanic with a smaller White population. Hermosa Park and Kelvyn Park are two the larger parks in the area and are home to a wide variety of events. These facilities have auditoriums, playgrounds and organize a variety of indoor and outdoor events for children and youth.

The Canaryville area of Chicago is on the South Side. The area is not too far from the Harold Washington Cultural Center, which has become one of the focal points for the entire area. Named after the former mayor of the city, the Harold Washington Cultural Center is a large and impressive facility at over 40,000 square feet, making it easily one of the largest buildings in the area.. There is also a 1,000 seat theater that has been used for a variety of different events. In recent years, the Harold Washington Cultural Center has become a key location for important events in the city.

The Digital Media Resource Center offers up free workshops on technology. This center uses state of the art technology and has working relationships with some of Chicago's key tech players as well as educational institutions such as the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Of course, there are other sites to see in the area but the Harold Washington Cultural Center is certainly at the top of the list of attractions. The Center also has a large bronze statue of the cities famous mayor, Harold Washington.

There was a Canaryville library, but it shut down recently.

Chicago's Chinatown may not receive the press and attention of some of its larger cousins around the country, such as in San Francisco, for example. However, the Chinatown in Chicago stands out as one of the more interesting areas of the entire city. There is good reason that the area continuously draws tons of visitors both from within the city and tourist on vacation. The simple fact is that Chicago's Chinatown successfully packs a lot into its relatively small geographical footprint.

A walk through Chicago's Chinatown is a real treat and for many it will be as close as they will ever get to visiting mainland China itself. With that stated, it is a real shame if you live in Chicago and you have never taken an afternoon to visit. There are great and interesting shops and simply fantastic restaurants. In fact, some of my best college memories consist of visiting Chinatown and discovering some new restaurants and buying trinkets from the little stores.

Even if you're not into Chinese food, the look and feel of the area makes it worth the trip. The fact that such an interesting area is in the middle of Chicago is just another reason that the city is an interesting place to live and visit.

Bridgeport is a fairly populated area on the near South Side of Chicago. Historically, Bridgeport was a predominately Irish area, but today there are large Asian and Hispanic communities as well. However, other nationalities and groups live in this part of Chicago, ranging from the Poles to the Lithuanians. Frequently, Bridgeport is sited as being one of Chicago's more diverse areas and with good reason!

Part of what makes any visit to Bridgeport an interesting one is the architecture. The area is full of old buildings and numerous old churches, many of which have been restored. The area is largely residential, but there is plenty to see in the way of independent businesses and restaurants. If you are looking for an area that has a real neighborhood feel, then you can't go wrong with Bridgeport, as the area most definitely gives you that authentic "Chicago look and feel" that many may feel are missing from some other Chicago areas.

One additional interesting note is that Bridgeport is also famous for being the home and birthplace of both mayors Richard M. Daley and Richard J. Daley. All of these facts help Bridgeport stand out as one of Chicago's more interesting neighborhoods.

Beverly is a visually interesting area of Chicago, in part, because it has a few hills, which is definitely a rarity in the city. If you are familiar with Chicago, then you know that Chicago, while rich in many ways, is one seriously flat area. Located on the South Side of Chicago, Beverly is predominantly white with a smaller but sizable African-American community. Overall, the area is largely Irish, and it is one of the more affluent areas of the city.

One major area highlight is the Beverly Arts Center which is a major hub in the area for all things art, including cinema and dance. The Beverly Arts Center has an impressive art gallery and holds a variety of different and diverse events ranging from wine tastings to live music performances. All of this helps to make the Beverly Arts Center consistently draw people from all across Chicago to see a variety of performances. Those looking for cutting edge independent cinema in Chicago will love a trip to the BAC as there is always something interesting playing. In fact, film classes are even offered on site, and film festivals such as the Polish Film Festival in America and the Chicago Irish FIlm Festival have relationships with the BAC.

Located on the Northwest Side of Chicago, the area was originally settled by immigrants largely from Poland and Scandinavia, but today the population is largely Hispanic. However, to this day, Avondale is home to a very large and thriving Polish community. Anyone visiting the neighborhood is going to quickly notice the ubiquitous nature of the Polish language, as it is everywhere and can easily be seen in windows and signs throughout the area. The number of people speaking Polish in the neighborhood is impressive.

If you like Polish food, then you will want to check this area out for sure. I have made many trips there to visit restaurants and shops that offer up an authentic taste of Poland. The central location of Avondale and the easy public transportation makes visiting pretty easy. Finding interesting dining spots in Chicago can be pretty easy, but some of the more unique ones can be found in Avondale if you know where to look. While it is true that the majority of the areas residents are Hispanic, there is no doubting that The Polish Village aspect of Avondale is alive and well and adds to the area. Of course, there are also a lot of hipsters moving into this area and rumor has it that Avondale is perhaps the "next Wicker Park."

The Albany Park neighborhood has a large Hispanic population, and it is one of the more diverse neighborhoods in Chicago. In fact, the Albany Park area is likely one of the more diverse areas in the entire country, as people from all over the world have settled there and in large concentrations. This makes any visit to the area really an interesting one. All of this diversity translates into a variety of cultural organizations of all kinds and types.

One of the major stand out features to the Albany Park area is that there is no shortage of park facilities. Chicago, in general, has an abundance of parks, but the Albany Park neighborhood has a considerable number of different options. There are many different play areas for children in the area which contributes to its appeal for those with younger children.

Chicago is a heavily Democratic leaning city but even in Chicago Albany Park stands out as being a Democratic stronghold. This is due in part to the large number of immigrants in Albany Park and the fact that immigrants statistically tend to lend towards the Democratic party.

Portage Park is a fairly populated area, with around 60,000 residents in the Northwest side of the city. This area is home to Chicago's largest Polish population, as Chicago is home to one of the largest Polish populations outside of Poland. Today the area is also home to a growing Hispanic community as well.

The Portage Park area is well known for the "Six Corners" shopping area, which is home to various stores ranging from "big box" stores to independent, local businesses as well. The "Six Corners" name is derived from the fact that six streets intersect in the area.

The Portage Theater which has long been a mainstay in the area. This large theater hearkens back to the early days of cinema and can seat over 2,000. If you want to see an impressive theater from the early 20th century, then you definitely should catch a movie at the Portage Theater. Its impressive lobby and art deco styling will be worth drive!

While Portage Park is largely residential there is still a good deal to do in the area, ranging from shopping, to the Portage Theater, to a visit to the park which shares the area's name, Portage Park. Portage Park has a long rich history and continues to be one of Chicago's more vibrant communities.

Located on the Northwest Side of the city, Jefferson Park is a little further out from the heart of the city and downtown, but it has many interesting little spots worthy of exploration. Jefferson Park is a predominantly white area with a sizable Hispanic minority. Jefferson Park is also home to a large park of the same name which is focal point for city life.

The area has a large Polish population and is, in fact, the home for the Copernicus Foundation. The Copernicus Foundation is located in the famous local landmark the Gateway Theatre, and the organization oversees a variety of activities for the benefit of the community.

If you are in town in September, you should check out the very popular and festive Taste of Polonia celebration. In short, this dynamic festival is certainly worth the time. This festival is one of Chicago's biggest and is worth the trip! Held in the Copernicus Cultural and Civic Center in Jefferson Park, this four day celebration covers all things of Polish heritage and includes everything from food to artwork. Tens of thousands of people usually attend the event every year making it quite an interesting side trip for any visit to Chicago.

Forest Glen is an area that doesn't receive a whole lot of attention in Chicago press or from Chicagoans themselves, and most of the residents like this just fine. The area is quite, affluent, and has its far share of golf courses. The population is about 18,000, and while the communities that make up Forest Glen are only a few miles from downtown Chicago and the fast paced life one would associate with the city, the community has a feel that is reminiscent of the suburbs.

Edgebrook, which is home to well known golf courses, is one of the neighborhoods within Forest Glenn. Another neighborhood is Sauganash, a relatively quite area known for having numerous churches as well as the Forest Glen neighborhood itself. Few areas help outline just how uniquely diverse of a city Chicago is better than a trip to Forest Glen. This quiet area is a stark contrast to much of the rest of the Chicagoland area.

The Forest Glen area is largely white with growing numbers of Hispanic and Asian families as well. Overall, the area stands out as one of Chicago's more affluent neighborhoods.

One of the more entertaining parts about a trip to Chicago is finding out of the way spots that others may miss. Sauganash is a good example of an area that many people might overlook. It is definitely a bit of a trek from the more intense sightseeing areas, such as downtown, but a visit to the area will give you a feel for a different side of Chicago. It is particularly interesting that while Sauganash might only be a few miles from downtown Chicago and areas such as Wicker Park, you will likely feel as though you are in a different city altogether when you visit the much quieter Sauganash. So if you are looking to see just how different other areas of Chicago can be, visit this Northwest Side community.

Sauganash is part of the Forest Glen area on the Northwest Side of Chicago. This area was named after "Sauganash" who was a local Native American leader of the day. Today, Sauganash is one of three major communities within the Forest Glen area which has a population around 18,000. This area is largely known as a residential neighborhood that is largely white, affluent with a growing Asian and Hispanic populations.

North Park has a comparative small population compared to other areas of Chicago, with around 20,000 residents. This neighborhood is located in the upper Northern park of the city. The area was settled by both Swedes and Jews, but today has a large Asian population.

Although North Park may be home to a comparative small population, it is home to some notable universities. Telshe Yehiva. North Park University, Northeastern Illinois University and Telshe Yeshiva all call North Park home. Telshe Yeshiva is dedicated to the study of the Torah; whereas, North Park University and Northeastern Illinois University are traditional institutions of higher learning.

North Park University and Northeastern Illinois University both make for interesting visits and walks. Both campuses have some impressive architecture and greenery that is particularly beautiful in the spring and summer. Northeastern Illinois University has roughly 10,000 students making it one of Illinois larger universities and sports a pretty diverse student body as well.

Virtually all of Chicago mass transit lines run through the area making it easily accessible for those visiting the city on a budget. While North Park might be a little off the beaten path for visitors, a trip to Northeastern Illinois University's campus will be worth the time for many.

Located on the North Side of Chicago, Rogers Park is a culturally diverse area. If you are looking for a more diverse area within the highly segregated city of Chicago, then Rogers Park is tough to beat. This area of the city is home to a many minority groups from all over the world, and this helps to make it one of Chicago's more interesting neighborhoods.

The area is most definitely influenced by the fact that Loyola University and Northwestern University are nearby. In fact the area is home to a variety of educational institutions, and this likely plays a role in its draw of people from all around the world. The presence of these two universities, Loyola University and Northwestern University can be felt throughout the community, as numerous businesses and institutions have sprung up to cater to the needs of students in the area. Loyola University, in particular, has a large presence overall which can be felt in a variety of different ways.

Much of Rogers Park is located along Lake Michigan, meaning that there are many popular beaches and parks. On occasion, I visited this areas beaches and parks instead of the more crowded and popular options elsewhere in the city.

Lincoln Square encompasses a fairly large area that includes Ravenswood, Ravenswood Gardens and Budlong Woods amongst other areas. Traditionally, the area was largely German. But in recent history, Lincoln Square has become decidedly more mixed in its makeup.

One of the more interesting aspect of the area is that there are many independently owned businesses. In fact, it is probably safe to state that Lincoln Square has one of the larger concentrations of independently owned businesses in the Chicagoland area.

Independent transit cuts across Lincoln Square making it relatively easy to get around. This fact also makes it an attractive option for those looking for places to live in the Chicagoland area.

An area highlight is the Rosehill Cemetery which is very large and quite impressive. While it might seem odd to single out a cemetery as a point of interest, the Rosehill Cemetery is no ordinary cemetery as it is home to many famous individuals and sports some interesting architecture as well. If you are looking for something to do on a budget, well, the price is certainly right, and you will be visiting a history rich area as well. Lincoln Park is probably best known within the city for its different events, such as the Ravenswood Run 5K, and its various public art works such as statues and murals.

Ravenswood is a neighborhood on the North Side of Chicago that is part of Lincoln Square. The location of Ravenswood within the city of Chicago has made it something of an intersection point and, as a result, it is home a variety of different kinds of restaurants. What I have always found interesting about the area in general is that with a little bit of research you can have access to a surprising variety of restaurants.

Whether you like Japanese, Italian food or just about anything else, you can find it in Ravenswood. This is one of the reasons that Ravenswood has become such a hotspot in recent years.

In addition to its large supply of restaurants, Ravenswood is also home to a numerous and diverse businesses. You name it, you can probably find it in the Ravenswood area. It is also important to note that a large percentage of these businesses are independently owned. So if you are looking to make a purchase and want to support a small business owner, than you might want to check out the Ravenswood area.

Uptown is a popular North Side neighborhood in Chicago. The Uptown area contains such neighborhoods as Andersonville and Sheridan Park to name a few. Also the Uptown area is home to many immigrant neighborhoods such as Little Vietnam and New Chinatown. In fact, one of the more interesting facts about Uptown is that it is uniquely diverse by Chicago standards, as Chicago is, in generally, highly segregated along racial lines. Uptown, however, has people of various races and national backgrounds. This fact alone is enough to make a trip to Uptown and interesting one, as the area is full of a variety of different type of restaurants.

One fact that often surprises visitors is that Uptown is home to numerous nightclubs, as well as what has been coined the "Uptown Entertainment District." The Uptown Entertainment District is home to small music venues, bars, restaurants and some shops in addition to nightclubs. This is due in large part to the areas history as a Chicago area entertainment hotspot, as it is home to the famous Aragon Ballroom and the Riviera Theater among other venues.

Chicago is a very different city, and within Chicago, Uptown stands out for its diversity and other reasons. When in Chicago, make sure to check it out.

Lakeview is a blanket term for a pretty large and populous area of Chicago. In fact, Lakeview is home to around 100,000 people, which is clearly larger than many notable cities. Contained within this area, are such Chicago hotspots as Lincoln Square and Wrigleyville area. Those visiting Chicago will likely end up in Lakeview at some point, as there is so much to do in the area.

Lakeview, of course, has the world famous Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs. Like Boston's Fenway Park, Wrigley Field is a throw back to another era. Wrigley Field most definitely dominates the area and in a bunch of different ways. Outside of the ballparks obvious large physical presence is its substantial impact on the local community. The area is rich in bars, nightclubs, restaurants and an never ending supply of falling down drunk, abrasive Cub fans and frat boys, which are often one in the same. However, most of the time this isn't a problem, just be ready for lots of loud and potentially abrasive people on Friday and Saturday nights and when Cub games are taking place.

Since there are about 100,000 people living in Lakeview area, there is much more to do than what you will find in the Wrigley Field neighborhood. There is great access to the lake, for example, and a seemingly endless supply of things to do. That stated there is no doubt that the presence of the much loved, eternal losers the Chicago Cubs dominates the landscape in a variety of ways.

Pilsen is a largely Hispanic area on the wide side of Chicago. The area has a rich history and was originally settled by Germans and Czechs, but today is home to a large hispanic and Mexican population. As a result, Mexican restaurants in the area have been a focal point of activity. In fact if you are in Chicago and want some authentic Mexican food, then you will want to take a look at the numerous options that the Pilsen area has to offer.

In addition to its restaurants, the large Mexican population has contributed to enriching the Pilsen area in other ways as well. The National Museum of Mexican Art is definitely worth the time and should be on your list of things to do when you visit Chicago. In October, the museum has a great Day of the Dead exhibit that features artists from all over the world.

Anyone looking to see a side of Chicago that is often missed by visitors from around the world should stop by the Pilsen dinner. On more than one occasion, I had dinner in a very authentic Mexican restaurant after spending a couple of hours at the National Museum of Mexican Art. This is a good way to spend an afternoon, as you will get to see some great art and have some of the best Mexican food outside of Mexico!

University Village is the name of a area in Chicago that has undergone a tremendous amount of development. Located in the shadow of the ever expanding University of Illinois at Chicago campus, University Village was built in part to cater to the large student body population.

The number of new and high end homes as well as new businesses that have been located in the area is quite impressive and makes from a stark departure from the areas past. Those visiting after a number of years will be stunned to see the tremendous difference that has taken place.

The Maxwell Street area has been replaced by high end, well, just about everything. Today, much of the areas character and charm has been replaced with a highly commercialized look. Those who liked the old look and feel of the area will no doubt be disappointed and shocked by the transition. Yet, there is no way around it, University Village is an interesting place to visit, especially if you are already on the Southside of Chicago or nearby.

With ample shopping and activities, a trip to University Village can be a fun time. In addition, the newly remodeled and expanded UIC campus also makes for great walking and has fantastic views of downtown Chicago.

Logan Square is one of those Chicago neighborhoods that often gets overlooked by higher profile rivals such as nearby Wicker Park and Bucktown. Yet, Logan Square does have some things going for it. First is the architecture, as there are plenty of interesting old stone faced buildings that you might not see in other areas. Secondly is the location, which while not as great as Wicker Park and Bucktown, still affords relatively fast and easy access to the entire city.

The actual Logan Square from which the area derives its name isn't a massive square when compared to other squares and parks in Chicago, but it does have a very cool and impressive monument in the form of the Illinois Centennial Column. This landmark most definitely stands out in the area and is quite striking. Often this area is not very crowded, and it can make for a nice, relatively tranquil spot for relating on a long day.

There are many streets in this predominately residential neighborhood that have an interesting look and feel. If you are looking to get to know Chicago just a little bit better, then at least a drive through this area might be a good idea.

Technically, Bucktown is considered to be part of the Logan Square area. Yet, most people who live in Bucktown will tell you that they live in Bucktown and not Logan Square. In fact, for most residents of Bucktown, such a thought probably doesn't enter their minds.

The Bucktown area is located near Wicker Park and is fairly close to the Loop. In general, you might not feel as though you have a tremendous amount to do in Bucktown specifically, as it is mostly residential in nature. However, its location is really quite excellent, and you can reach many of the cities hottest spots from Bucktown easily. Stating that Bucktown is geographically well situated in Chicago is definitely an understatement. This is one of the big reasons that Bucktown has become a hot spot for development. That stated, there are still plenty of good bars and restaurants in the area that are worth a look.

The diverse cultural and ethnic history of the neighborhood is still evident today in its architecture. There are plenty of churches and the areas Ukrainian and Polish influence are evident also.

Chicagoans will frequently rent or buy in Bucktown, so that they can have easy access to both downtown and Wicker Park. The long term real estate value prospects for this area look good.

Humboldt Park is home to a large park that is over 200 aches and one of America's largest Puerto Rican communities. The Puerto Rican flag can be seen frequently, and there are many murals and artworks dedicated to Puerto Rican history.

There are many businesses, clubs and restaurants that have a most decidedly Puerto Rican flare and orientation. It may not be the same thing as a trip to Puerto Rico, but a trip to certain parts of Humboldt Park can give you a little taste of without getting on a plane. Local stores sell all kinds of food treats that you probably can't find readily elsewhere.

If you want to have an interesting day and love Latin cuisine, then you should consider checking out a couple of restaurants in the area. In fact, only New York City can hope to compete with some of the stellar Puerto Rican restaurants that Humboldt Park has to offer. When my friends visit Chicago, we often spend the good park of a day driving around exploring what the area had to offer. While you still know you are in America, the neighborhood has a feel that is unlike anything I had experienced.

West Town is an area of Chicago that was forgotten for a lot of years, and it's kind of puzzling as to why. This area is very close to downtown Chicago as well as major traffic hubs. Yet, it remained an area that was consistently overlooked for growth and development. In recent years, however, that has changed as West Town has seen more and more development in a variety of forms ranging from new shops and large box stores to revitalization in housing. Yet, to this day the much of the West Town area is not quite as affluent as nearby areas.

The West Town area encapsulates the more well-know areas such as Wicker Park, which was the setting of a Hollywood movie, and Ukrainian Village. On the other hand, some areas such as the Pulaski Park area are quite overlooked.

The fact that West Town is home to the Wicker Park area means that there are all kinds of interesting shops, stores, art galleries, coffee shops, bars and restaurants. In fact, while you may not have heard of West Town, Wicker Park is one of the hotter and trendiest areas of the city. The fact that West Town was associated with high levels of crime of decades has done much to tarnish its image, but in recent years all the new development means that the area has changed considerably.

It is probably too shocking that Ukrainians had something to do with the name Ukrainian Village, and you can still see their influence to this day. The area is known for being home to many people from Eastern Europe to this day, of course, including Ukrainians. Also the area is full of old impressive churches, so anyone who likes older churches with a lot of character will find Ukrainian Village a good place to visit.

Throughout Ukrainian Village there are institutions that are focus on Ukrainian culture, such as the Ukrainian National Museum and the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art. Both of these institutions are interesting trips for anyone, so don't feel as though you need to be of Ukrainian heritage to enjoy a visit.

Many of the areas local restaurants have Ukrainian food, and there are other Eastern Europe oriented restaurants as well. If you like trying new types of cuisine that you may not have had in the past, then Ukrainian Village is likely going to be a place you will appreciate.

You can be sure that Ukrainian Village is properly named, as you will see the Ukrainian Village flag being flown from time to time. There is a lot to see on a trip to Chicago, but taking a few hours to check out Ukrainian Village can make for a fun side trip.

Wicker Park in Chicago is an area northwest of the Loop that is home to numerous art galleries, coffee shops, stores and residential homes and apartment buildings. If you are looking for an area that has plenty of things to do, then this is a good pick. As a whole, the area is still "up and coming," but it has undergone a tremendous change since its crime filled days of the 1980s and 1990s. Today, the Wicker Park area has become an attractive place for real estate investors.

Anyone looking for good out of the way nightlife will find Wicker Park to be one of the more interesting places in Chicago. Having lived in Chicago for many years and having seen the Wicker Park transformation, I am still amazed at how different it has become.

Wicker Park may be named after, yes, an actual park called Wicker Park. But don't get too excited about visiting it. The Park is really not that special and is, in fact, kind of on the small side.

Overall, the best aspect of Wicker Park is all the little shops, bars and restaurants that you can discover. There are many independently owned, mom and pop establishments which help give Wicker Park a more neighborhood feel than many other Chicago areas.

The DePaul area of Chicago is a mixture of businesses, restaurants, bars and of course the large presence of DePaul University one of Chicago's largest universities. With over 25,000 students, the DePaul University presence is well felt in the area. Located within the Lincoln Park section of Chicago, the DePaul area has an a great deal of different activities to offer.

If you want lots of restaurants, nightlife and bars, then this is one of the major areas within Chicago that you should be considering, especially if you are one of the college age demographic. The DePaul area is home to thousands, it is also home to a high concentration of businesses that cater to the large student body of DePaul University in the area. In fact, the influence of the university on the area is undeniable as in addition to bars, restaurants and nearby clubs there are no shortage of coffee shops, apparel stores, recreational facilities and other areas that cater to a decidedly younger and hipper crowd.

Many parts of the DePaul area a very accessible and walkable, helping to make the area a good choice on bright and sunny days in the spring and summer. Numerous bus lines dot the area which makes it a possible to explore on foot and without a car.

The Lincoln Park area of Chicago is one of the more sought after residential areas of the city. The area derives its name from Lincoln Park, which is a immense park that is home to a wide variety of activities ranging from tennis courts to golf courses. Yet, this only skims the surface of what this gigantic park has to offer.

The park runs along the city's lakefront making for fantastic views, beach access and various recreational areas. Lincoln Park is also home to the famous Lincoln Park Zoo as well as numerous museums such as the Chicago History Museum.

One of the area and the city's must see spots is the Lincoln Park Conservatory. This impressive conservatory makes for a great walk and the various rooms such as the Orchid Room and the Tropical Room are a real treat.

What is covered here is really only a small snapshot of what the Lincoln Park has to offer. This is part of why Lincoln Park is one of the world's most visited and loved parks. The combination of activities, access to the city, museums and other facilities is why Lincoln Park stands out both for Chicagoans and visitors alike.

The Near North Side of Chicago can be found just outside of the famous Loop area and is east of Lake Michigan. There is no doubt the Near North Side is one of the more vibrant areas of Chicago and contains some of the more visited areas in the city.

One popular travel destination is Navy Pier. Navy Pier is a multi-million dollar development and a city focal point. While Navy Pier was first developed at the early part of the 20th century it has continued to grow, expand and evolve. Today there are an abundance of shops, museums and even a visually striking ferris wheel.

The River North area is also contained within the Near North Side is an area that artists and art lovers will find interesting, as it is packed with art galleries seemingly everywhere. This area is also a major entertainment spot for the city as well meaning that you can find ample bars and restaurants.

Of course, it is impossible to mention the Near North Side without mentioning the Magnificent Mile. The Magnificent Mile contains some of Chicago's more impressive real estate such as the famous Water Tour and Water Tower Place shopping center as well as scores of high end stores and restaurants and office buildings.

When you think about "downtown Chicago," The Loop comes to mind complete with its tall buildings and skyscrapers and no shortage of attractions. The famous Grant Park, a focal point for many of the state's more high profile events, is definitely one of the key highlights. While visiting Grant Park you have easy access to Lake Michigan as well as Buckingham Fountain. In fact, this is the same park where the famous Taste of Chicago event takes place every year. This event sees more than 3 million visitors!

Cultural highlights such as the Joffrey Ballet, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Goodman Theater and the Lyric Opera of Chicago can all be found in The Loop. All of this combines with great views of the city's skyline including iconic architectural wonders, such as the Willis Tower and the Aon Center.

Art and sculpture lovers will be quite fascinated to see the abundance of great outdoor sculptures from the like of Pablo Picasso and many ofter famous artists. In fact, The Loop sports a truly impressive amount of outdoor sculptures that are sure to impress one and all.