Are you looking for a solid neighborhood with a good blend of metropolitan energy and suburban appeal? The Near North Side may be up your alley.
Today I will discuss the northernmost of the three central Chicago neighborhoods - the Near North Side. It is home to 105,481 people with a median income of $106,026. Its clusters of towering buildings that rise up along the Chicago River's edge, offer some of the most magnificent vistas of the city. This community reflects Chicago's most urban traits with its many cultural, commercial, and nightlife options.
The Near North Side also serves as a seamless bridge between Downtown's metropolitan vibrancy and the North Side's local appeal. Yes, the neighborhood is bustling, but it also has a solid community with the best amenities, including many parks and topnotch schools.
The Near North Side is an upscale community. Most residents (66.1%) spend $75,000 or more on housing costs. And many of the shops are trendy and high-class.
So what’s it like living in the Near North Side? Here are five important things to know about the Near North Side community of Chicago.
So what’s it like living in the Near North Side? Here are five important things to know about the Near North Side community of Chicago.
Living in Near North Side
The Near South Side is the oldest and also one of the most upscale places in Chicago. There’s fine dining galore, exciting nature activities and nightlife, topnotch schools and easy transportation access.
a. Casual and Fine Dining
The Near North Side's restaurant industry will ensure that residents find something to satisfy their appetites. If you're on the move, a deli or sandwich shop will suffice, but those with more time and money can dine at one of the neighborhood's many fine dining establishments. Red meat aficionados, rejoice: Gibson's and Ditka's, two of Chicago's top steakhouses, are located here. In the neighborhood, there are several excellent Italian and seafood restaurants.
But you can ask around for more affordable shopping and dining options. In fact, there are plenty of grocery stores in the community, making cooking at home a much more affordable option.
b. Nightlife
After a late meal, you can unwind with beverages on a laid-back lounge or rooftop, with the tranquility of Chicago's skyline. If you’re in the mood for music or partying, you can go to the many theaters, piano bars, bars or jazz clubs in the area.
c. Recreational Opportunities
If you are up for an adventure, try trailing around Lakefront Trail where you can either bike or hike. Near North Side is also rich with several beaches, thus, get your tan on Oak Street Beach, Ohio Street Beach, and Kathy Osterman Beach among others, Enjoy quick boat tours around Shoreline Sightseeing and Chicago Riverboat Architecture Tours. Or you can also up your challenge and surf along the waters of Chicago SUP and enjoy golf with your companions at Five Iron Golf. There are just so many things to do in Near North Side and the fun never ends!
d. Topnotch Schools
Your children will be well-served here or if you’re up for higher education, it’s also great nonetheless. For starters, there’s the Ogden International School of Chicago, a full-fledged International Baccalaureate school (Grades K-12). It was the first in Illinois to be granted authorization for International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programs, Middle Years Programs, and Diploma Programs. Only 25 colleges in North America have earned this honor.
Another exemplary elementary school is the Frances Xavier Warde School, one of the Archdiocese's most well-known institutions. It is an academically exceptional, values-oriented education for students of all ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Walter Payton College Prep, one of Chicago's most prestigious selective enrollment high schools, offers world-class math, science, world-language, humanities, fine arts, and adventure education programs.
e. Transportation
The journey could not be easier because the Near North Side is virtually next to downtown Chicago. Commuting to the city's core business district is typically only a leisurely walk, depending on where one lives. For those who don't want to walk, there are bus lines (22 Clark Street, 29 State Street, and 151 Sheridan Road, which runs along Michigan Avenue, to name a few) and CTA Red Line stops at Division, Chicago, and Grand, all of which link to downtown or locations north in the city. There are miles of bike lanes around the neighborhood for cyclists, as well as multiple Divvy Stations where they can rent a bike.
Conclusion
If you want to experience a high-rise lifestyle with the fun of natural scenery, there is no better place to be than in the Near North Side of Chicago. If you can afford it, you can enjoy a fine dining scene, vibrant nightlife, vast nature-inspired recreation, and top-notch schools.
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