Budget Friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago

Wrigleyville

Wrigleyville is where you'll find the famous Wrigley Field, which is the second oldest ballpark in the country and home to the Chicago Cubs. Near the stadium you'll find a number of sports bars, souvenir stall, and restaurants. Clark Street is the main drag where you'll find locals and Cubs fans. Also outside of the stadium is Gallagher Way, which is a popular meeting spot for fans, locals, and tourists. There are often farmers markets, outdoor concerts, film screenings, and even a holiday winter wonderland here.

Wicker Park and Bucktown

The Wicker Park and Bucktown neighborhoods are artsy areas that are popular with shoppers, foodies, and partiers. The area has vintage stores, record shops, and bookstores that are fun to browse during the day. At night, it comes to life with late-night clubs, pubs, dive bars, and live music. There are also restaurants that offer a diverse selection as well as laid back coffee houses with a trendy vibe.

West Ridge

West Ridge is where you'll find Chicago's Little India, along Devon Avenue. The area has a number of Indian and Pakistani restaurants, shops, bakeries, and grocery stores. West Ridge is also a very diverse neighborhood with a mix of cultures and a strong sense of community. Jewish, Middle Eastern, and South and Southeast Asian populations are all common here.

Uptown

Uptown is known for its long history, cultural diversity, fun music scene, and lively entertainment options. The Green Mill is a popular spot in the neighborhood. It's a 100 year old jazz club that still has its Prohibition era vibe. Argyle Street is the place to go for Asian restaurants that offer Peking duck, sushi, dim sum, banh mi, and pho.

Roscoe Village

This is a charming little neighborhood with quaint shops and casual cafes. There are a number of locally owned restaurants and shops, as well as brick homes and a laidback atmosphere.

Rogers Park

Rogers Park is a bit off the main tourist circuit, but it has a number of unique architectural examples, including the Emil Bach House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, as well as an impressive theater scene. The neighborhood is diverse, and that's reflected in the restaurants found there. It is also home to the Glenwood Avenue Arts District which has impressive murals, award-winning theaters, and a variety of live music venues. There are also many art galleries in the neighborhood. To the east the neighborhood runs into Lake Michigan's shoreline and there are many nice waterfront views.

Ravenswood

Beer lovers will enjoy a visit to the Ravenswood neighborhood. It's got some of the city's most well-known breweries along the famous "Malt Row". Away from Malt Row, you'll find a family-friendly urban neighborhood with plenty of architectural sites and interesting museums.

Pilsen

The Pilsen neighborhood is in the Lower West Side of Chicago and it was historically made up of predominantly Czech immigrants but today it has a large Latino population, lots of great music venues, and a number of a great restaurants. The neighborhood also has impressive murals. There are street vendors who sell tacos as well as the National Museum of Mexican Art.

Logan Square

Logan Square is a trendy neighborhood that is popular with artists, musicians, and anybody with a creative vibe. The neighborhood is home to the Logan Theatre, which hosts the Chicago Underground Film Festival. It's also a popular nightlife area with its cool cocktail bars and local music scene. There are also a number of breweries in the neighborhood. For foodies, there are a few Michelin star rated options, as well as more casual pizza and noodle shops. Near Logan Square there's a Sunday Farmers Market that's held year round.

Little Italy/University Village

Little Italy and University Village is where you'll find the University of Illinois at Chicago as well as many long time Italian restaurants and shops. The area's young population keeps the neighborhood full of energy. Taylor Street is where you'll find a lot of local restaurants that serve homemade pasta and lasagna along with other classic Italian favorites. Also in the neighborhood are a number of beautiful churches.

Lakeview

Bordering the shore of Lake Michigan to the east, Lakeview is a relaxed neighborhood with a laidback vibe. The area combines East Lakeview, Central Lakeview, Boystown, and Wrigleyville and it offers a number of entertainment options, shopping districts, as well as bars and restaurants that are popular with locals and tourists alike. There are live music venues, theaters, and dance clubs. There are also outdoor activities like the Lakefront Trail, picnic areas, a golf course, and summer street festivals. Boystown is also notable as the first gay neighborhood in the United States to gain official recognition by a city government. You can visit during June to celebrate the annual Pride Parade.

Irving Park

Head to The Villa District in Irving Park to check out some of the classic Chicago bungalows. This neighborhood also has a number of breweries, a local theater, and Victorian mansions.

Hyde Park

Located on the South Side of Chicago, this neighborhood is rich in history. It was the location of the 1893 World's Fair and it has a number of notable residences including a home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright as well as the former home of President Barack Obama. Hyde Park sits on the edge of Lake Michigan and offers beautiful water views. It's also easily accessible to the 18 mile lakefront running and biking path. Within Hyde Park you'll find the University of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, and part of Jackson Park.

Humboldt Park

This colorful neighborhood has its roots in Puerto Rican culture, with Puerto Rican flags marking the gateways to the neighborhood. It's fun to visit during the summer months when they host the Puerto Rican Parade as well as a number of other festivals. The neighborhood is home to the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture as well as Humboldt Park. Throughout the neighborhood you'll see street art, coffee shops, wine bars, and Puerto Rican restaurants.

Garfield Park

The neighborhood of Garfield Park is all about green space. It opened its first park in 1874 and today the area has plenty of gardens, parks, and nature right in the heart of the city. The Garfield Park Conservatory is a highlight of the area with a number of different botanical environments such as the desert house, the fern room, and the tropical palm house. In the surrounding community, Garfield Park is a popular neighborhood for startups including the Hatchery which is a commercial kitchen that houses more than 100 local food and beverage startups. Head to the area during the warmer months to check out the community markets.

Bronzeville

Bronzeville was once home to such notable people as Louis Armstrong, Richard Wright, Bessie Coleman, and Ida B. Wells. While the neighborhood has struggled economically in the past, in recent years it has seen a number of new restaurants and shops opening. It's also a center for the arts with a free Trolley Tour available through the Bronzeville Art District.

Andersonville

Andersonville offers a truly unique personality with a vibrant bar scene and an energetic atmosphere. This neighborhood is home to one of the city's largest LGBTQ+ communities and it hosts annual Pride celebrations. The neighborhood also has beautiful architecture and a charming urban atmosphere, particularly along its main street. There are a large number of independently owned shops here and the "shop local" movement runs deep. Head to Clark Street for the most restaurants including diners, dives, and pastry shops.

Albany Park

Albany Park is one of Chicago's most diverse neighborhoods with populations from Mexico, South America, the Philippines, India, Cambodia, Romania, the Middle East, and more. This neighborhood is a true mixing bowl of cultures and there are a number of great family-owned restaurants and shops. Head to the Albany Park Theater Project to learn more about the neighborhood's culture as they regularly host productions on the multi-cultural aspects of Albany Park.