If you want to buy your first home in or near a city, Chicago is a strong contender. It has unique neighborhoods if you want to hang your hat in an urban setting and tons of charming suburbs if you’re looking for a quieter place to call home. Plus, this Midwestern city has the benefit of being generally more affordable than the country’s other popular metropolises: think New York or San Francisco.

So, what do first-time homebuyers want? Naturally, budget is at the top of the list. You want to be able to afford your down payment and mortgage payments, plus any other costs like moving and closing. But, price isn’t the only thing that matters. You also care about home style and the character of the neighborhood. If you’re looking to buy your first home, these Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs offer affordability and plenty of amenities.

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Rogers Park

Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago

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Rogers Park, a Far North Side neighborhood, has a lot to tempt first-time homebuyers—starting with reasonable home prices. The median sale price in Rogers Park is in the high $100s, according to Neighborhoods.com. However, the neighborhood can accommodate a wide range of budgets with homes ranging from below $100,000 to the high $700s. If you’re in the market for a single-family home, Rogers Park has plenty of bungalows, but condos tend to be the most common home style here.

Beyond price, Rogers Park is located on Lake Michigan, a feature sought after by a lot of Chicago homebuyers. The neighborhood also has a solid restaurant scene with spots like Taste of Peru and bopNgrill. It might take close to an hour to get downtown from Rogers Park, but you have lakefront access and places to eat out right in your neighborhood. 

Ukrainian Village

Ukrainian Village neighborhood of Chicago

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If you’re a young professional on the hunt for your first home, Ukrainian Village is a good place to start. You’ll fit right in with a big chunk of the population. The neighborhood has a reputation for being a younger hotspot that hasn’t quite reached the same heights of popularity as Wicker Park.

The median sale price is in the high $400s—which is on the higher end, but first-time homebuyers with a lower budget will still be able to find options. Ukrainian Village has old and new construction ranging across single-family homes, townhomes, and condos.

First-time homebuyers who want to put down roots in an urban spot will appreciate Ukrainian Village’s distinctive character. From independent, niche shops and restaurants with nearly any cuisine you could be craving to live music venues and dive bars, the neighborhood is definitely alive with city vibes.

Washington Park

Washington Park neighborhood of Chicago

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Hyde Park gets a lot of buzz. After all, it’s home to Barack Obama’s former family home and a home potentially purchased by Bill Gates. If you love the area, you might want to consider Washington Park, located just west of Hyde Park, for your first home. You can get a lot of space for a competitive price in this neighborhood; the median sale price here is below $100,000 and the average price per square foot is under $100.

That bargain price can get you a home—Washington Park has an ample array of both condos and single-family homes—right on the edge of the neighborhood’s sprawling park. Plus, the neighborhood is a part of the city’s Museum Campus South, making it ideal for first-time homebuyers who want ready access to a piece of Chicago’s rich cultural scene.

Niles

Replica of Leaning Tower in Niles, IL.

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Last year, Chicago Magazine conducted a study that found Niles to be one of the best suburbs for first-time homebuyers. Niles has a wide range of home price points and styles.

If you’re looking to buy a condo, Terrace Gardens has a reasonable median sale price in the low $100s. Single-family homes do have a higher price, but first-time homebuyers can still find a fit for their budget in Niles. For example, the Greenwood Estates neighborhood has split-level and ranch-style single-family homes with a median sale price in the low $300s.

Niles also attracts first-time homebuyers with quality schools. GreatSchools highly ranks the suburb’s multiple elementary schools, middle schools, and two high schools. The suburb also offers plenty in the way of shopping and entertainment with retail centers and annual festivals.