The title of “hottest neighborhood” is ever-changing in Chicago. New development, shifting restaurant scenes, and home style trends are all a part of determining the next “it” spot in a city made of hundreds of neighborhoods—official and unofficial. In July, the search patterns of Neighborhoods.com users indicated five of the most popular spots.

Take a look at which Chicago neighborhoods are attracting homebuyers this summer. 

5. Old Irving Park

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Illustration of Old Irving Park

Old Irving Park is a neighborhood on the city’s Northwest side, located right off of the CTA’s Blue Line. The neighborhood is quieter than many other Blue Line neighborhoods closer to downtown—think Logan Square and Bucktown—but it still has an easily manageable commute to the Loop thanks to both the CTA and a Metra line.

The neighborhood has a largely residential feel, though it’s bisected by busier streets like Irving Park Road and Milwaukee Avenue, as well as I-90/I-94. These major streets have some attaches homes (including modern condo buildings), but most of the neighborhood is populated with single-family homes. Buyers can expect to find a median home sale price in the low $400s, according to Neighborhoods.com data. But, there’s plenty of wiggle room to work with your budget.

Though a quieter community, Old Irving Park is by no means a boring place to live. Residents have favorite spots like Eris Brewery and Cider House and family-owned La Villa Restaurant.

4. Noble Square

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Illustration of Noble Square

Noble Square, a relatively petite Chicago community, is considered a pocket neighborhood of the ever-trendy West Town. Yet, the neighborhood is packed with a variety of places to live and things to do. Plus, homebuyers are likely attracted to the neighborhood's accessibility. I-90/I-94 runs along the eastern edge of Noble Square, and the CTA’s Chicago Blue Line stop is just outside the neighborhood’s bounds. 

Noble Square is a relatively dense neighborhood, which means attached homes are the most common option. Buyers will easily be able to find a trendy condo with vintage flair or modern style. People shopping for a single-family home in the neighborhood may have to look a little harder, but it’s possible to find one in Noble Square. The median home sale price in the neighborhood is in the mid $400s, according to Neighborhoods.com data.

Noble Square is a highly walkable neighborhood that affords its residents the ability to easily reach its restaurants and attractions. Bar hoppers will love spending Friday and Saturday nights on Chicago Avenue, while Ashland Avenue offers plenty in the way of restaurants. Noble Square also has cultural options like The Polish Museum of America, the Chopin Theatre, and The Nightingale Cinema. 

3. Buena Park

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Not all of July’s hottest neighborhoods are off of the CTA Blue Line. Buena Park is a Red Line neighborhood right on the lake. This little pocket of Uptown is easily accessible thanks to the Sheridan Red Line stop and North Lakeshore Drive.

Buena Park is sandwiched between the lake and Graceland Cemetery, making it a scenic spot on the North Side of the city. Within its bounds, residents have access to a dog run, a Chicago library branch (the Uptown branch), multiple bars (Holiday Club and the Bar on Buena), restaurants (Michael’s Original Pizzeria and Tavern), and a popular coffee shop (Dollop).

Lakefront neighborhoods are always popular, which typically translates into higher home prices, but Buena Park stands out for its affordability. The median home sale price in the neighborhood is in the mid $200s, according to Neighborhoods.com data. The neighborhood is known for Prairie-style architecture—a Chicago staple. Buena Park has a handful of single-family homes, but most buyers will likely be considering the large array of condo options.

2. Irving Park

Illustration of Irving Park

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Breaking from the trend of popular pocket neighborhoods, Irving Park is a large community that stretches roughly from I-90/I-94 to the Chicago River. Homebuyers will find different vibes in different parts of this sprawling neighborhood.

Not to be confused with Old Irving Park, this neighborhood is larger and slightly more expensive. The median home sale price in Irving Park is in the low $400s, according to Neighborhoods.com data. Given its larger size, the home options are a bit more diverse as well. Buyers can consider classic two-flats, bungalows, and more in the single-family home market. Irving Park also has a solid collection of condos and townhomes.

Irving Park Road offers residents plenty of places to shop and dine out. The neighborhood’s parks are also another attractive feature. In the middle of the neighborhood, Independence Park has an indoor pool, sports fields, and a summertime farmers market. To the east, Horner Park has a dog park, a running path, and riverfront views. To the southwest, Kilbourn Park has an organic greenhouse and a playground.

1. Uptown

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Illustration of Uptown

Uptown, which encompasses Buena Park, is different from the other popular neighborhoods on this list in that it’s a major entertainment hotspot. A huge section of lakefront and three CTA Red Line stops (Argyle, Lawrence, and Wilson) give Neighborhoods.com’s best neighborhood in Chicago plenty to draw prospective homebuyers.

Like its pocket neighborhood, Uptown is an affordable lakefront community. The median home sale price here is in the mid $200s, according to Neighborhoods.com data. Buyers looking for luxury will do well to look at new construction close to the lake (those views!). Uptown also has more reasonably priced condos and townhomes in its interior, as well as a few single-family homes.

Uptown is well-known for its concentration of music venues; Aragon Ballroom, the Green Mill, and the Riviera Theatre are all within walking distance of one another. The neighborhood also has Montrose Beach, including a section just for dogs, and an impressive collection of restaurants, including Asia on Argyle.