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Overview
West Town is more of an idea than a neighborhood. Ask a local about its boundaries, and they'll likely give you more of a general feeling than a direct answer: West Town is really just a collection of West Side neighborhoods, incorporating parts of the West Loop, a dash of the Fulton Market District, a taste of Ukrainian Village, and a sliver of an area that's not really much of anything discernible.
But what West Town lacks in agreed-upon boundaries, it more than makes up for in culture (for what it's worth, West Town stretches roughly from the Chicago River to Humboldt Park and from Bloomingdale Avenue on the north to Union Pacific Railroad on the south). The neighborhood has some of the city's most iconic music venues and highest-rated restaurants, all in one of the most eclectic areas in the city for shopping, playing, and living. Residents have their choice of living in anything from stately single-family homes to factories converted into condos to a high-rise.
Homes in West Town
Where To Live
Along the eastern side of West Town, in the area known as the West Loop, residents will find luxury condominium developments with a scattering of single-family homes in proximity to one of the premier restaurant scenes in the city. Farther west, the neighborhood becomes quieter, especially along the Kinzie Industrial Corridor, which houses mostly warehouse space. Moving farther north, the historical single-family homes dominate and the area becomes more tranquil.
Price Vibes
Being an expansive neighborhood means that price points in West Town are difficult to pin down but, generally speaking, this area is going to have a higher price-per-square-foot than surrounding neighborhoods, especially compared to neighborhoods like Humboldt Park and East Garfield Park. The closer you move towards the Downtown area--into the notable neighborhoods of the West Loop and River West--the pricier the real estate becomes. This is a given considering the area's proximity to the Loop, which puts most residents within walking distance of their offices.
The eastern side of the neighborhood hosts, for the most part, recently refurbished condominiums that house residents around the corner from the city's renowned "Restaurant Row." Farther west in the neighborhood is where residents will find West Town's collection of single-family homes, and a slightly friendlier price-per-square-foot to go with it.
Around West Town
Where To Eat
Along Randolph Street, the number of acclaimed restaurants has led the area to be dubbed "restaurant row" and is a favorite for locals and visitors who want to experience the most exciting cuisine Chicago has to offer. Farther into West Town is a mix of Irish pubs, low-key diners, and warehouses converted into cavernous bars and restaurants that maintain the industrial roots of West Town, mostly along Lake and Fulton Market.
Friday Night Fun
Start along restaurant row for drinks before your dinner or visit a gallery opening in the area. Live music venues are scattered throughout the area that represent a wide range of musical tastes. You can also catch a show at any of the mainstay theaters in Wicker Park or Noble Square. Go bar hopping along Chicago Avenue or to some of the destination bars along Ogden or Grand.
The Perfect Sunday
Popular brunch spots can be found along Ogden and Chicago Avenues, while Randolph is great for an early lunch. Go for a stroll through Union Park or Eckhart Park. Browse one of the antique stores or galleries in the area. Visit the Ukrainian National Museum, The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art, or the Polish Museum of America.
Transportation Options
What West Town lacks in 'L' stations (the sole exception being the Ashland Green and Pink Line stop), it more than makes up for in walkability and major bus routes. The Grand and Chicago buses will take you straight east into River North or west to Humboldt Park.
If you like going out on the town, you could hardly ask for a better place to live. West Loop's collection of restaurants and bars are just a short walk away from the neighborhood's east side, while the neighborhood's west side and its northern neighbor, Ukrainian Village, have multiple bars and music venues that are stumbling distance from each other. The appeal of West Town, however, is found more in the nightlife than in the convenience: The neighborhood only has a couple of grocery and convenience stores within it.
Living Here
Locals Love
Easy parking • Easy access to downtown via bus • Beautiful neighborhood with lots of green spaces
Residents Say
Living in West Town is one of the most quintessential Chicago experiences you can have. Brick walk-ups, modern single-family homes, and repurposed factories all seamlessly coexist. Combine that with one of the most dynamic restaurant scenes in the country at your fingertips, and you have one of the very best neighborhoods Chicago has to offer.
- West Town Resident
Homes for Sale
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