Are you wondering how to find that perfect Chicago neighborhood where great transit meets an amazing lifestyle? Don’t worry, we’re the Ben Lalez Team and we got you covered.
After selling more than 1,000 homes in Chicago over the last decade, we’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a neighborhood truly livable. Our team has explored every corner of this city, from the bustling streets of The Loop to the charming corners of Lincoln Park, and we’re thrilled to share our insights with you.
One thing we’ve noticed is that the happiest Chicago homeowners are often the ones who can leave their cars parked for days at a time. Whether they’re heading to work, meeting friends for dinner, or catching a Cubs game, they love having multiple transit options at their fingertips. That’s especially true during our legendary Chicago winters where nobody wants to deal with snow-covered cars and icy roads.
Today we’re covering the top 5 neighborhoods in Chicago based on transit access and lifestyle factors, and we’ll break down how we scored and ranked our choices.
Are you ready? Let’s get started!
Transit Factors (25 possible points)
Number Of L Lines: This one is pretty straightforward – more lines means more options. When one line is crammed, having alternatives can be a life saver. We gave top marks to areas with 4 or more lines within reach.
L Station Proximity: We looked for areas that have nearby stations and how well they’re distributed throughout each neighborhood. Can you reach one within 10 minutes or are you hiking halfway across the neighborhood? This matters especially during Chicago winters!
Bus Route Coverage: Sometimes the L isn’t your best bet, so we looked at bus networks as well. Express routes, regular service, and night buses all count. Areas with frequent service on multiple routes scored highest, because nobody likes waiting 30 minutes for a bus.
Alternative Transit Options: Here’s where it gets interesting. We looked beyond the CTA to include Metra stations, water taxi stops, and even protected bike lanes. The more options you have, the better the score.
Transit Frequency/Hours: Having a station nearby doesn’t help if you’re always waiting forever for the next train. We looked at how often services run, including late night and weekends. Those 24 hour routes are gold!
Market & Lifestyle Factors (25 possible points)
Housing Diversity: Everyone’s dream home looks different. Maybe you want a vintage walkup with character, or perhaps a modern condo with amenities is more your thing. Neighborhoods that offer more choices scored higher.
Price Range Options: Whether you’re working with a champagne budget or a beer budget, you should be able to find options. We gave higher scores to areas with diverse price points.
Neighborhood Amenities: This is all about living your best Chicago life. Great restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, and parks. Essentially all the things that make daily life enjoyable. We looked at both quality and quantity within walking distance of transit.
Safety Rating: This one is huge, especially if you’re walking to and from transit stops at various hours. We examined crime stats, street lighting, and general street activity. Those evening walks home from the train should feel comfortable and safe.
Walk Score: Can you easily walk to everything you need, or is every errand an adventure? Wide sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly streets, and minimal barriers earned top marks.
Now that you know how we scored each neighbourhood, let’s look at our top 5 neighborhoods!
#1 The Loop (45/50 points)
If Chicago’s transit system were a wheel, The Loop would be its hub. It got a perfect score of 25/25 when it came to transit. Why? Imagine being able to hop on any L Line in the city without having to transfer. Red Line to Wrigley Field? Check! Blue Line to O’Hare? Done! Running late to catch a Metra train at Ogilvie? You’re just a quick walk away.
But what really sets The Loops apart isn’t just its eight L stops. During summer months, you can even grab a water taxi for a more scenic commute. And let’s talk about those bus routes. They’re so frequent during rush hour that you barely need to check a schedule.
For lifestyle factors, The Loop scores 20/25, and here’s where it gets interesting. Sure, most homes here are either luxury condos or cool converted lofts, and they’re not exactly budget-friendly either. But what you’re really buying is time. Imagine rolling out of bed at 8:45 am for a 9:00 am meeting downtown. Plus, you’re steps away from Millenium Park, world class theaters, and enough restaurants to try a new lunch spot every day for a year.
#2 Near North Side – Including River North & Old Town (44/50 points)
When you combine amazing transit with one of Chicago’s most vibrant neighborhoods, you get the Near North Side. With a transit score of 22/25 points, there are tons of options for you. The Red Line runs right through the heart of the area, while the Brown and Purple Lines serve the western edge. But what really seals the deal are the express buses along Michigan Avenue and Lake Shore Drive. They’re like the FastPass of Chicago Transit.
Where this area really shines is its lifestyle score, and we gave it 22/25 points. Unlike The Loop, housing options here are incredibly diverse. You can find anything from historic brownstones to modern condos with views that’ll make your Instagram followers jealous. And the location puts you within walking distance of the Magnificient Mile, Rover North’s restaurant scene, and the lakefront.
We also give it a huge plus for safety. Those well-lit streets and constant foot traffic mean you’ll feel comfortable walking home even after a late-night dinner in River North. And speaking of walking, try finding something you can’t walk to in this neighbourhood.
#3 Lakeview (44/50 points)
Lakeview matched the Near North Side’s score but in a completely different way. We gave it a transit score of 21/25 points, and that comes from having three L lines (Red, Brown, and Purple) plus one of the city’s best bus networks. The Belmont station is like Grand Central for the North Side. If you miss your train, don’t worry because another one is coming in minutes.
What pushed Lakeview to our top 5 list was its incredible market and lifestyle score of 23/25 points. This neighborhood is like a perfect sandwich of transit and lifestyle options. You’ve got quiet residential streets lined with vintage walk-ups and single-family homes, but also bustling corridors like Broadway and Clark where you can find modern developments. And the price ranges are as diverse as the housing options.
#4 West Loop/Fulton Market (44/45 points)
Talk about a neighborhood transformation! The West Loop earned an impressive transit score of 23/25 points be being perfectly positioned for multimodal access. You’ve got the Green and Pink Lines running right through Morgan and Clinton Stations, but here’s the real secret. You’re also within walking distance of both Ogilvie and Union Stations. That means not only do you have L access, but you’ve also got every Metra line in the city available to you.
The neighborhood’s lifestyle score of 21/25 points tells the story of Chicago’s hottest dining and development scene. Remember when this was just warehouses and food distributors? Now it’s home to some of the city’s most sought-after restaurants, trendy boutique shops, and tech companies. Housing here is a fascinating mix of industrial-chic life conversions and modern new construction. While prices have definitely risen with the neighborhood’s popularity, you’re investing in an area that keeps getting better.
The West Loop really does well when it comes to its walkability factor. Those wide sidewalks from its industrial days now make for incredibly pedestrian-friendly streets. And with new amenities popping up seemingly every week, you’ll find yourself walking to everything from trendy restaurants to boutique fitness studios.
#5 Lincoln Park (44/45 points)
If you’re looking for that perfect blend of city convenience and neighborhood charm, Lincoln Park might be your perfect match. Its transit score of 21/15 points comes from a winning combination of Red and Brown Line access, plus an extensive bus network that includes Lake Shore Drive express routes. What’s special here is how seamlessly the transit options blend into the neighborhood’s historic character.
We gave a lifestyle score of 23/25 points, and this is where Lincoln Park really shows off. This is one of those rare neighborhoods where you can find everything from historic mansions to vintage walk-ups to modern luxury developments. The housing diversity is matched by its resident diversity. You’ll find young professionals, growing families, and long-time Chicagoans who all call Lincoln Park home.
What really sets Lincoln Park apart is how it combines transit convenience with green space access. You’re not just close to trains and buses – you’re also steps from the actual Lincoln Park, the lakefront trail and the zoo. Try finding another neighborhood where you can spot a lion on your morning jog to the train!
Okay, there are just so many great neighborhoods in Chicago that we couldn’t do the city justice by only naming five, so we’re going to include 2 honorable mentions.
Honorable Mention #1 – Wicker Park/Bucktown (42/25 points)
While the Blue Line access is stellar with a direct route to O’Hare, and the bus network is solid, it scored slightly lower on overall transit coverage. That said, if you’re working in The Loop or frequently flying out of O’Hare, this could be the perfect spot. The neighborhood has an incredible restaurant scene, independent boutiques, and diverse housing options from vintage flats to modern condos.
Honorable Mention #2 – South Loop (41/45 points)
The South Loop scored well for its impressive transit coverage (Red, Green, and Orange Lines plus great bus service), but it’s the neighborhood’s potential that has us excited. With new development springing up regularly, easy access to the museum campus and lake, and typically more space for your money than you’ll find up north, the South Loop is definitely a neighborhood to consider!
Pro Tips For Your Transit-Rich Home Search
Before you start house hunting in these neighborhoods, here’s what we recommend:
- Visit your potential commute spots during rush hours. Those extra few blocks to the train might feel very different at 8 am in February.
- Think about your weekend transit needs too. A great weekday commute is important, but so is getting to brunch or a Cubs game on Saturday.
- Consider the walk to multiple stations/stops. Having backup options can be a lifesaver when your usual route has issues.
- Remember that proximity to transit typically helps maintain property value. It’s an investment that tends to stand the test of time.
Ready to explore these transit-rich neighborhoods in person? Our team knows every corner of these areas, from the best coffee shops near the L stations to which buildings have the quickest walks to express buses. Give us a shout and let’s find you a home where great transit meets your perfect lifestyle.
