Why We Live Here

Five Reasons to Call Downtown Chicago Home

#1: For a lifestyle upgrade.

The downtown Chicago neighborhoods — River North, Gold Coast, South Loop, New Eastside, and West Loop — are home to their fair share of “champagne wishes and caviar dreams” come true. But that’s not all there is here.

Condo prices in the downtown neighborhoods start under $150,000. And while this will likely only buy you a studio or smaller one-bedroom, if you’re willing to downsize (or start off small), it could also buy you a lifestyle like none other.

#2: To simplify.

This will be counter-intuitive to some who view “going downtown” as one big headache of parking woes and crowds.

But those of us who live here know that the downtown lifestyle is often a simpler one:

…Sell your car and walk to any of four different grocery stores (in winter, we have them delivered!).

…Check out the sales on Michigan Avenue on your stroll back from Sunday brunch.

…Walk a block to have a glass of wine over live jazz.

…Get to the Bears game without enduring a traffic nightmare.

When you need peace of mind, go spend some time on the lakefront. From River North, Streeterville, the Gold Coast, Loop, and South Loop getting there takes mere minutes on foot or via bike. This is what you’ll do with the time you used to spend commuting.

#3: To start well.

Many people buy their first home here in the form of a high-rise condo or industrial chic loft.

When they move on years later, they learn another one of the benefits of owning in the city’s finest locations — strong rental demand. There’s often an option to keep owning as a landlord. A center-of-everything location can turn your starter condo (in the West Loop, for example) into a good investment long after you’ve moved on to the ‘burbs or relocated elsewhere.

#4: To re-focus.

Many of us flock to Chicago’s downtown neighborhoods after some change in our stage of life. A new job or an empty nest. To make memories during a new marriage. Or to re-center after one ends.

If you’re experiencing a shift (or would like to), there’s no better place to find your place. Because it’s so easy to get around downtown and travel to other Chicago neighborhoods, you may find yourself visiting friends, gathering friends for a drink, and engaging in new hobbies more often.

Even if your life is busy, you’ll find time to find yourself.

#5: To impress…

…Yourself AND others. These iconic buildings, these views, these amenities are impressive to many!

Imagine the night-time skyline as the backdrop for your next dinner party. See yourself hosting friends for the Magnificent Mile lights festival, St. Patrick’s Day on the River, or just lazy weekends trying to pinpoint restaurant row’s best brunch.

When you live in Chicago’s downtown neighborhoods, there’s no question you’re within walking distance of the city’s best restaurants, world-class shopping, and parks.

If you have any other questions, would like more information, or want to discuss how I can help you search for your next home, feel free to reach out. 

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