The 5 Best Walkable Neighborhoods in Chicago

The key to living the good life in downtown Chicago is simple—ease in everyday living. 

Our busy lives demand it. We expect to shop for groceries, hit the gym, romp in the dog park, and pop by a farmer’s market, all on foot. When the corner coffee shop feels like an extension of your home, and your favorite restaurant’s staff greets you like family, you know you’ve hit the neighborhood jackpot.

Here in Chicago, we love a walkable neighborhood. With a Walk Score of 77, Chicago is the 4th most walkable large city in the U.S. But after matching thousands of folks with downtown’s best luxury apartments, we wanted to highlight the best neighborhoods. Our leasing team knows that busy Chicagoans have high expectations—that’s why we surveyed our top 30 agents to understand what makes a neighborhood in Chicago walkable.

So, let’s explore the cream of the crop—Chicago neighborhoods with a minimum Walk Score above 92. And, we’ll go beyond the score, sharing insider info from the locals who live, work, and walk these neighborhoods on the daily. Get ready for hidden gems, favorite local spots, and tips to make the most of Chicago’s best walkable neighborhoods.

Lincoln Park is the Most Walkable Neighborhood in Downtown Chicago

It may be little surprise to many of you that Lincoln Park ranked as our most walkable neighborhood in Chicago. Located just two miles north of the heart of downtown, this neighborhood delivers charm and ease of living in a picturesque package. 
With a stellar Walk Score of 94, Lincoln Park truly earns its title as Chicago’s most walkable neighborhood. Getting around is so easy, you don’t need to own a car, just a good pair of sneakers. Rent an apartment in Lincoln Park and enjoy walking to:

• Restaurants, Bars and Coffee Shops: with 400+ restaurants in Lincoln Park, residents have an average of 13 eateries within a 5-minute walk from home. 
• Grocery Stores: The best grocery options in Chicago! Neighborhood favorites include Fresh Thyme, Aldi, Trader Joe’s, Jewel-Osco, Whole Foods, Mariano’s, and Tony’s Fresh Market. 
• Green Space and Parks: The green space in Lincoln Park cannot be beaten. Walk to the neighborhood’s enormous namesake park (and zoo) or neighborhood playgrounds like the favorite Oz Park.
• The Beach: One of Chicago’s best beaches – North Avenue Beach –  is yours! This family-friendly beach delivers an incredible view of downtown’s skyline and activities like kayaking and volleyball. 

Public Transportation: Feet sore? The CTA Brown, Red, and Purple Lines run north to south directly through the center of the neighborhood. The city bus is also an excellent way to get around Lincoln Park and explore nearby neighborhoods like Old Town, Wrigleyville, and Lake View.

Get to Know Lincoln Park on Foot (and Have Some Fun!) 

Looking to explore Lincoln Park? The best way is on foot! From bar and restaurant hopping to exploring lush parks or diving into the neighborhood’s rich history, our curated walking routes will help you experience the very best of Lincoln Park, all at your own pace.

A Walking Route for Sunday Funday

Everyone loves a good Sunday Funday! This walking route will take you on a fun journey through some of Lincoln Park’s best bars and restaurants, offering a perfect mix of lively spots and cozy hangouts for a full day of food, drinks, and good times.

1. Gemini: Start your day at Gemini, a cozy spot known for its American fare and cocktails. It’s the perfect place to grab brunch or lunch to start your bar-hopping adventure.

Address: 2075 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

2. The J. Parker : Next, head over to The J. Parker for a rooftop drink with a stunning view of the city and Lake Michigan. It’s just a short walk south from Gemini.

Address: 1816 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

3. King of Cups : Walk back north to King of Cups, a medieval-themed bar with creative cocktails and a cozy atmosphere.

Address: 2238 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

4. Bourgeois Pig Cafe: Head west on Fullerton Ave to Bourgeois Pig Cafe for a laid-back vibe and some delicious coffee or light snacks.

Address: 738 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

5. Kirkwood: Continue northwest to Kirkwood for a lively sports bar scene, with plenty of outdoor seating if the weather’s nice.

Address: 2934 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

6. Delilah’s: After enjoying the scene at Kirkwood, make your way southeast to Delilah’s on Lincoln Ave. This legendary dive bar is known for its extensive whiskey selection and casual vibe.

Address: 2771 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

7. Parson’s Chicken & Fish : Head a bit southwest to Parson’s Chicken & Fish for some fried chicken, fish, and their famous negroni slushies.

Address: 2435 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

8. The Other Side Bar: Walk south on Halsted to The Other Side Bar, known for its relaxed atmosphere and great beer selection.

Address: 2436 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

9. AliveOne: Keep heading south to AliveOne, a bar that combines a love for live music with an all-vinyl playlist.

Address: 2683 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

10. Halligan Bar : End your night at Halligan Bar, a classic Chicago bar with great drinks and a friendly vibe.

Address: 2274 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614.

Who Lives in Lincoln Park?

With a population of just over 45,000, Lincoln Park is home to a diverse crowd. You’ll find a good number of young professionals (43% of the folks here are between 19 and 34) living it up and soaking in all the fun the neighborhood has to offer.

Families also call Lincoln Park home, with 18% of residents raising kids and taking advantage of walking to parks and schools, and enjoying the family-friendly vibe. And let’s not forget our seasoned neighbors—over 11% of residents are 65+, adding a rich layer of history and wisdom to the community.

But here’s the thing: you shouldn’t move to Lincoln Park simply because you fit a certain demographic. Deciding which Chicago neighborhood to move to should be more of a custom match, and that’s what Hotspot Apartment Rentals does best. We match you with an apartment (and in this case, a neighborhood) based on what matters most of all—your lifestyle.

Most Walkable Chicago Neighborhoods Based on Your Lifestyle

Lincoln Park is a gem of a neighborhood, but we know it’s not right for everyone. Because when it comes to the most walkable neighborhoods, Chicago is not a one-size-fits-all kind of city.

We surveyed our team of leasing agents—30+ folks with a combined 160 years of experience—and asked them to lend their expert opinions on this question: What are the most walkable neighborhoods for young professionals, families, and lake lovers?

The Best Walkable Chicago Neighborhoods for Young Professionals

This one had our team split right down the middle! For the young and free, it’s a tie between two equally incredible neighborhoods: 

Winner #1: River North 

Welcome to Chicago, young professional! Whether you’re fresh out of college or a future CEO looking for a neighborhood buzzing with energy, River North is calling your name. 

Our team was all about River North when it came to picking the top walkable neighborhood for young professionals in Chicago, and here’s why: 

• An impressive amount of bars and restaurants
• Numerous gyms, yoga studios, and boutique fitness centers
• Coffee shops and co-working spaces are easy to come by
• Easy to walk to the Loop or explore nearby neighborhoods 
• Walk to the Chicago Riverwalk or Lake Michigan’s shoreline

A Walkable Friday Evening in River North 

1. Barry’s Chicago: Ditch the office and kick off your Friday evening with a HIIT workout! Barry’s is perfect for getting those endorphins flowing. The upbeat atmosphere and challenging classes will get you pumped for the night ahead.

Address: 11 W Erie St.

2. Avli River North: After your workout (and a shower!), walk over to Avli River North. This chic spot is perfect for winding down with happy hour specials and sipping on their famous Greek coffee frappes. 

Address: 702 N Wells St.

3. RPM Italian: Next, head to RPM Italian and fill your belly. This trendy restaurant offers a modern take on Italian cuisine, a fantastic wine list, and a lively atmosphere. 

Address: 52 W Illinois St

4. LondonHouse: Enjoy cocktails with a view at on LondonHouse’s stunning rooftop bar. With panoramic views of the Chicago River and skyline, it’s a picture–perfect spot for an after-dinner cocktail. 

Address: 85 E Wacker Dr

5. Celeste: Cap off your evening at Celeste. This local favorite has four floors, each with a distinct vibe. Chill in the whiskey bar, flirt in the supper club, dance in the disco and see and be seen in the rooftop garden. Open till 4am, we dare you to last all night! 

Address: 111 W Hubbard St.

6. Griddle 24: It’s the middle of the night and you need fuel. As in, pancakes, bacon and a strong cup of coffee. Griddle 24 never closes, making it the perfect spot to hit up before walking home. 

Address: 334 W Chicago Ave.

So, if you’re a young professional ready to take on Chicago, River North is the place to be. Trust us, it’s got all the energy, convenience, and fun you could ever want—no car required!

Winner #2:  West Loop

If you’re searching for a neighborhood that’s a little quieter but still oozes cool, let’s talk about the West Loop. Boasting a Walk Score of 94, it’s another great choice! 

Located just a hop, skip, and a jump from downtown, the West Loop offers the convenience of being close to the Loop without the touristy vibe. Our agents think you’ll love: 

• It feels like a real neighborhood—it’s urban but with a lot of charm
• Awesome nightlife, restaurants, gyms and shopping
• Full of company headquarters such as Google and McDonalds 
• Dog-friendly parks and green spaces
• Easy public transit options 
• Farmer’s market, parks, and lots of trees
• Its central location makes it easy to walk downtown too
• So many grocery options

A Saturday Morning Walk Through West Loop 

1. Basecamp Fitness Chicago

Start your day with a strength and cardio class at Basecamp and get that energy flowing. Their 35-minute HIIT class is the perfect way to kick off your weekend.

Address: 944 W Madison St

2. Sawada Coffee

Every workout needs a post-workout treat! Reward yourself at West Loop’s coolest coffee shop. Locals love their signature Military Latte and our West Loop locals say their donuts are melt-in-your-mouth good. 

Address: 112 N Green St

3. Mariano’s

Daily grocery shopping is easy in West Loop, thanks to its plethora of grocery stores. On your way home, swing by Mariano’s for any essentials you need for the weekend. 

Address: 40 S Halsted St

4. The Green City Farmers Market and Mary Bartelme Park 

Drop your groceries at your apartment, and pick up your pup! Take a leisurely stroll through Mary Bartelme Park, a lovely green space perfect for dog owners. While you’re there, hit up the West Loop Farmers Market. Open every Saturday morning from May through November, you’ll find everything from potted herbs to local honey to organic meat. 

Address: 115 S Sangamon St

5. Parlor Pizza Bar 

Wrap up your morning with a casual lunch on the dog-friendly patio at Parlor. Sure, the pizza is good, but locals know you can lunch on the Bloody Mary bar alone! Insider tip: Hit up Parlor for happy hour on weekdays for BOGO pizzas and cheap cocktails. 

Address: 108 N Green St

Walkable Chicago Neighborhoods for Families

Overall Winner: Lincoln Park

If you’re hunting for a walkable neighborhood in Chicago that’s perfect for your little ones, Lincoln Park should be high on your list. Yes, not only is it Chicago’s overall most walkable, but it’s our team’s pick for the best walkable neighborhood for families too. 

But since we’ve already familiarized ourselves with Lincoln Park, let’s get to know our runner-up! 

Runner-Up: Wicker Park

Another fantastic family-friendly neighborhood in Chicago is Wicker Park. And the neighborhood holds another runner-up title: it has the second-best neighborhood Walk Score in (all of) Chicago at 96. 

Our team is partial to Wicker Park, raising our own little ones right here! Here’s the scoop on why we love it so much: 

• A neighborhood feel that Mr. Rogers would find impressive 
• The local businesses are children-focused with events and activities for the littles
• Grocery stores are convenient 
• Lots of neighborhood kids means playdates galore 
• Green space, parks and shady trees 
• Less hustle and bustle than other downtown neighborhoods

A Family-Friendly Walk Through Wicker Park  

1. The Wormhole Coffee: Grab a delicious breakfast at this retro, cozy café. It’s kid-friendly and full of quirky décor that will keep little ones entertained while you sip on your coffee.

Address: 1462 N Milwaukee Ave

2. Mr. Dave Music: Just a short walk away, Mr. Dave Music offers classes for kids ages 3 months to 5 years. It’s a great stop for interactive, musical fun where the whole family can jam together.

Address: 1935 W Division St

3. Wicker Park Playground: Burn off some energy at the Wicker Park Playground! With plenty of green space and modern playground equipment, it’s the perfect spot for the kids to run around and play.

Address: 1425 N Damen Ave

4. Building Blocks Toy Store: Take a short walk to this fun and educational toy store, where kids can explore a variety of games, toys, and puzzles. It’s the ideal stop for picking up something special.

Address: 2130 W Division St

5. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams: Treat the kids (and yourself!) to some delicious ice cream at Jeni’s. Their unique and classic flavors will make it a sweet finale to your family adventure.

Address: 1505 N Milwaukee Ave

Are you ready to get out and play? Pack the stroller and move to Chicago’s best neighborhood for families.

The Best Walkable Chicago Neighborhoods for Living by the Lake

Overall Winner: Gold Coast 

Is your #1 request being able to walk to the lake? Our #1 recommendation is Gold Coast! If you’re dreaming of renting an apartment close to Lake Michigan, this is the place to be. 

There are a million reasons to love the Gold Coast, but our team sums it up like this: 

• The best walking connectivity to the lake, lake shore path, and beaches 
• Quiet tree-lined streets are peaceful 
• You can rent an apartment with incredible lake views 
• It’s close to North Avenue, Ohio Street, and Oak Street beaches
• Walk to tons of restaurants and shopping 
• The historical architecture and iconic buildings are so cool  

Take a Sunny Walk Through Gold Coast   

1. La Colombe Coffee Roasters 

A walk around Gold Coast is better with a coffee in hand! This cozy spot is perfect for grabbing a cup of coffee to fuel your morning adventure.

Address: 4 E Elm St

2. Oak Street Beach 

Take a leisurely walk to Oak Street Beach, one of Chicago’s best beaches. You can rent bikes, play volleyball, or just relax by the water while enjoying stunning views of Lake Michigan.

Address: 1000 N Lake Shore Dr

3. Lakefront Trail

Head south on the scenic Lakefront Trail, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the city skyline and Lake Michigan. This trail stretches for miles, and a stroll here is the perfect way to soak in the beauty of the lake and snap some gorgeous selfies! 

4. Whispers at Oak Street Beach

After your walk, stop for lunch at Whispers, located right on the beach. Grab a bite to eat while soaking in lake views and enjoying the relaxed, beachside atmosphere.

Address: 1001 N Lake Shore Dr

5. Shopping District on Oak Street

After lunch, head to Oak Street’s shopping district, where you’ll find luxury boutiques like Prada, Gucci, and many other designer shops. Even if you’re window shopping, this street offers a glamorous Chicago experience and great people-watching! 

Address: E Oak St

6. 3rd Coast Café 

Finish your day with cocktails at this neighborhood gem, a cozy spot for an afternoon drink in a relaxed setting.

Address: 1260 N Dearborn St

Life in the Gold Coast sounds pretty sweet, right? And you don’t even have to leave your apartment to enjoy the water. Apartments in Gold Coast serve up the most incredible views of Lake Michigan, and we can help score you the best one of all!

Ready to Lace Up Your Walking Shoes?

So, did any of these neighborhoods catch your eye? Maybe you’re already picturing yourself raising your kids on the tree-lined streets of Lincoln Park or enjoying those daily strolls along the lake in Gold Coast. No matter what kind of lifestyle you’re after, there’s a walkable neighborhood in Chicago waiting for you!

If you’re ready to start your apartment search or just want to chat more about these incredible areas, reach out to our team at Hotspot Apartment Rentals. We’re here to match you with your perfect apartment in downtown Chicago for free.