Moving to a new city is always challenging. And a large part of that challenge is looking for a place to live. When you are moving your family, the problem really intensifies. It all can be quite overwhelming. But don’t stress. We’ve done the research for you on the best neighborhoods for families in Chicago, so you don’t have to. You’ve no doubt seen our Chicago City Guide, which includes a short section on a few of Chicago’s most popular neighborhoods (oh, and by the way of introduction, we’re Bellhop —Chicago movers and beyond).

We’re searching Chicago for the top family-friendly neighborhoods. The Windy City’s beautiful landscape, water-side activities, a continuing stream of sporting events, tasty local grub, and some of the best breweries in the country make this city one of the top places to live. Check out our list below of the four best neighborhoods for families that Chicago has to offer.

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The Best Neighborhoods for Families in Chicago Bellhop Blog

Beverly

With beautiful homes, a large historic district, vast green spaces, and low crime rates, Beverly is a popular spot for many local Chicagoans. This close-knit and family-friendly neighborhood also features a fair share of Irish pubs. More, in fact, than in any other Chicago neighborhood. And to top it off, Beverly has hosted the wild South Side Irish Parade every St. Patrick’s day since 1981.

The homes in Beverly are noteworthy. But some are exceptional and designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. And the castle-like Beverly Unitarian Church looks like an architectural masterpiece plucked from medieval times. All in all, this neighborhood meets all its points aesthetically and offers a homey, small-town feel.

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Things to do in Beverly

Beverly has its fair share of arts and culture. The 19th century Givins Castle offers regular tours. The John H. Vanderpoel Art Association displays the work of Chicago painters. And The Beverly Arts Center of Chicago organizes dance, visual arts, theater, music, and film programs.

A trip around the neighborhood will have you sampling diverse cuisines, from Caribbean food at Kingston’s Jerk Chicken, to Italian dishes from Franconello. For a great breakfast stop, check out Beverly Bakery & Cafe. This coffee shop plates dishes like chorizo and grilled tomato benedict, as well as a long list of specialty omelets.

Beverly is home to two great microbreweries – Open Outcry Brewing Company and Horse Thief Hollow. And if you’d like a sweet treat to close out all your blissful binging, visit Original Rainbow Cone. This local favorite ice cream shop serves cones, shakes, sundaes, and banana splits.

Schools in Beverly

The top public schools serving Beverly include Morgan Park High School and Sutherland among others. For private schools, check out Christ the King School and Morgan Park Academy. If you’re in need of daycare, Little Hands Learning Center Academy is highly-rated.  

Homes in Beverly

Beverly has a range of house styles and prices, from cozy Tudor-style homes to million-dollar mansions.

The Best Neighborhoods for Families in Chicago Bellhop Blog

West Loop

Close to downtown, and close to the expressways, West Loop is in a great location with safe streets and good schools. The neighborhood is also home to condensed culture pockets like Ukranian Village and Greektown. And if you ask anyone from the city what their favorite restaurants are, West Loop spots will keep popping up in conversation.

The area has had a transformation, and over the past several years, West Loop has become one of the most expensive and sought-after neighborhoods in the city. With beautiful homes and condos, frequent local events, and restaurant-packed streets lit by Michelin Stars, West Loop fills the calendars and the bellies of its lucky locals.

Things to do in West Loop

West Loop has a spot for each person in the family. And if your kids, as many do, like to play outside, this neighborhood’s got you covered. Mary Bartelme Park has a play area and pretty city views. Heritage Green Park’s quaint park is decked with a sightly central sculpture. And Northerly Island, a 91-acre peninsula, includes hiking, fishing, live music, and beautiful water views.

The green space at Grant Park hosts community activities and outdoor yoga session. And its 319-acres are filled with some of the city’s busiest attractions. Check out Punch Bowl Social in cooler months for dining, bowling, karaoke, and a room for of vintage arcade games.

But do yourself a favor, find a good babysitter, and hit up West Loop’s fancier restaurants and amazing bar scene. Check out the upscale Au Cheval, sample small plates at Girl & The Goat, and sip some of the best beer in the region at Goose Island Beer Company.

West Loop offers amazing food shopping experiences as well. Check out J.P. Graziano for delicious Italian meats and sandwiches. The Chicago French Market provides produce vendors, made-to-order meals, and a dining area. Once a month in the summer, join the crowds and peruse hundreds of vendors at the Randolph Street Market Festival.

Schools in West Loop

The top public schools serving West Loop include Chicago Virtual, Galileo, Noble, Skinner West Elementary School, and Innovations High School. For private schools, look into Bennett Day School and Chicago Grammar School. If you’re in need of daycare, Little Green Tree House, City Garden Waldorf School, and Kids & Company are highly rated.

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Homes in West Loop

Homes in West Loop come in a wide range of prices, styles, and sizes. But the luxury loft condos are quite popular in the area.

Lincoln Square

Lincoln Square is a truly family-friendly neighborhood right in the city. So rather than slipping to the suburbs with other Chicago families, many are now settling in this warm and welcoming enclave. With a quick hop on the Brown Line, Lincoln Square locals can easily access all the perks of Chicago while still enjoying their tree-lined streets, cozy single-family homes, and friendly neighbors.

This neighborhood supports its people. With tons of independently owned shops, locals love promoting their neighborhood business owners. Walking down Lawrence Ave., you’ll find one-of-a-kind bookstores, health stores, coffee shops, restaurants, gift shops, and more.

Things to do in Lincoln Square

Within a few blocks down Lincoln Square, you’ll find yourself bumping into authentic restaurants featuring cuisines from around the world. Greek, French, Ethiopian, Vietnamese, Chinese, and New American restaurants, to name a few.

We recommend checking out Luella’s Southern Kitchen for comfort food with fresh, farm-to-table ingredients and authentic flavors. Try their shrimp and grits for a taste-bud-trip to Louisiana. Another must-visit is Gather. This trendy spot has an open kitchen and serves New American cuisine with cocktails, wine, and craft beer. Still parched? Visit the Band of Bohemia brewhouse. Or sample some creative coffee drinks with in-house-made non-dairy milks at Oromo Cafe.

Lincoln Square also offers many family-friendly activities. Check out Welles, Winnemac, or River Park and visit their playgrounds, trails, and sports fields. Sit in during weekly storytime at The Book Cellar. Or take a family cooking class at The Chopping Block.

Schools in Lincoln Square

The top public schools serving Walter Payton College Prep, Northside College Preparatory High School, and Hawthorne Scholastic Academy. For private schools, look into Queen of Angels Catholic Elementary School and Lycée Français de Chicago. If you’re in need of daycare, LadyBug & Friends Daycare and Preschool and Blooming Bud Day Care Center are highly rated.

Homes in Lincoln Square

While best known for its quaint single-family homes, Lincoln Square has a range of house styles, prices, and sizes.

The Best Neighborhoods for Families in Chicago Bellhop Blog

Edgewater

Gridded by some of Chicago’s most beautiful historic streets, Edgewater is a picturesque neighborhood wedged against Lake Michigan. Residents are diverse in age, culture, and economy, and the neighborhood offers a spread of eclectic cuisines.

Its proximity to the lake and the Red Line gives this neighborhood easy access the city’s amenities. And with some of the most affordable apartments in the area, lower crime rates, numerous parks, bars, restaurants, and local events galore, Edgewater is the happy home to many long-term locals.

Things to do in Edgewater

Edgewater packs in the local activities. And we suggest you take a day trip to Osterman Beach to enjoy the sandy beachfront and watersport rentals. Check out Chicago River Canoe and Kayaking for more water-filled activities. Too cold to venture out? Spend some time burning energy at Chicago’s largest indoor recreation facility, Broadway Armory Park.

Edgewater is also home to the Raven Theatre, which produces performances of American classics, readings, and children’s performances. St. Ita Catholic Church is a worthy stop. Standing since 1927 and still functioning, this church’s architecture is stunning, to say the least.

Edgewater doesn’t disappoint when it comes to tasty local food. The M.Henry bakery and cafe will make your morning pleasant. Nookies Edgewater serves American comfort food. While Mas Alla del Sol plates modern Mexican dishes, and Jin Ju serves authentic Korean fare. If you love some good wine with dinner, check out Edgewater’s tavern-style Income Tax.

Schools in Edgewater

The top public schools serving Edgewater include Peirce and Nicholas Senn High School among others. For private schools, check out Lake Shore Schools, Chicago Friends School, and Lycee Francais de Chicago. If you’re in need of daycare, Just Like Home Daycare, My Firsteps Daycare, and One Hope United are well-rated.  

Homes in Edgewater

Houses in Edgewater range from $250k homes to multi-million dollar new constructions.

There you have it: the best neighborhoods for families in Chicago!

We hope this guide to the best neighborhoods for families in Chicago was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhop. Like we said, we are the modern alternative to Chicago moving companies, and we would love to help.

Harrison Stevens