Near North Side

The Near North Side is high on the list of desirable areas for Chicago residents. Undoubtedly one of the city’s premier locations, it blends couture clothing with upscale eating, shopping galore at both the 900 and along the Magnificent Mile, and a thriving literary community, with celebrity sights ranging from the elite of the literati to the most en vogue of fashion icons like you can see in the CelebMasta. Hosting the Waldorf Astoria Chicago, the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, and plenty of high-end homes, this is a mecca for both tourists and those who are looking for Near North Side real estate.

Recent History

Unlike recently revitalized sections of Chicago, the Near North Side has been fully established as a housing hotspot for decades. As such, it has only grown more impressive in recent years, with modern condominiums erected each year to provide a chic alternative to the area’s stunning historic luxury homes. It’s even become home to numerous international consulates.

Neighborhood

The Near North Side offers numerous shopping opportunities, and some of the most famous destinations are found along the Magnificent Mile. Running from Chicago River to Oak Street, it showcases some of the area’s prime landmarks, including the Wrigley Building and the Chicago Water Tower, plus international designer stores and unique boutiques. Head to The 900 Mall, otherwise known as the Bloomingdale’s building, for shops such as Gucci, Mont Blanc, and Kate Spade.

A single shopping trip in the Near North Side can weigh you down with plenty of finds, but there are scores of restaurants at which you can regain your strength, including:

Maple and Ash: From the hip downstairs bar to the delicious cuisine of the hidden upstairs restaurant, Maple and Ash offers the very best.
The Purple Pig: Enjoy dishes such as milk braised pork shoulder with mashed potatoes, beets salad with whipped goat cheese, and roasted bone marrow.
Merlo on Maple: The epitome of fine dining, Merlo on Maple is a quaint restaurant found in a restored four-story townhouse, with cozy rooms in which you can enjoy Bolognese-inspired creations like swordfish carpaccio or pepper-crusted tuna over arugula.

Despite its small size and bustling atmosphere, residents will find plenty of schools in the Near North Side, including:

A Day in the Life

The Near North Side offers a generous array of activities, sights, and venues for residents to take advantage of, be they young professional or a growing family. Once you’re settled, head to the 360 Chicago Observation Deck to see the entire area spread out beneath you from the 96th floor of the John Hancock Building. The tilting glass lookout is over 1000 feet up, so you’ll be able to take in a panoramic vista of the sights below.

Families will want to take their children to Navy Pier, a 3,300-foot-long pier extending out into Lake Michigan. With rides, game stands, and plenty for everyone to enjoy, there’s a lot to love, and it’s the perfect way to kick off a summer morning.

If it’s a rainy day, try taking in the world-class masterpieces of the The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. Boasting an intriguing number of exhibitions, this is one of the world’s largest contemporary art venues. Alternatively, bring your kids to the Chicago Children’s Museum. There are three floors to explore, showcases engaging educational content, and popular exhibits like the Dinosaur Exhibition.

In the afternoon, try resting your legs and treating yourself to a cup of coffee and a mouthwatering bite at Wildberry Pancakes & Café, or tea at Dollop Coffee and Tea, then head down to the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place to take in a show. For a more intimate night, try the Bandera Restaurant. It offers live jazz and an extensive range of drinks.

Borders

The Near North Side is packed with public transportation options to open up the rest of the city to residents. The CTA runs both the red line (through Clark/Division and North/Clybourn) and the Brown and Blue (at Merchandise Mart and Sedgwick). You’ll also be able to catch the #156 LaSalle Bus from the center of the area. The borders of the disparate parts of the Near North Side Include:

Near North: W. Division to the north, W. Chicago to the south, the Chicago River to the west, and N. State to the east.
Old Town: W. North to the north, E. Division to the south, N. Larrabee to the west, and N. Clark to the east.
Gold Coast: W. North to the north, E. Chicago to the south, N. Clark to the west, and Lake Shore Drive (along Lake Michigan) to the east.
Streeterville: Lake Shore to the north, Wacker to the south, N. Clark to the west, and Lake Michigan to the east.
Near East Side: Wacker to the north, E. Randolph to the south, N. Michigan to the west, and Lake Michigan to the east.
River North: N. Chicago to the north, Wacker to the south, the Chicago River to the West, and N. Michigan to the east.

Find Near North Side Real Estate With Chicago Home Partner

At Chicago Home Partner, we’re committed to helping people find Near North Side real estate that they’ll love. Whether you need a house, condo, or rental property, our agents won’t stop until they’ve found the right option at the right price.