Chicago Downtown

Welcome to Chicago Downtown

Chicago’s dynamic, urban city center

Chicago’s downtown is the Midwest’s metropolitan heart and features many offerings for residents and visitors. The neighborhood boasts the nation's best museums, parks, art, and architectural designs. The backdrop of tall buildings, skyscrapers, incredible bridges, and a unique urban vibe truly showcases this stunning Chicago enclave.

Its central location makes it easily accessible, offering easy commutes to anywhere in the city, including Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Downtown has an excellent transit system as well, ensuring that visitors and residents alike can maneuver through the bustling area for work or play. Chicago’s downtown is very multicultural and boasts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, honoring numerous cultures and heritages.

Downtown Chicago is located along Lake Michigan and is the perfect spot to live for those who love a vibrant, urban atmosphere and a community teeming with iconic landmarks, cultural hotspots, delightful restaurants, and an array of shops and boutiques.

Residential offerings in this neighborhood vary but are primarily brick walk-ups and luxury high-rises. Apartments and condominiums offer luxury amenities, plenty of square footage, and stunning views of the Chicago skyline.

What to Love

Stunning views of Lake Michigan
Easy access to anywhere in the city via public transportation
A variety of shopping and dining options

Local Lifestyle

There’s so much to love about Chicago’s downtown area, from the gorgeous public parks with unique gardens and art to the exquisite light show at Buckingham Fountain — one of the largest fountains in America. Magnificent Mile is a famous district for locals and tourists, offering shopping, dining, and beautiful views.

Take a picnic at Millenium Park as the sun sets and enjoy the iconic Chicago skyline, grab dinner along the river, attend Lollapalooza with tourists, or appreciate the stunning and dynamic architecture of the city. Residents enjoy an incredible assortment of museums, such as the Art Institute of Chicago and its renowned collection, the Shedd Aquarium, the Navy Pier, and much more. No matter where you live or what you spend your time doing, you’ll fall in love with Chicago’s downtown.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Downtown Chicago features an assortment of shopping and dining along the Magnificent Mile. You’ll find trendy restaurants, cocktail bars, quaint cafes, and boutique shops.

Beatnik on the River celebrates spirit and artistic legacy with a fusion of French, Italian, and Moroccan cuisine. The innovative flavor combinations and fresh ingredients will make your tastebuds sing. Pair your entree with a handcrafted cocktail to create the perfect culinary experience.

Monteverde Restaurant and Pastifico is a refined spot that blends traditional Italian fare and multicultural influences. Monteverde’s dishes use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and handcrafted pasta and are sure to please. Francois Frankie offers classic French cuisine with a stunning interior design centered around a New Orleans-inspired carousel bar. Try the mussels and frites or lobster tail ratatouille for a unique treat.

The Gage is an inventive spot near Millenium Park with rustic, refined fare and exceptional service. Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe also features views of the park and draws in large crowds eager to taste their delicious pancakes and breakfast staples. Arrive early, as lines often wrap around the block.

Things to Do

Downtown Chicago provides residents with an ample amount of entertainment and recreational offerings. This neighborhood has it all, whether you’re in the mood to explore local history, appreciate unique art and statues, or attend live music shows.

Untitled by Picasso is an eye-catching sculpture that dominates the Loop’s Daley Plaza. Standing roughly 50 feet tall, this statue makes for an exciting centerpiece and lively conversation about what it represents. Before exploring the rest of the plaza, make sure to get a picture of this intricate piece of artwork.

The Willis Tower Skydeck, or Sears Tower, is one of the highest observation deck’s in the United States and stands at 1,353 feet. Step onto the glass-walled and floored ledge for an extra adrenaline boost and a unique view of the city skyline. Afterward, stop at the Historic Route 66 Sign, just off East Adams and South Michigan Avenue, for a quick photograph. One of the world's most well-known and iconic highways, immortalized across many mediums, begins and ends in the Loop.

Grant Park is a beautiful 319-acre natural space along Lake Michigan that offers wide, walkable boulevards, flower gardens, fountains, monuments, and a skate park. This park blends with three others inside its boundaries — Millennium, Maggie Daley, and Hutchinson Field. Many food and music festivals are held here annually, including Lollapalooza, a four-day music festival featuring a vast musical lineup and plenty of fun for everyone.

Schools

Residents of Chicago Downtown attend Chicago Public Schools.

Overview for Chicago Downtown, IL

2,707,650 people live in Chicago Downtown, where the median age is 35.7 and the average individual income is $48,148. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

2,707,650

Total Population

35.7 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density
This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$48,148

Average individual Income

Around Chicago Downtown, IL

There's plenty to do around Chicago Downtown, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

61

Somewhat Walkable

Walking Score

63

Bikeable

Bike Score

64

Good Transit

Transit Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Chicago Game & Gourmet, De Luna Taco Grill, and Sabores De Michoacán.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Chicago Game & Gourmet page on Yelp Search 700 West Root St on Google Maps	Dining · $$	2.44 miles	10 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the De Luna Taco Grill page on Yelp Search 2286 S Blue Island Ave on Google Maps	Dining	1.22 miles	10 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Sabores De Michoacán page on Yelp Search 1806 W 18th St on Google Maps	Dining · $	1.61 miles	15 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the pig & fire page on Yelp Search 135 N Kedzie Ave on Google Maps	Dining	3.43 miles	8 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Cook It Mama Cafe page on Yelp Search 545 W 31st St on Google Maps	Dining	2.27 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Florencias Mexican Restaurant page on Yelp Search 4316 S Pulaski Rd on Google Maps	Dining	2.55 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Thimi's Empanadas page on Yelp Search 1247 S Western Ave on Google Maps	Dining	1.96 miles	18 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the La Cocina De Irma page on Yelp Search 4224 W 31st St on Google Maps	Dining	2.34 miles	34 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the D’s Roti & Trini Cuisine page on Yelp Search 6239 S Ashland Ave on Google Maps	Dining	4.07 miles	40 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Video Strip page on Yelp Search 3307 S Archer Ave on Google Maps	Shopping	0.71 miles	36 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Alice & Wonder page on Yelp Search 611 N State St on Google Maps	Shopping	4.86 miles	16 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the The Rock Spot page on Yelp Search 4500 S Tripp on Google Maps	Nightlife	2.95 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Leesi B page on Yelp	Beauty	2 miles	16 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Daniela Rodriguez Bridal Beauty page on Yelp	Beauty	3.64 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Erin Graham Hair page on Yelp	Beauty	4.7 miles	17 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Threading Zone page on Yelp Search 1651 W Roosevelt Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	2.2 miles	6 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Chateau De Paul page on Yelp Search 2758 S Lawndale Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	1.7 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the DM Touch Beauty page on Yelp Search 2505 S Archer Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	2.08 miles	13 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Brazilian Waxing page on Yelp Search 1200 N Ashland Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	3.85 miles	20 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Mayra’s Hair Salon page on Yelp Search 2901 S Union Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	2.14 miles	18 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Blush Electrolysis & Skin Care page on Yelp Search 2445 W Superior St on Google Maps	Beauty	3.99 miles	66 reviews	4.9/5 stars
Visit the Karismatic Make Up - Karisa DeLuca page on Yelp	Beauty	2 miles	10 reviews	4.9/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Chicago Downtown, IL

Population Households Employment

Chicago Downtown has 1,146,550 households, with an average household size of 2.32. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Chicago Downtown do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 2,707,650 people call Chicago Downtown home. The population density is 11,889.73 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

2,707,650

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

35.7

Median Age

48.54 / 51.46%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

Less Than 9th Grade
High School Degree
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Graduate Degree

1,146,550

Total Households

2.32

Average Household Size

$48,148

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married

Single

Divorced

Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes

15 to 29 Minutes

30 to 59 Minutes

60+ Minutes

Schools in Chicago Downtown, IL

All ()

Primary Schools ()

Middle Schools ()

High Schools ()

Mixed Schools ()

The following schools are within or nearby Chicago Downtown. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Type

Name

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West Town
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