Welcome to The Loop

With its wide range of amenities, shopping, restaurants, theaters, live music, museums, parks, festivals, farmers markets, and more, the Chicago Loop is not only the most dynamic neighborhood in the city; it’s also the most convenient place to live.

Key Details

Attributes

vibrant, people-watching, historic, commercial, public transit, tourist attraction, architecture, cultural institutions, high-rises, waterfront views, public parks

LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN CHICAGO

Commute Times
McCormick Place 34m by train, 21m by car
Merchandise Mart 29m by train, 23m by car
Union Station 10m by train, 8m by car
Millennium Park 11m by train, 6m by car
Boundaries
East to West Lake Michigan to Chicago River
North to South Chicago River to Congress Pkwy
Nearby Neighborhoods River North, New East Side, and Streeterville

Around the Block

The loop:
A cultural gateway where Chicago’s history and thriving present intersect.

A steady stream of buses, trains, and cabs shuttles people in and out of the Loop, where building facades showcase moments in history. The Loop’s vast architectural heritage, lush public park spaces, enticing water recreation, and sheer variety of artistic and cultural avenues help feed multiple audiences—from locals to visitors from across the globe.

Neighborhood Block

What to expect:
Protected lake views, architectural wonders, and non-stop public transit.

Living in the Loop turns landmark buildings like the Willis Tower, The Art Institute of Chicago, and Chicago Theatre into your next-door neighbors; public art-speckled streets and historic drawbridges become your driveway. And it means forever having Millennium Park and Lake Michigan right outside your door.

Neighborhood Block
Neighborhood Block Neighborhood Block

The lifestyle:
Endless shopping, dining, and cultural opportunities—many with unbeatable views of the park and lake.

More people are choosing to live in the Loop, where walking to work, yachting on the lake, touring architecture, dining along the river, shopping on Michigan Avenue, witnessing a Broadway show, or attending concerts in the park are all possible at a moment’s notice.

Neighborhood Block
Neighborhood Block Neighborhood Block
Neighborhood Block

Unexpected appeal:
An ever-revolving door to an urban, on-your-toes lifestyle.

Millions of visitors from all over the world flock to the Loop’s many attractions each year, intrinsically linking the area to tourism. Nearly 300,000 daily Loop workers and a significant saturation of college students also foster a fast-paced (and not so quiet) environment for residents.

Neighborhood Block
Neighborhood Block Neighborhood Block

The market:
From new construction condos to quirky lofts, the high-rises lining the park pack a variety of housing options.

Living in the heart of downtown can limit options to high-rise apartments and condos. But since the Loop’s residential population has more than doubled in the past decade, real estate business is booming.

Neighborhood Block
Neighborhood Block Neighborhood Block
Neighborhood Block

You'll fall in love with:
Convenience—whether you’re headed out to see friends around the city or they’re inevitably coming to you for entertainment.

Regional events like Taste of Chicago, Lollapalooza, and the Chicago Marathon draw millions each year. Plus, a plentiful assortment of cuisines and emerging nightlife options give Loop audiences more reasons to linger long after the sun goes down.

Neighborhood Block

Other Neighborhoods in Chicago to Explore