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Chicago, with its influential history, restaurants, and culture, is a city that invites exploration. For renters who prefer to navigate their surroundings on foot, certain neighborhoods stand out for their walkability. Rentals may be expensive, though, with one-bedroom apartments in Chicago costing an average of $1,860.
In this ApartmentGuide article, we’ll uncover the most walkable neighborhoods in Chicago, from charming East Ukrainian Village to lively Wicker Park. Join us as we traverse the city’s streets and subways, revealing the best areas for pedestrians to call home.
All data sourced March 2024.
1. East Ukrainian Village
Walk Score: 98
East Ukrainian Village is the most walkable neighborhood in Chicago, with a Walk Score of 98. Known for its vibrant nightlife and unique boutiques, residents and visitors alike can explore the area and take advantage of its walkable layout. Notable attractions include the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art and the bustling Division Street.
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2. Wicker Park
Walk Score: 96
Wicker Park has a Walk Score of 96, making it the second most walkable neighborhood in Chicago. There’s a lot to love about the area, from its historic architecture to its thriving arts scene. While you’re walking around the neighborhood, check out the Flat Iron Arts Building or the bustling Six Corners intersection.
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3. Near North Side
Walk Score: 96
Near North Side is the third most walkable neighborhood in the city. There are numerous walkable areas and attractions throughout Near North Side, like the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier. And if you’re in the mood for an adventure, you’re not far from the Lakefront Trail.
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4. Ukrainian Village
Walk Score: 95
Ukrainian Village has plenty of amenities a resident might need within walking distance. From The Empty Bottle to the bustling Damen Avenue, you’re sure to find something to love. A notable amenity is the Ukrainian National Museum, which is a great spot for locals and visitors alike.
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5. The Loop
Walk Score: 95
As the fifth most walkable neighborhood in the city, The Loop is known around the country its high concentration of institutions and amenities. Consider exploring Millennium Park or grabbing a bite to eat at the French Market with friends. There are plenty of other amenities in this famous community as well, like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Chicago Riverwalk.
The nearby Lakefront Trail also offers dozens of miles of uninterrupted walking and cycling trails along Lake Michigan.
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6. Grant Park
Walk Score: 95
Grant Park has a Walk Score of 95, making it the sixth most walkable neighborhood in Chicago. Known for its expansive green space, residents and visitors can choose from walkable amenities such as the Buckingham Fountain and the Museum Campus. While you’re out, check out the Adler Planetarium.
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7. Noble Square
Walk Score: 94
Noble Square is the seventh most walkable neighborhood in the city. This urban community has quite a few hotspots for residents to visit on foot, including the Eckhart Park and the bustling Chicago Avenue. While you’re walking, take a moment to smell the flowers at the Pulaski Park.
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8. Lincoln Park
Walk Score: 94
Lincoln Park has a Walk Score of 94, making it the eighth most walkable neighborhood in the city. There’s a lot to love about the area, from grabbing a bite to eat at nearby Alinea, to taking a walk at the Lincoln Park Zoo. If you’re up for a longer outing, nearby North Avenue Beach is popular among locals.
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9. Fulton River District
Walk Score: 94
The ninth most walkable neighborhood in Chicago is Fulton River District. Pedestrians can enjoy the variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, like The Publican, La Scarola, and The French Market. It’s also easy to walk over to the miles long Riverwalk for a great day out.
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10. Bucktown
Walk Score: 93
Bucktown is the tenth most walkable neighborhood in the city. Local attractions here include the 606 Trail and the bustling Damen Avenue, providing residents a spot to get together and enjoy their urban community.
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Methodology: Walk Score, a Redfin company, helps people find walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly places to live, rating areas on a scale from 0-100. To calculate a Walk Score for a given point, Walk Score analyzes thousands of walking routes to nearby amenities, population density, and metrics such as block length and intersection density. Points are awarded based on the distance to amenities in each category.