Making a move in and around Chicago can take on many forms. Maybe your family has opted to change or start a new school. Maybe it’s a job change. Or maybe it’s realizing that your brood has outgrown your starter home.
Every family’s list of reasons is different, as is what they’re looking for. Some need space, others want access to Chicago’s range of amenities like museums and parks, while others just want to be within walking distance of a great library.
We suggest a few to put at the top of the consideration list with family-friendly offerings that are as much fun to visit as they are to live in.
North Center
- No. of parks: 3 (Horner Park, Revere Park, Clark Playlot Park)
- Attractions for families: CIBC Fire Pitch, Waveland Bowl, Windy City Ninjas, Present Place
- Best school: Alexander Graham Bell School (Public)
Home to annual summer fests, art and sports, North Center is a hop, skip and a jump down Addison from Wrigley Field. The diversity in European cultures that helped create the neighborhood has also brought a wide variety of businesses to the area — from restaurants to community events and more.
Andersonville
- No. of parks: 6 (Bowmanville Gateway Garden, West Andersonville Community Garden, Andersonville Playlot Park, Mellin Playlot Park, Cochran Playground Park, Bromann Park)
- Attractions for families: Swedish American Museum, Andersonville Midsommarfest, George’s Ice Cream, Women & Children First
- Best school: Chicago Waldorf School (Private)
Rooted in a Swedish tradition, Andersonville is known for its architecture on the north side of town. Great for families with plenty of parks and playgrounds, it is also a mecca for independent shops.
Lincoln Park
- No. of parks: 4 (Lincoln Park, Oz Park, Park West Playlot, Mid-North Park)
- Attractions for families: Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Steppenwolf Theatre
- Best school: Lincoln Elementary School (Public)
The ultimate hot spot is the free Lincoln Park Zoo, and residents save the fees to park with the ability to walk there. The zoo holds festivals year round. Hot eating spots in the neighborhood range from Alinea to Molly’s Cupcakes. Walking distance to dog parks and the shoreline gives families a chance to enjoy the outdoors every chance they can.
Rogers Park
- No. of parks: 3 (Loyola Park, Pottawattomie Park, Touhy Park)
- Attractions for families: Loyola Beach, XO Marshmallow, Uncommon Ground
- Best school: Eugene Field Elementary School (Public)
Rogers Park is a great place for families looking to live in one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city. You can find some of the best Ethiopian cuisine. Nearby, enjoy Little India offering a variety of South Asian-owned businesses. For a nice walk, stroll through Loyola University Chicago’s beautiful Lake Shore Campus.
