Moving to Chicago? These Are the Best Neighborhoods for Students

Chicago is a great city for college students. With affordable neighborhoods, cultural attractions, and great food, Chicago ranks high among the best places to study in the U.S. Chicago is a big place, so if you’re heading to the Windy City for college, you should consider which neighborhood is right for you.

Chicago boasts 77 unique community areas, with many of the best colleges in Illinois dotted throughout the metropolis. These include Chicago community colleges and online schools.

When considering Chicago neighborhoods, students should weigh factors like location, transportation, and cost. Many students can save money by leaving their car at home — Chicago ranks as one of the best cities for students without cars.

On top of practical considerations, think about the neighborhood feel and features. Our guide can help you narrow down your search and pick the perfect Chicago neighborhood for you.

What factors should you weigh when choosing between Chicago neighborhoods? It’s a good idea to consider the distance to your school, the rental market, and neighborhood features. You can also look at public transportation, walkability, and safety.

In addition to researching the following factors, put together a pros and cons list for different neighborhoods to find the best fit for your unique circumstances. Finally, check whether your college offers off-campus housing resources for students.

Location matters when choosing a neighborhood. First, consider your school’s location. Many students choose to live close to their school, to cut down on commute time and connect with other students.

Second, look at public transportation in the neighborhood. Is it easy to get to school? Can you travel to your top destinations for food, recreation, and entertainment?

The cost of housing in Chicago varies widely by location. In the Loop, you’ll be lucky to find a studio apartment for under $2,000, but you can find one-bedroom apartments for half that in the Far North Side. Students should consider whether it is more affordable to live on campus or off campus.

In addition to rent, consider the costs of public transportation or a car, if the neighborhood requires driving.

Chicago is a relatively safe place to live. Like all major cities, some neighborhoods experience higher violent crime rates than others. The areas around Chicago’s major colleges and universities, which house many students, tend to be safer.

You can learn more about prospective neighborhoods by researching crime statistics. The Chicago Police Department offers a tool to see violent crime by neighborhood.

As in any area, students can follow safety practices to decrease their personal risk.

Are you looking for open spaces and parks? Consider living near Chicago’s 18-mile long Lake Michigan lakefront area. Do you want a walkable neighborhood? Check out Lincoln Park, the Loop, and Wicker Park. If you love great cuisine, head to Logan Square, Little Italy, or Chinatown.

Consider your hobbies and interests when choosing a neighborhood. Finding a neighborhood that fits your personal interests can mean a better experience living in Chicago.

Most Chicago students live near their university. This means there are large student populations in Hyde Park near the University of Chicago, on the West Side near the University of Illinois at Chicago, and in Lincoln Park near DePaul University.

However, Chicago is home to many other neighborhoods that are a great fit for students. The city’s strong public transportation system makes it easy to commute to campus from a more affordable neighborhood like Pilsen or Rogers Park. Students who want a downtown feel can live in The Loop or River North.

Like many other large cities, Chicago has a higher cost of living than most rural areas. However, compared to other major cities, Chicago can be surprisingly affordable. The average rent prices in Chicago can seem high at first glance — RentCafe reports an average price of $2,080 for a one-bedroom — but many neighborhoods offer studio and one-bedroom apartments for under $1,000.

The Chicago Business Journal reports that Chicago ranks as the 15th most affordable city in the U.S., making it a good option for college students who want an urban feel without a sky-high price tag.

Start thinking about housing when researching Chicago colleges. On a campus visit, consider your options for on-campus and off-campus housing. Ask your college whether they offer off-campus housing resources for students. A campus visit is also a good time to check out neighborhoods near your college to get an idea of the housing market and feel of each area.

Zumper recommends starting to look for listings 4-8 weeks before you want to move. That will give you time to research rentals and potentially secure a place to live early. If you live outside the city, consider visiting 2-4 weeks before your move date for in-person apartment viewings.