River North
Lofts, Galleries, Riverwalk
MEDIAN: $431,500
Get to know River North
River North is downtown Chicago with the energy turned up: a grid of loft buildings, glass towers, galleries and restaurants just across the river from The Loop. It runs from the Chicago River north to roughly Chicago Avenue, between Michigan Avenue and the river's North Branch.
People move here to live in the middle of everything. Some of the city's best restaurants, its gallery district, the Riverwalk and the Magnificent Mile are all a short walk away, and three 'L' lines make the rest of the city easy.
The neighborhood began as a smoky industrial district of factories and warehouses. When industry moved out, galleries and developers moved in, turning old warehouses into lofts, studios and showrooms. Landmarks like the Merchandise Mart and Marina City's corncob towers still define the skyline.
Why People Love River North
Most residents describe River North the same way: it's the center of the city, and they never run out of things to do.
Everything is a walk away. Residents love walking to the Riverwalk, coffee shops, galleries and rooftop patios, and strolling to Lincoln Park, West Town or Fulton Market when they want a change of scene.
The skyline is part of daily life. Stepping outside to the city skyline every morning never gets old.
Dinner can be anything. River North is known for its restaurants, from classic steakhouses to Michelin-starred dining and late-night pizza, with rooftop bars and jazz clubs for after.
Art is part of the neighborhood. River North has one of the largest concentrations of art galleries in the country, clustered around Superior and Franklin streets, and the Merchandise Mart lights up with projected art after dark.
Getting around is easy. The Brown, Purple and Red lines all stop in the neighborhood, buses run on Clark, LaSalle and State, and residents say most places they need are walkable.
Neighbors show up. The River North Residents Association runs free movies in the park, a summer Taste of River North on Kingsbury Street and regular "I Love River North" happy hours.
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What to do in River North
In River North, the river is the backyard, the galleries are the side streets and dinner is the main event.
Start with a run or a coffee walk along the Chicago Riverwalk, which runs the neighborhood's southern edge. On warm days, residents rent kayaks and paddle past the skyline.
Afternoons are for browsing. Wander the galleries around Superior and Franklin streets, especially during the design district's fall gallery walk, or check out the Driehaus Museum, a restored Gilded Age mansion on Erie Street. Montgomery Ward Park hosts the residents' association's movie nights, and a dog-friendly area at Larrabee and Erie makes it easy for pet owners.
Evenings are what River North does best. Book a steak dinner at Gene & Georgetti, catch live music at the House of Blues or Andy's Jazz Club, or head up to a rooftop bar. After dark, Art on the Mart projects works of art across the Merchandise Mart's river facade.
The Magnificent Mile is a few blocks east, and The Loop is just across the bridges, so the rest of downtown is part of your daily range.
Housing Types & Architecture
River North is a condo and rental neighborhood: brick-and-timber loft conversions on the west side, glass high-rises throughout, and a handful of townhomes in between.
Lofts are the signature. Turn-of-the-century warehouses on streets like Kingsbury, Superior and Huron have been converted into homes with exposed brick, timber beams, oversized windows and high ceilings. They suit buyers who want character and open space.
High-rises are the most common choice. Newer towers offer door staff, fitness centers, pools and skyline or river views, and Marina City's corncob towers remain one of the city's most recognizable addresses and offer an affordable option for a pied a terre in Chicago.
Townhomes are rare but do come up, mostly tucked onto quieter blocks west of Wells Street.
In a condo building, the monthly assessment can be a significant part of the monthly budget. Ask what it covers and what the building holds in reserve, and confirm parking, since street spaces are scarce.
The quick read: a strong fit if you want a loft with character or a high-rise with views in the busiest, most walkable part of the city. A harder search if you want a quiet residential street, a yard or the lake at your door.
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One Chicago, Chicago Avenue and State Street, River North, Chicago, IL
Marshall Suloway (LaSalle Street) Bridge, LaSalle Drive, River North, Chicago, IL
Newberry Library, Walton Street and Clark Street, River North, Chicago, IL
Chicago Fire Department Station 42, Illinois Street and Dearborn Street, River North, Chicago, IL
Chicago and Northwestern Railway Bridge (Kinzie Street Railway Bridge), Canal Street, River North, Chicago, IL
View from Chicago Station, Chicago Avenue and Franklin Street, River North, Chicago, IL
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Current selling trends, median income, recent sale prices, commute times, and walkability.
What People Are Saying
Here's how people who live in River North describe it, summarized from public resident reviews:
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