When thinking about large, urban area such as Chicago, you typically don't think of family-friendly neighborhoods. But if you research and find the right one, raising your family in Chicago can be a great experience!
You'll want to consider multiple things while researching the best neighborhood for you and your family, such as education and safety. Other things such as the proximity of parks, museums, and the average rent in Chicago are also good factors to consider. Luckily Apartments.com has done a lot of this research for you! Here's a breakdown of some of the most kid-friendly neighborhoods in Chicago:
Old Town
Residents love the neighborhood of Old Town for its Victorian feel and the diversity of its food and culture. But most of all, families love Old Town for its safety and education scores. Old Town is safe for all pedestrians, including children, with a WalkScore of 97 out of 100 and a BikeScore of 91 out of 100. With these high scores, you can be sure that you and your kids can enjoy a nice evening walk together or even a lovely bike ride through the neighborhood. Finally, the education scores in Old Town are some of the highest in Chicago, no matter how old your kids are. Bell Elementary School teaches Kindergarten through 8th grade and scores a 7 out of 10. Jones College Prep High School, which teaches grades 9th through 12th, scores a10 out of 10. On average, the rest of the neighborhood schools have education scores higher than 6 out of 10. All in all, with high education scores and even higher safety scores, Old Town is a great choice for you and your family!
Lincoln Park
Making sure your kids are safe and having fun is every parent's dream. Just one mile north of Downtown Chicago, Lincoln Park is a lovely neighborhood, home to the city's favorite park. Lincoln Park holds a strong WalkScore of 95 out of 100 and a BikeScore of 92 out of 100, making it the perfect neighborhood for daily walks or a weekend bike ride. Here you'll find a variety of schools with high scores, such as Lincoln Elementary School with a score of 8 out of 10, and Lincoln Park High School with a score of 6 out of 10. Along with great schools and excellent safety, Lincoln Park has something for everyone with its amenities. At the center of the neighborhood, you'll find Lincoln Park, home to the Lincoln Park Zoo, giving your kids a fun educational activity. You'll find various restaurants and exciting events throughout the neighborhood, such as the Lincoln Park Greek Fest. With plenty of activities and safety, Lincoln Park has something for the whole family to enjoy!
West Loop
One of the most exciting neighborhoods in Chicago is the West Loop. This neighborhood is home to a selection of restaurants, bars, specialty grocery stores, art galleries, and performance venues. West Loop is also home to some of the city's best safety and education scores. With a WalkScore of 93 out of 100 and a BikeScore of 92 out of 100, you can enjoy the amenities of your neighborhood by taking a long walk or bike ride with your family. Another factor the West Loop scores high on is education. Skinner Elementary School has a high score of 8 out of 10, making it the perfect school for your kids in kindergarten through 8th grade. Along with great public schools, the West Loop offers two private schools parents may choose from. The final factor that makes West Loop kid-friendly is the availability of amenities. Along with the Chicago landmark of Union Station, the neighborhood is home to the French Market and the WNDR museum, a fun place where kids can see colorful and interactive art. The West Loop has something to offer everyone, whether you're just looking for a safe neighborhood or a family-friendly activity.
Hyde Park
If raising your kids in a diverse neighborhood appeals to you, then Hyde Park is the perfect place for you and your family! Along with plenty of different cultures, Hyde Park has great safety scores, with a WalkScore of 89 out of 100 and a Bike Score of 93 out of 100, ensuring your kids will be safe when they go outside to play with their friends. This neighborhood has average school scores but offers a wide variety of public and private school options for kids of all ages. Hyde Park's prime location gives families plenty of outdoor activities at the park and access to the water. One of the most famous attractions is the Museum of Science and Industry, giving your family an option for a fun day even when it rains!
Printer's Row
Printer's Row, located just a few blocks south of the Loop, has recently gone under revitalization. The neighborhood has been transformed into a trendy location with bookshops, coffee shops, and restaurants. Printer's Row has one of the highest safety scores in the city, with a WalkScore of 99 out of 100 and a BikeScore of 88 out of 100. With great safety scores, you and your family can spend time on the weekends biking or walking to bookshops and trendy neighborhoods or even Grant Park, located nearby. The neighborhood offers a wide range of public and private schools to choose from with varying school scores. Printer's Row has five parks within two miles, giving everyone in the neighborhood something to do and plenty of room for kids to run free and get their energy out!
With several great options, choosing the perfect neighborhood for you and your family in Chicago is just a matter of finding the right one. Still, there's something for everyone, especially if you do your research and find activities for your family to do indoors and outdoors!
Published October 7, 2022
