Old Town

The Lowdown: Old Town

You might think that living in a place called Old Town would be boring, but the lifestyle in this Chicago hood is everything but. 

 Wells Street is the main artery of this neighborhood just west of the Gold Coast.   It´s a popular weekend spot thanks to its restaurants and bars.  And if you come to Old Town, you´d better be ready to laugh your ass off.  It´s Chicago´s own Comedy Central with Zanies and Second City located nearby.  Plus, Old Town can be just as much fun during the daytime with its trendy boutiques catering to the youngish professionals living in the surrounding area.

A Cornucopia of Options: Old Town Housing

Old Town is in the heart of the city´s revitalization of some of the worst housing projects in the country.  In their place sparkling new condos and townhouses are rising from the rubble.  For many Old Town residents, the best thing about living in here is the surrounding neighborhoods (minus the Cabrini Green housing projects).  Lincoln Park, the Gold Coast and River North are all close by.  

Old Town transforms into the art-festival-Mecca in the summer with the Old Town and Wells Street art fairs.  Both draw large crowds and even if you´re not planning to whip out your checkbook for that perfect cityscape painting, you can still enjoy a dusty helping of funnel cake and do some people watching.   

Old Town living is whatever you (and your bank account) want it to be.  New construction mid-rises, older apartment rentals and single-family homes and townhouses are all available.