Neighborhood Highlight: West Loop

Are you someone who loves to be part of the action? Do you consider yourself to be a foodie? The West Loop is the place to go if you want to be somewhere where things are always going on. Plus, it's home to some of the best food in Chicago. If you're a fan of industrial-style living, the West Loop will be right up your alley. The factories and warehouses from this neighborhood's past have been converted into upscale apartments, condos, eateries, and retail spaces.

Where to Live in the West Loop

The West Loop used to be a meatpacking district, which means the area is filled with old warehouses. Because of this, the West Loop has some really cool loft apartments with a very industrial feel. If that isn't your style, there are plenty of gorgeous townhomes to choose from as well. With an increase in new construction over the past few years, there are tons of home options to choose from. Google, McDonald's, and Vivid Seats are all headquartered in the West Loop, which has led to a lot of excitement and new real estate construction. The area is lively and has a reputation for being home to some of the best restaurants in Chicago. It's close to transportation and has a beautiful view of downtown Chicago.

Is the West Loop Family Friendly?

The West Loop is an excellent place for families! One of the leading schools in the area, Mark T. Skinner West Elementary School, was voted # 3 in Chicago Magazine's Best Elementary Schools in 2018. They also boast test scores well above the state average. The Intercultural Montessori Language School provides dual-language immersion with stress on multiculturalism and world-mindedness. The West Loop is also home to five parks, most of which containing playgrounds for children to enjoy. At Skinner Park, kids can enjoy the community garden, sports fields, basketball courts, and the various family-friendly activities planned year-round.

The West Loop Restaurant Scene

The West Loop is home to the city's best culinary scene. If you're looking for good food, there's an entire strip of Randolph Street known as Restaurant Row. There, you can find just about any food you could ever want. There's deep-dish pizza, casual and fine dining, and plenty of dessert options as well. It's also home to Greektown, an area that houses plenty of traditional restaurants, bakeries, and delis. Don't just stop at those two areas, though! There are so many delicious eateries all across the West Loop. My personal favorite restaurant is an authentic Italian restaurant called Monteverde, located on West Madison Street. If you're looking for a good bakery, you have to check out Good Ambler on North Peoria.

Fulton Market District

Another must-see area in the West Loop is Fulton Market. It shows off the area's industrial design and always has stuff going on. The old warehouses in Fulton Market have been transformed into trendy bars, restaurants, art galleries, and shops. It's home to 17 art galleries and designers and has two new hotels coming soon. While you're in Fulton Market, check out Time Out Market. It's a 50,000 square foot indoor market with 18 eateries, three bars, a demo kitchen, a rooftop terrace, and a video installation wall. For authentic Mediterranean with a rooftop patio, I highly recommend Aba. If you're a music fan, make sure to check out The Mid for live electronic music and Bottom Lounge for rock and hip hop. In the summer, Fulton Market hosts plenty of outdoor events with live music and pop-up bars.

Transportation in the West Loop

West Loop houses the Ogilvie Transportation Center – a hub for anyone commuting into the city or going to the north or west suburbs. The buses in the West Loop will take you north, south, and west, while the L will take you east to the Loop. Compared to some of the other neighborhoods in Chicago, the West Loop is reasonably drivable. There's plenty of street parking, though you'll also always have to feed a meter. Although the area is more spread out than others, it's still easily walkable if you don't want a car in the city.

Ready to check out the West Loop? Make sure to hit up some of these recommendations, and let me know what you think!