River West: Part of the West Loop community, River West offers several options in Chicago condos, including loft conversions, renovated flats and townhomes. The area is home to many traditionally charming restaurants, bakeries and shops, along with a few of the city’s best restaurants and cafes along Randolph Street.

City Center: City Center is a part of the Loop officially, but maintains its own community feel among its residential and commercial buildings along the Chicago river. A Chicago condo in City Center puts you literally front and center to Chicago—easy access to dining, nightlife, transportation, and just about anything else you can think of. Chicago real estate options in City Center include 60 E Monroe, a brand new contemporary building with 2, 3 and 4-bedroom Chicago condos that offer views of Millennium Park and the Chicago skyline and includes certain amenities of the adjacent University Club, which is connected to the building by a sky bridge. City Center is also home to The Park Monroe at 65 E Monroe, condos that feature floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces and its signature rooftop garden with views of Lake Michigan.

The View from the Park Monroe in Chicago's City Center

Millennium Park: Several Chicago condo buildings give residents spectacular views over one of the city’s main attractions, Millennium Park, located in the East Loop. The close proximity to the park means there is plenty to do throughout the year, from a lakeside stroll in the spring to outdoor festivals and concerts in the summer to ice skating in the winter.

Old Town: While parts of Old Town (which goes up to Armitage on the north) wouldn’t quite be considered downtown Chicago, the area south of North Avenue are certainly on the northern edge. This community is a prime location for those looking for Chicago homes that are in the city but have the feel of a residential neighborhood. Real estate in Old Town brings a vintage vibe through unique architecture, brick construction, townhomes, high-rises with lake views and more. It’s also home to Chicago’s famed Second City comedy club, as well as many boutique shops and trendy restaurants.

If you’re interested in real estate in downtown Chicago and finding the property that fits your needs and lifestyle, contact agent Sheldon Salnick at (312) 264-5853 or by email at ssalnick@rubloff.com.

The Residences at Riverbend in Chicago's River North (image from www.riverbendchicago.org)

River North: Tucked directly northeast of the Chicago River, River North has much to offer by way of nightlife, fine dining and entertainment. Buildings like the famed Trump Tower, which includes some of the best luxury real estate in Chicago. Backed by it’s name and reputation, Trump Tower residences allow residents to live a life of privacy and prestige in the heart of the city’s activities. For truly spectacular views of the city day or night, the Residences at Riverbend (333 N. Canal) building lies right along the Chicago River and offers every unit an eastern panorama.

The Loop: Bordered the Chicago River and Roosevelt Road (north/south) and Interstate 90/94 and Lake Michigan (west/east), The Loop is the Chicago neighborhood we can thank for the city’s gorgeous skyline. It’s also home to some of the city’s most sensational architecture, both among the business buildings and the residential buildings tucked throughout. When it comes to Chicago real estate in the South Loop, you’ll primarily find high-rise condos and lofts, some with very upscale amenities and services. The Loop’s central location puts you right by any activity imaginable, whether it be an all-day shopping spree, a lakefront bike ride, sightseeing or many other pursuits right out the front door of your Chicago home.

Printers Row: This eclectic South Loop neighborhood just had its Annual Book Fair, which brings booksellers and readers to the community to fulfill their literary desires. Many of the Chicago condos and lofts in Printer’s Row are old printing plants and publishing houses turned into fine real estate options. While one of the city’s smaller communities, Printers Row maintains a quieter neighborhood feel while being just a stone’s throw from the city’s busy atmosphere.

Buildings in Chicago's New East Side Neighborhood include Aqua and 340 on the Park (image from flickr/orijinal)

The New East Side: The New East Side is, in effect, a planned community of new luxury buildings and townhomes. The area includes Aqua, a much-talked-about architectural addition to the Chicago skyline that was even named Skyscraper of the Year. The New East Side offers many wonderful, unobstructed views—views to the south even rival those of Central Park in New York. Another sought-after building 340 On the Park, the first residential tower in the Midwest to achieve silver LEED certification for its green design. The New East Side also includes a six-acre park as a centerpiece of the neighborhood and includes a soon-to-be-developed elementary school in the community’s master plan.

South Loop: Bordered by the bustling loop and the serenity of Lake Michigan, the South Loop has much to offer. Grant Park and Millennium Park are a short walk away and can be enjoyed year round. When it comes to Chicago real estate, the South Loop has many urban offerings of condos and townhomes that allow residents to ditch their commute if they work in the Loop. Old warehouses and industrial buildings are becoming coveted pieces of modern Chicago real estate in the South Loop. An ideal place for both younger generations looking to live in the heart of activity, as well as families with children who want the close proximity of many city activities.

1. Art galleries: over one hundred art galleries, the second highest concentration of galleries in the country.

2. Antiques: almost twenty separate antique stores and warehouses.

3. Merchandise Mart: a center of Chicago commerce.

4. Restaurants galore: you can be sure to find something to satisfy any palate and budget because River North has the highest concentration of restaurants in the city.

5. A variety of bars, clubs, and lounges ranging from hole-in-the-wall dive bars (try Blue Frog for karaoke) to specialty wine bars, such as Pops for Champagne.

6. One of Chicago’s fastest-growing residential communities.

7. A reputation as one of the safest neighborhoods in Chicago.

8. Michigan Avenue: both a tourist mecca and a local staple, Michigan Avenue is home to stores that can be found nowhere else.

9. Fitness opportunities: there are great gyms throughout the neighborhood which offer access to tennis, swimming, yoga, and golf.

Of course, deciding on an area for your next home is a difficult decision and a variety of factors need to be considered before making that commitment, but the River North is a excellent choice for anyone looking for a comfortable neighborhood feel, urban conveniences, and stable property value.