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.

While there’s always some debate on where one Chicago neighborhood begins and another ends, I’d like to break down the communities that lie within the borders of downtown Chicago. We’ll start with a few: Gold Coast, East Lake Shore Drive, Cathedral, Streeterville and River North:

Gold Coast: If you’re looking for the best in luxury real estate in Chicago, chances are you’ll find it here—the wealthiest neighborhood in the city. Bordered by North Ave. and Chicago Ave., Gold Coast boasts exclusive boutiques located on Oak Street and chic lounges and bistros tucked away amidst the elegant vintage brownstones and greystones. The Gold Coast is where Chicagoans go to experience the good life. Chicago homes in Gold Coast vary from studios to high-rise condos to mansions along the shore of Lake Michigan.

Greystones in Chicago's Gold Coast (image from flickr/Monika Thorpe)

East Lake Shore Drive: If breathtaking lake views are on your wish list for your Chicago real estate purchase, the buildings along East Lake Shore Drive will deliver. This historic district is located within Streeterville and includes several of the lakefront’s most prestigious Chicago condo buildings that were even named a Chicago landmark 25 years ago. East Lake Shore Drive is home to the historic Drake Hotel and one of the city’s best waterfront areas—Oak Street Beach.

Cathedral: Roughly located west of the Magnificent Mile to LaSalle Street, the Cathedral District has been branded by the presence of the Holy Name and St. James cathedrals. This community doesn’t have set-in-stone boundaries that differentiate it from the Gold Coast, and many would consider Cathedral to be a part of the Gold Coast neighborhood. Many new, posh residential buildings lie among the historic architecture in Cathedral—55 E Erie, a luxury building with 9.5-foor ceiling heights; 50 E Chestnut, where each lavish unit takes up an entire floor; and 800 Michigan Avenue, a newer luxury building that gives residences access to concierge services at the neighboring Hyatt Hotel. Michigan Avenue will also be home to the brand new Ritz-Carlton Residences—ultra-luxurious condominiums that pairs the Ritz-Carlton’s 5-star hotel service with the privacy of a boutique residence.

Lake Point Tower in Chicago's Streeterville (Image from flickr/lauren manning)

Streeterville: Home of the Magnificent Mile, one of the country’s most elite shopping strips with shops like Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s. Streeterville is home to Navy Pier and the luxury condominiums in the 70-story Lake Point Tower. These Chicago condos offer unmatched, unobstructed lake and city views, a private park and 24/7 uniformed doormen.

Near North: The Near North community, lying roughly between the Chicago River and Chicago Avenue and Michigan Avenue and La Salle Street, encompasses many small neighborhoods within it. It is an affluent neighborhood that includes many posh residential real estate options, including lofts, mid-rise buildings and townhouses. Near North is also a great community for art aficionados, with many galleries and interior design studios nearby.

To find the perfect loft, you should start with an understanding of how the loft became a symbol of hip, creative urban living. Prior to being a trendy real estate item, lofts were originally utilized as industrial warehouses or factories. They didn’t gain residential status until the 1960s, when artists began living and working in them because they made perfect studios (and because they were usually inexpensive). Living in a loft became a sign of having a creative and even nonconformist lifestyle. Since then, the loft has continued to grow in popularity every year.

At the moment, there are plenty of amazing lofts on the Chicago real estate market, especially in up and coming neighborhoods like the West Loop, Bucktown, and the South Loop. The open floor plans lend a feeling of openness uncommon in residential spaces, since many lofts are converted warehouses or factories. For art aficionados, the ceiling height and extensive wall space make lofts ideal for displaying prized collections. However, before you begin your search for the perfect loft, it is important to note that lofts come in different forms.

“True lofts” include the typical high ceilings and the brick and ductwork are left completely exposed. On the other hand, a “soft loft”, although similar to a true loft, incorporates sectioning from drywall placements to provide a similar feeling to a more traditional Chicago condo or home. Most lofts also have larger than normal windows, which can surpass ten feet in height and extend from the floor to the ceiling.

Chicago lofts can be a great alternative to regular condos with unoriginal floor plans, and there is something to be said for living in a wide open space. In fact, owning a loft in Chicago might even help you discover your creative side; after all, there has to be a reason that lofts have been the favored home of artists over the years.