South Loop
Resting just south of the Loop and along Lake Michigan, theSouth Loop offers affordable housing in an enviable location, with the Museum Campus and Millennium Park bordering the eastern side. The newly reborn neighborhood has seen an explosion of growth in the past decade, with everything from trendy loft-style buildings and rehabs to high-rises and single family homes springing up throughout the area. Professionals, students, and young families are drawn to the area, both for its affordability and the cultural life that has evolved with the neighborhood.
Because both the School of the Art Institute and Columbia College call the South Loop home, quite a few young artists and students have contributed to the growth and created an eclectic community, reflected in the area's shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Funky jewelry boutiques and antique stores sit tucked along State Street and smaller side streets branching off. And,unique book stores, such as Prairie Avenue Bookstore and Rain Dogs Books and Café, tempt readers of all ages.
Dining and nightlife options are just as diverse.Neighborhood favorites Gioco and Opera offer tempting Italian and contemporary Asian, respectively. A slew of family-owned delis and coffee shops boast a faithful neighborhood following, all known for their quality fare and cozy settings. The post-dinner crowd often heads to hear live music at small, intimate venues such at the Hot House, where internationally-acclaimed musicians perform everything from jazz to beat box. Grace O'Malley's and the newer, trendy Wabash Tap promise cold drinks, a warm atmosphere, and a friendly place to gather with friends.
If you're looking for cultural and athletic activities, you need look no further. With the Museum Campus, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Art Institute just to the north, cultural options abound. The lakefront and 12thStreet Beach are a short walk away, as are Millennium Park and Grant Park full of events year 'round. Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears, sits on the eastern border. And, the El Red Line stops at State Street, ready to whisk residents south toward Chinatown and Comiskey Park, or up north to WrigleyField, Lakeview or Lincoln Park. The Blue, Green, and Orange Lines also pass through the neighborhood, as do a number of CTA busses, making commuting to other parts of the city a snap.
www.chicago.com/neighborhoods/South_Loop
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