Near North Community

Near North

Near North is one of Chicago’s most sophisticated neighborhoods reserved for the high-end market. Located only one mile from the Loop with the boundaries of Division Street to the north, Chicago Avenue to the south, State Street to the east and the Chicago River to the west, Near North is simply posh! Dating back to 1882, Potter Palmer (of Palmer House Hilton fame) bought lush land of ponds and vegetation and transformed it to an estate with a quaint mansion on what would later be known as Lake Shore Drive and one of Chicago’s most heavily traveled roadways. Other wealthy high society followed suit with mansions of their own, putting this neighborhood in the category of elegance and luxury since its inception. Within a decade, the value of the land in this area had increased by 400 percent, and soon some of Chicago’s wealthiest citizens, like the McCormicks and the Wrigleys, were moving from their south-side Prairie Avenue homes to new residences near the center of the city.

Fast-forward hundreds of years and the ambiance in the Near North neighborhood has fundamentally remained the same. Assured, there are more voguish shops, chic restaurants, and trendier bars, but it is still home to countless wealthy Chicagoans, and though it is located right near the heart of the city, there is enough impeccably manicured residential grass, trees and flowers to make you feel like you are at least slightly in touch with nature.

In Near North, there are more than mansions. There is a blend of historic luxury homes, modern condominiums, studio lofts, and numerous high-rises, and the charming residential blocks off the main streets are home to many gorgeous single-family properties that give this community a long-established sense of pride. Because of the high cost of living in the Near North, the area attracts an older distinguished gathering of couples, families, and retirees. However, as it is such a fashionable neighborhood, there is always a variety of people walking up and down the streets, giving the area a diverse feel.

It does not take much to see that the lifestyle of Near North has not strayed far from that of its founders. The land is still occupied by some of the wealthiest folks in Chicago and most of its natural beauty has remained intact. One thing that has certainly changed though, much to the delight of Chicago socialites and tourists, are the numerous bars, restaurants and boutiques that have sprung up over the years. Near North has one of the widest ranging spectrums of upscale shops and elegant dining in Chicago. Fashionistas, connoisseurs, and spirited types alike will feel right at home in this haute neighborhood.

Community Features:

• Gourmets appreciate and enjoy stocking up on fresh fare at the Division and Dearborn Farmer’s Market, which runs from May through October. And
• From April through December, food lovers can take one of the Chicago’s Near North Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tours to get a better handle on local eateries.