South Loop

Chicago’s South Loop Neighborhood

Chicago is a blend of unique neighborhoods, one of its most remarkable is the South Loop.

Historically significant and culturally vibrant, the South Loop offers residents convenience and recreation.

Identified as the area south of Ida B. Wells Drive between the Chicago River and Lake Michigan (minus Chinatown), the South Loop boasts theaters, hotels, McCormick Place convention center, major museums, and is home to the Chicago Bears’ Soldier Field.

Residents and visitors of Chicago’s South Loop fall in love with its restaurants, local music scene, and Grant Park access. 

Its History

Once a major railyard area, the South Loop district of downtown Chicago has been redeveloped into family-friendly townhomes, lofts, and high-rise apartment buildings.

Historically speaking, the South Loop was home to some of the city’s least savory enterprises including brothels, homeless shelters, and burlesque theaters.

By the 1970s, revitalization efforts took shape to build a neighborhood on the abandoned rail yards.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s more development spread to rehabilitate Printers’ Row loft buildings and neighborhoods along Michigan and Wabash Avenues.

Today, the South Loop is still being transformed by middle-class families looking for diverse living experiences in the center of downtown.  

Transportation

A highly walkable area, the South Loop connects pedestrians more easily to their destinations than other areas of downtown. Key pedestrian bridges safely move foot traffic to the Museum Campus and Soldier Field.

Trains run north and south via two Red Line stations with a Green Line to Harlem and Oak Park. There is also an Orange Line connection to Midway Airport from the South Loop. 

South Loop: Things to Do

The South Loop neighborhood offers residents the best of all worlds: nightlife, recreation, and convenience. Situated ideally next to Lake Michigan and Grant Park, green space and the lakefront are just a few blocks away.  

The Museum Campus

Situated along Lake Michigan is one of Chicago’s most notable attractions - its Museum Campus. This 50+ acre area features the Field Museum of Natural History, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium. 

Dining, Music, and Entertainment

Famous for its foodie vibes, the South Loop area of Chicago caters to a variety of tastes.

Grab breakfast at Yolk before tailgating at Soldier Field. Or, consider something a bit more upscale on a Friday night at The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant with its beautiful attention to detail and natural light.

Many music enthusiasts find themselves at some of South Loop’s jazz and blues clubs like Buddy Guy’s Legends. If comedy is your thing, the South Loop delivers with an ever-changing line-up of today’s hottest acts at clubs like The Comedy Bar. 

Living in Chicago’s South Loop

Offering a wide array of real estate options, the South Loop features many property types from high-rise buildings and industrial lofts to single-family townhouses.

This level of flexibility lends itself to a variety of price points as well. First-time homebuyers will find suitable housing toward the southern point of the neighborhood while more established buyers may seek northern properties closer to the Loop.

Overall, the South Loop is considered to be a more budget-conscience choice among buyers when compared to the downtown Chicago real estate market as a whole. 

Search All Homes