River North

River North sits directly across the Chicago River from the Loop, and it packs more restaurants, nightlife, hotels, and high-rises into its blocks than almost anywhere in the city. This was once a warehouse and factory district; the gallery scene that moved into those buildings in the 1980s made River North famous as an art district, and galleries still operate alongside the showrooms of the Merchandise Mart — whose riverfront facade now doubles as the canvas for Art on the Mart's nightly projections in season.

Housing is dominated by condo high-rises, many with full amenity packages — doormen, gyms, pools, parking — which makes River North one of the strongest neighborhoods in the city for buyers who want building services. The converted lofts in the older brick and timber buildings offer the opposite character: high ceilings, exposed structure, and fewer amenities. Townhomes exist but are scarce.

Daily life is dense and walkable. The Hubbard Street and Clark Street corridors run thick with restaurants and bars, the East Bank Club is a city institution unto itself, and A. Montgomery Ward Park provides riverfront green space on the neighborhood's west side. Michigan Avenue shopping, the Riverwalk, and the Loop are all on foot.

Transit barely matters here because everything is close, but it's excellent anyway: the Red Line stops at Grand and Chicago, the Brown and Purple Lines stop at Merchandise Mart and Chicago, and both Metra terminals are a walk or short ride away.

River North offers high-rise living, lofts with history, and some of the city's best restaurants and nightlife within walking distance.

River North FAQ

Do you need a car in River North?

No — this is one of the most car-optional neighborhoods in Chicago. The Loop, Michigan Avenue, and hundreds of restaurants are walkable, and the Red, Brown, and Purple Lines all stop in the neighborhood. Parking is expensive; many buildings sell spaces separately.

What types of homes are in River North?

Mostly condo high-rises, many with full amenities, plus converted brick-and-timber lofts in the former warehouse buildings. Townhomes are rare.

What is River North known for?

Its restaurant and nightlife density, the gallery district, the Merchandise Mart and Art on the Mart, high-rise condo living, and immediate access to the Loop and Michigan Avenue.

River North vs. Streeterville: what's the difference?

Both are dense, high-rise downtown neighborhoods. Streeterville sits east of Michigan Avenue with the lakefront, Northwestern's downtown campus, and Navy Pier; River North sits west of it with the gallery district, more nightlife, and the loft inventory.

River North Blogs

• River North: First-Time Condo Buyers