Chicago’s South Loop is Constantly Evolving

The South Loop is a vibrant neighborhood in Chicago’s downtown area that is rapidly evolving. In decades past, the area was home to warehouses and rail yards and even had a seedy reputation at times. However, exciting new residential and commercial development have made it a hotspot for trendsetters. It’s now full of converted warehouses and high-rises with views of Lake Michigan. The neighborhood’s proximity to the Loop makes it a popular choice among young professionals as well as students who attend the area’s many universities.

Where is South Loop?

The South Loop is located between Lake Michigan on the east and the Chicago River on the west. This sprawling neighborhood stretches from Ida B. Wells Drive south to Interstate 55. It is directly south of the downtown Loop. Grant Park, Museum Campus and Northerly Island Park are all to the east of the South Loop, directly on the water. The South Loop also contains some smaller neighborhoods, such as Printer’s Row and Motor Row.

History

As downtown Chicago started booming in the late 19th century, development began to spread south, creating the South Loop. The Great Chicago Fire only accelerated the neighborhood’s growth, as displaced downtown residents had to find a new place to live.

South Loop quickly became very industrial. The city opted to place some of their most important rail yards in the area, many of which remain today. The area was also a center for paper and pulp manufacturing, creating Printer’s Row.

The industry in the South Loop thrived until the 1950s and 1960s, when jobs started moving away from the area. It developed a seedy reputation, and many residents left in search of a safer place to live. However, major developers took a second look at the neighborhood in the late 1990s, and slowly took steps to revive the area. This effort was successful, and today South Loop is a thriving neighborhood with plenty of exciting things to do.

Lifestyle

The South Loop offers a fun and vibrant lifestyle for its residents and has become particularly attractive for young people. Its proximity to the Loop, McCormick Place and the Museum Campus means there’s always plenty to do. Many residents live in new high-rise buildings with stunning views of Lake Michigan.

Living in South Loop

What to Do

South Loop is located directly next to Chicago’s Museum Campus, which offers some of the best museums in the country. These include the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium.

Outdoor lovers can also take advantage of Northerly Island Park, which has a beach and access to local walking and biking trails. Soldier Field, which is home to the Chicago Bears, is also in the South Loop. History buffs will enjoy visiting the Henry B. Clarke House, which is located in the middle of the South Loop and is Chicago’s oldest surviving home.

Where to Eat and Drink

South Loop’s restaurant scene is consistently evolving. High profile spots like Apolonia, Acadia and Moody Tongue Brewing Company offer elevated cuisine that has been praised by critics.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Apolonia (@apolonia.chicago)

Spots like Roots Handmade Pizza, La Cantina and Weather Mark Tavern offer hearty food in a more casual environment.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Roots Handmade Pizza (@rootspizza)

For those who enjoy the nightlife, VU Rooftop Bar offers craft cocktails in a swanky atmosphere with views of the entire city.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Weather Mark Tavern (@weathermarktavern)

Moving to South Loop

Real Estate Snapshot

The landscape of the neighborhood has changed dramatically over the years, pushing the rents higher. Many of the rentals in South Loop are in luxury high-rise buildings, which cost significantly more than Chicago averages. However, there are some older rentals as well, which offer slightly more affordable price points.

Transportation

Getting around in the South Loop is easy because of the area’s public transit connections. The Red, Green and Orange L trains all have stops in the neighborhood, and the CTA also runs bus routes on many major streets. You can use the public transit system to connect to downtown as well as destinations on the north, south and west sides. If you need to commute to the suburbs, the Metra Rail also has stops in the area. For those who have a car, Interstate 55 is accessible from the south end of the neighborhood. However, you definitely don’t need a vehicle to get around in this part of Chicago.

Schools & Employers

Chicago Public Schools runs over 15 schools in the neighborhood, with options for both K-8 and high school education. Private school options are also available. The area is very popular among college students because of its proximity to many universities downtown, including Columbia College Chicago, Roosevelt University and DePaul University’s downtown campus, just to name a few. The University of Illinois at Chicago is also just across the river in the West Loop.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by South Loop (@southloopscene)

While South Loop used to be fairly industrial, there are now plenty of office buildings in the neighborhood. This means there are many local employment opportunities in a variety of industries. The area is also home to the McCormick Place convention center, which draws people from all over the world for events each year.

If you’re interested in moving to the South Loop, be sure to check out RentCafe to find a great apartment rental in the area!