![\"Chicago's](\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2021\/05\/South-Loop-Chicago.png\")
<\/p>\nThe South Loop is a vibrant neighborhood in Chicago\u2019s 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\u2019s now full of converted warehouses and high-rises with views of Lake Michigan. The neighborhood\u2019s proximity to the Loop makes it a popular choice among young professionals as well as students who attend the area\u2019s many universities.<\/p>\n
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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\u2019s Row and Motor Row.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s growth, as displaced downtown residents had to find a new place to live.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s Row.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s always plenty to do. Many residents live in new high-rise buildings with stunning views of Lake Michigan.<\/p>\n
What to Do<\/strong><\/p>\n South Loop is located directly next to Chicago\u2019s Museum Campus, which offers some of the best museums in the country. These include the Field Museum, the Shedd Aquarium and the Adler Planetarium.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s oldest surviving home.<\/p>\n Where to Eat and Drink<\/strong><\/p>\n South Loop\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n A post shared by Apolonia (@apolonia.chicago)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n![\"Chicago's](\"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/62\/2021\/05\/South-Loop-3.jpg\")
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