5 Up and Coming Neighborhoods in Chicago | Brixbid

Moving to Chicago is an exciting venture filled with opportunities. But, you need the right community for affordability and fun. Choose some of the best up-and-coming neighborhoods in Chicago to find unique communities with an affordable price tag. 

Here are eight to start your journey. 

1. Edgewater

Edgewater is quaint, charming, and among the up and coming Chicago neighborhood attracting renters. It’s filled with restaurants, shopping, and access to the lakefront. Edgewater also enjoys a reputation as an LGBTQ+ friendly neighborhood with a welcoming vibe. 

Rent an apartment near North Broadway if you want to walk to cafes, bakeries, and boutiques. The cozy neighborhood is a little under two square miles. Despite its small size, it packs in global cuisine—foodies from around Chicago dine in Edgewater. 

Of course, the real draw to living in Edgewater are the beaches. Foster Beach and Kathy Osterman Beach run alongside Edgewater. You can also head south of the neighborhood to visit Montrose Beach.

Although Edgewater is highly walkable, you’ll need to hop on the CTA Red Line to connect to the rest of Chicago. The line runs parallel to Broadway at four different stations. There are also biking options in Edgewater with scenic views of the lake.

Renters have their choice of apartments in renovated buildings. You’ll find waterfront rentals with views are in command and come with a competitive price tag. 

2. McKinley Park

McKinley Park is an up-and-coming neighborhood in Chicago. This small, Southside community brushes up against trendy neighborhoods, including Pilsen and Bridgeport. 

Irish immigrants working on the Illinois & Michigan Canal helped establish McKinley Park. The working-class neighborhood still retains the feeling of a tight-knit, laid-back community. 

The neighborhood boasts the nearly 72-acre McKinley Park with an outdoor pool, athletic fields, nature paths, and lagoons. Seasonal ice skating is also available. To explore more of Chicago, locals take the Orange Line into the city

Beyond its namesake park, McKinley Park is also home to the Marz Community Brewing Company. The warehouse turned taproom serves Japanese snacks and craft beer. McKinley Park is also home to taverns, grills, and live music along Ashland Avenue. 

McKinley Park is home to older homes and apartment buildings. You’ll find renovated options available or new lofts available along Pershing Road. 

3. Rogers Park

Rogers Park is a diverse up-and-coming neighborhood in Chicago with dozens of languages spoken. Situated on the north side of Chicago’s city limits, Loyola University calls Rogers Park home.

The area also features ethnic cuisine from Mexican to Jamaican and Ethiopian. College students enjoy access to incredible cheap eats.

Rogers Parks enjoys a creative vibe with the Glenwood Avenue Arts District. The area offers community theater, independent shops, and galleries along cobblestone streets. Lost Eras Costume and Prop is the place for roaring 20s costumes, modern character costumes, masks, and wigs.

Beyond its celebrated arts district, Rogers Park also features a sandy shoreline. Locals have a chance to enjoy art and the outdoors at Loyola Park. The area features baseball fields, a playground, and a 600-concrete sea wall. Colorful murals fill the wall as part of the annual Artists of the Wall Festival. 

Ready to move in? Renters choose from apartments, townhouses, and condo rentals in Rogers Park. Whether you want small and affordable or room to spread out, you can find it in Rogers Park.

4. Roscoe Village

As one of the hottest Chicago neighborhoods, Roscoe Village is growing. It’s especially popular among young professionals or young families looking to live close to the city. And a new development plan for up to 150 multi-family units off Old River Road and Roscoe Road hopes to support this.

German and Swedish immigrants settled Roscoe Village during the late 19th century and grew it into an industrial hub. Today, the neighborhood retains a mix of working-class roots and up-and-coming establishments with a very family-friendly attitude.

Roscoe Village is a “village within a city” with taverns, independent boutiques, and cafes lining the streets. Roscoe Village offers casual, laid-back bars. You’ll also find jazz, contemporary classical, and improvised music at Constellation.

Residents gather at Hamlin Park for baseball, tennis, playgrounds, and a dog park. There’s also a pool and field house and intramural sports programs. The Hamlin Park Fieldhouse provides a dance studio and classes for multiple skill levels for arts and culture.

Roscoe Village renters live in vintage walk-ups and two to three-story apartment buildings. Single-family homes are also available for rent.

5. Humboldt Park

Known as a thriving Puerto Rican community, Humboldt Park is an up-and-coming neighborhood in Chicago.

You’ll find more green space here than nearby communities. Tree-lined streets and a 207-acre namesake park attract renters to Humboldt Park. Small nature trails, beautiful picture spots, and fishing in the lagoon (for more than just alligators) make Humboldt Park a stunning escape from city life.

Humboldt Park is also celebrated for its colorful, urban murals depicting Puerto Rican history. In addition to so many murals, locals stroll past vibrant mosaics and painted doors. 

For a day outdoors, Paseo Boricua attracts locals to the “Puerto Rican Promenade.” The area stretches along Division Street between Western and California. You’ll find plenty of Puerto Rican eateries and hints of culture. 

Want more history? Residents take pride in the local National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture. The museum sits in a former horse stable turned historic building. 

Humboldt Park Apartment is welcoming to renters looking to live in a dynamic neighborhood. Choose from luxury apartments and older, renovated options.

Find Your Dream Apartment in an Up and Coming Neighborhood in Chicago

The best up-and-coming neighborhoods in Chicago blend creativity, affordability, and green space. With so many options to choose from, you can take your pick. 

If you’re looking for a Chicago apartment, make sure you check out our listings on Brixbid!

Renters in Chicago choose Brixbid because it’s the only platform that lets you negotiate your rent instantly. We take the hassle out of finding a fair price for your dream apartment. Find a place, submit an offer, negotiate the price, and sign a lease all in one platform.What are you waiting for? Find you dream apartment in on of these neighborhoods on Brixbid!