Near North Side is the northernmost and second largest of four community areas that make up Downtown Chicago. It includes neighborhoods such as Gold Coast and Old Town which are well known to be extremely affluent. It is located east of Lake Michigan and north of the Chicago River. Near North Side is considered to be a historic neighborhood and is home to many of Chicago’s older Victorian-era buildings. There are heavy German and Puerto Rican influences in the region. Near North Side was home to many gays and lesbians throughout the mid-to-late 1900s till major gentrification of the neighborhoods occurred. Most gays and lesbians now reside in the Lake View neighborhood north of Near North Side.
Renters looking for Near North Side apartments to rent shouldn’t be worried as it is considered one of the safer areas to live within Chicago. It has the highest number of skyscrapers, plenty of high-rise luxury apartments and one the largest populations. Though not a party town, Near North Side is mainly inhabited by families and young professionals. It’s easy to find a nice restaurant or a bar to hang out at after work.
Near North Side is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Chicago. It was first settled in the 1780s by Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, who is now better known as the Founder of Chicago. Today, this location is marked by Pioneer Court. In the 1830s, William B. Ogden and other landowners were the driving force behind the industrial development along the river. Ogden was personally responsible for creating Goose Island, by having a canal dug across a bend in the North Branch of the Chicago River, and later brought the first railroad to the area in 1848. Members of the McCormick family, also settled in this area near their Reaper Works located north of the river.
Near North Chicago is famous for its skyscrapers and affluent neighborhoods (ex: Gold Coast or Old Town). Residents can visit the Magnificent Mile, currently Chicago’s largest shopping district, or visit Chicago’s number one tourist attraction, The Navy Pier. Amazing restaurants and bars to check out include GT Fish & Oyster and the Berkshire Room. Some other local favorites include the coffee shop, Doughnut Vault, or the Underground, a popular night club venue.
