Known for its countless parks and playgrounds, one-of-a-kind museums, top-notch healthcare services, and numerous indoor and outdoor recreational areas, Chicago is one of the best cities to raise a family in. The Windy City is home to a variety of family-friendly neighborhoods that offer highly-rated school districts, kid-friendly establishments, and a peaceful atmosphere. The city also boasts of several attractions that kids will definitely enjoy, including the magical Lincoln Park Zoo, a 35-acre urban oasis with more than 1,000 reptiles, mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and insects. If you’re thinking about moving here with family, check out these wonderful family-oriented neighborhoods.
Finding the right neighborhood is just as important as the house, especially when moving with family. In Chicago, you’ll find a variety of neighborhoods to choose from, including those that offer excellent schools, open spaces, and plenty of kid-friendly activities.
Here are the top family-friendly areas in the Windy City:
- Beverly
Known for its tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and expansive green spaces, Beverly is the most ideal neighborhood for growing families. It is home to several highly-rated public, magnet, and private schools such as Sutherland Elementary School, Kellogg Elementary School, and the Nautilus School.
One of the most popular establishments among kids in Beverly is the Original Rainbow Cone, a long-standing ice cream shop that serves the best ice cream in the city. Homes in Beverly are perfect for families as well. This South Side neighborhood offers affordable and spacious single-family homes with fenced yards.
- Edgewater
Miles of gorgeous beaches, numerous parks, and extraordinary views are just some of the features that make Edgewater stand out from the rest. This bustling neighborhood along Lake Michigan is accessible, affordable, and diverse.
Edgewater also has a number of public and private schools located in and around the area. Some of the best educational institutions are the Swift Elementary Specialty School, the Pierce School of International Studies, and Loyola University Chicago.
- Hyde Park
If you’re looking for good schools, interesting community events, and great restaurants, then Hyde Park is the neighborhood for you. Located on the South Side of Chicago on the stunning shores of Lake Michigan, this picturesque neighborhood is home to the University of Chicago, Ray Elementary School, and the Kozminski Community Academy.
There’s no shortage of kid-friendly parks in Hyde Park. Nichols Park, Bessie Coleman Park, Harold Washington Playlot Park, Bixler Park, and Burnham Park are just some of the wonderful outdoor spots that you and your family can choose from.
- Lincoln Park
Ideal for young families, Lincoln Park is a peaceful neighborhood that boasts a one-of-a-kind zoo, a lakefront trail, and plenty of stunning beaches. The Lincoln Park Zoo, a favorite among the young residents of the neighborhood, offers a memorable wildlife experience through exhibits, activities, learning programs, and of course, the animals.
Notable schools are Lincoln Park Preschool and Kindergarten, Lincoln Park High School, and the Newberry Math and Science Academy. For young children, the accredited Lincoln Park Preschool and Kindergarten offers high-quality education for students as young as 15 months old.
- Sauganash/Forest Glen
A sought-after neighborhood in North West Chicago, Sauganash (also known as Forest Glen) is an urban area with a suburban feel. The neighborhood’s namesake park offers a scenic mile-long trail, exciting community events, and various programs and activities for their young residents. If you’re looking to enroll your child in sports, Sauganash has a local youth sports association for soccer, baseball, and softball.
The schools in this neighborhood are excellent, as well. Sauganash Elementary, in particular, provides students with a high-quality educational program that includes technology, integrated curriculums, and differentiated instruction.
- Edison Park
Hailed as one of the best neighborhoods in Chicago, Edison Park is a quiet neighborhood near the Chicago proper. Some of the best private and public schools in this area are Edison Park Elementary School, Stock Elementary School, and St. Juliana Catholic School.
Edison Park offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities for kids and their families throughout the year. The neighborhood also has an active Chamber of Commerce that regularly holds after-school activities and community events.
- Lincoln Square
Looking for a family-friendly neighborhood in the city? Lincoln Park may be a perfect choice. Located in the North Side of Chicago, this wonderful community has excellent public and private schools, strategically-located parks, and kid-friendly establishments. One of these family-friendly establishments is The Chopping Block, a premier culinary school that offers fun cooking classes that the whole family could take.
Top public schools include Amundsen High School, Hawthorne Scholastic Academy, Northside College Preparatory High School, and Walter Payton College Preparatory High School.
- West Loop
There’s always something to do in West Loop, from spending an afternoon in Mary Bartelme Park to bowling in Punch Bowl Social. The neighborhood’s “Restaurant Row” – a bustling strip of trendy restaurants — is just what the whole family needs for happy tummies.
This highly desirable neighborhood is also home to award-winning schools like the Gardner School of Chicago, Skinner West Elementary School, and Innovations High School.
Discover the right Chicago neighborhood for you and your family by getting in touch with 606 Brokers, the top real estate team for homebuyers in Chicagoland. Call us today at 773.870.5101.
References:
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http://jbsdelichicago.com/the-top-chicago-neighborhoods-for-families/
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