Frequently Asked Questions about Near North Side
What is it like to live in Near North Side, Chicago, IL?
The Near North Side is a dense urban area with high-rise condos and apartments, a wide selection of restaurants, art galleries, and nightlife, and direct access to the Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan lakefront. Transit connections are strong, with multiple CTA lines and bus routes, short commutes to the Loop, and convenient access to commuter rail and major arterials. It is one of Chicago’s most expensive neighborhoods with high rents and condo prices; safety and crime rates vary by block, so consult Chicago Police data for current statistics.
Is Near North Side, Chicago, IL expensive?
Near North Side is among Chicago’s most expensive areas, with home values and rents well above the city median due to luxury high-rises, Gold Coast mansions, and proximity to the Loop and lakefront. Costs vary by sub-neighborhood: Gold Coast and River North command the highest prices, while Old Town has more mixed price points. Overall housing and living expenses there are higher than most Chicago neighborhoods.
What is the weather of Near North Side, Chicago, IL?
Near North Side has a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Proximity to Lake Michigan moderates temperatures slightly—cooler summers, somewhat milder winters—and can increase wind and localized lake-effect snow. Average January highs are near 31°F (−1°C) and July highs around 84°F (29°C); annual precipitation is roughly 36 inches (914 mm) with about 36 inches (91 cm) of snow.
How safe is Near North Side, Chicago, IL?
Near North Side has mixed safety levels: commercial and tourist corridors see relatively high rates of property crime (thefts, vehicle break-ins, pickpocketing), while many residential pockets report lower violent-crime rates than several South and West Side neighborhoods of Chicago. High-footfall areas such as the Magnificent Mile, River North, Streeterville, and parts of the Gold Coast have visible police and private security but continue to experience frequent property crime. For up-to-date, block-level statistics consult the Chicago Police Department CLEARmap/Crime portal or the City of Chicago data portal and follow standard urban safety precautions.