If you’re considering moving to Downtown Chicago, River North is one of the most vibrant and sought-after neighborhoods. Known for its luxury high-rises, art galleries, lively nightlife, and top-tier dining, River North offers an exciting urban lifestyle with unbeatable convenience. Whether you’re looking for a trendy apartment, great restaurants, or easy access to The Loop, this guide covers everything you need to know about living in River North.
What is River North?
River North is a bustling, upscale neighborhood just north of The Loop, bordered by:
- South – The Chicago River
- West – The Chicago River (Wolf Point)
- North – Chicago Avenue
- East – Michigan Avenue (Magnificent Mile)
It’s known for art galleries, fine dining, nightlife, and luxury apartment towers with stunning views of the skyline and river. The neighborhood blends urban sophistication with historic charm, featuring converted warehouses, modern condos, and rooftop lounges.
- Vibe: Trendy, fast-paced, and stylish
- Best For: Young professionals, couples, and empty nesters who love city living
- Walkability: Excellent – You can walk to everything
- Public Transit: Fantastic – CTA trains, buses, and Divvy bike stations everywhere
Walkability and Public Transportation in River North
River North boasts exceptional walkability and public transportation options, making it a prime location for those who prefer navigating the city without a car.
Walkability
With a Walk Score of 97 out of 100, River North is considered a “Walker’s Paradise,” meaning daily errands and activities can be accomplished easily on foot.
Public Transportation
The neighborhood also excels in public transit accessibility, with a Transit Score of 100 out of 100, indicating “Rider’s Paradise.”
Residents have access to multiple CTA train lines:
- Red Line: Stations at Grand and Chicago Avenues provide north-south service through the city.
- Brown and Purple Lines: The Merchandise Mart station offers connections to the Loop and northern neighborhoods.
Additionally, several CTA bus routes serve the area, including the 22, 65, 125, 147, and 156 lines, further enhancing connectivity.
This combination of high walkability and comprehensive public transportation makes River North an ideal neighborhood for those seeking convenience and accessibility in Chicago.
These scores highlight River North’s exceptional accessibility, making it an ideal neighborhood for those who prefer to navigate the city without relying on a car.
Pros and Cons of Living in River North
✅ Pros
✔ Luxury Living – High-end high-rises with amazing views and amenities
✔ Great Location – Walkable to The Loop, Michigan Avenue, and the Riverwalk
✔ Best Restaurants & Nightlife – Chicago’s trendiest bars and top chefs are here
✔ Art & Culture – Home to the city’s best art galleries and design studios
✔ Public Transit Access – Easy access to Red, Brown, and Purple CTA lines
❌ Cons
❌ Expensive Rent – One of the most expensive neighborhoods in Chicago
❌ Tourist Crowds – Near Michigan Ave and nightlife spots, it’s always busy
❌ Traffic & Noise – Heavy traffic, loud bars, and sirens are common
❌ Limited Green Space – Fewer parks compared to Lincoln Park or West Loop
Best Apartment Buildings in River North
If you want high-end living, River North has some of Chicago’s best luxury apartment buildings. Here are a few top options:
🏙 One Chicago (23 W. Chicago Ave)
- Ultra-luxury high-rise with stunning views
- Features: Floor-to-ceiling windows, rooftop lounge, Whole Foods on-site
🏙 Wolf Point West (343 W. Wolf Point Plaza)
- Amazing river views and modern amenities
- Features: Rooftop pool, co-working spaces, pet-friendly
🏙 EnV Chicago (161 W. Kinzie St)
- Trendy high-rise with top-tier facilities
- Features: Rooftop pool, outdoor fire pits, resident lounge
🏙 Marlowe (169 W. Huron St)
- Boutique luxury with a stylish feel
- Features: Smart home tech, modern kitchens, rooftop deck
Cost of Living: Rent & Utilities in River North
Living in River North is expensive, but you’re paying for luxury, convenience, and lifestyle.
🏡 Average Rent Prices (2024)
- Studio: $2,200 – $2,700
- 1-Bedroom: $2,800 – $3,500
- 2-Bedroom: $4,000 – $5,500
- 3-Bedroom: $6,000+
🏠 Monthly Utility Costs (For a 1-bedroom Apartment)
- Electricity & Heating: $80 – $150 (varies by season)
- Internet: $50 – $100 (Xfinity & AT&T Fiber)
- Water, Trash, & Sewer: Often included in rent; otherwise, $30 – $50
- Parking (If You Own a Car): $250 – $400 per month
Best Grocery Stores in River North
River North has plenty of grocery stores, ranging from big chains to specialty markets.
🛒 Major Grocery Stores
- Whole Foods Market (30 W. Huron St.) – High-end organic produce & prepared foods
- Jewel-Osco (550 N. State St.) – Budget-friendly, traditional grocery store
- Trader Joe’s (44 E. Ontario St.) – Great for snacks, frozen foods, and cheap wine
🥑 Specialty & Health Food Stores
- Eataly (43 E. Ohio St.) – Italian market with fresh pasta, meats, and cheese
- Foxtrot Market (435 N. LaSalle St.) – Upscale snacks, wine, and grab-and-go meals
- Plum Market (1233 N. Wells St.) – Organic groceries, prepared foods, and fresh coffee
Things to Do in River North
🎨 Art & Culture
- The River North Gallery District – A hotspot for art lovers with galleries like Zolla/Lieberman Gallery and Addington Gallery.
- The Merchandise Mart – Home to interior design showrooms, startups, and tech events.
🌊 Chicago Riverwalk
- Dining & Bars – Grab a drink at City Winery or dine at Pizzeria Portofino right by the river.
- Kayaking & Boat Tours – Rent a kayak or hop on an architecture boat tour.
Best Restaurants in River North
🍽 Fine Dining
- RPM Steak – Upscale steakhouse from the Lettuce Entertain You group
- Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf – French-inspired steakhouse with a cozy ambiance
- Frontera Grill – Rick Bayless’ famous Mexican cuisine
🍕 Casual & Quick Bites
- Portillo’s – Famous for Chicago-style hot dogs & Italian beef
- Parlor Pizza Bar – A local favorite for wood-fired pizza & drinks
Best Bars & Nightlife in River North
River North has the best nightlife in Downtown Chicago, from craft cocktail bars to dance clubs.
🍸 Best Cocktail Bars
- Three Dots and a Dash – Tiki bar with amazing tropical drinks
- Celeste – Multi-level cocktail bar with rooftop seating
- The Aviary – Ultra-creative cocktails from the team behind Alinea
🎶 Best Clubs & Live Music
- TAO Chicago – Stylish club with big-name DJs
- House of Blues – Great live music venue for blues, rock, and jazz
Transportation & Getting Around
River North is super walkable, and you don’t need a car.
🚇 Public Transit
- Red Line (Grand & State) – Direct to The Loop, North Side, and South Side
- Brown/Purple Lines (Merchandise Mart) – Easy access to Old Town and Lincoln Park
🚲 Bike & Walking
- Chicago Riverwalk – Perfect for walking, jogging, or biking
- Divvy Bike Rentals – Multiple stations throughout the neighborhood
🚗 Parking & Driving
- Garage Parking: $250 – $400 per month
- Street Parking: Very limited
Final Thoughts: Is River North Right for You?
River North is a fantastic neighborhood if you’re looking for luxury living, incredible dining, vibrant nightlife, and easy access to everything downtown Chicago has to offer. With a Walk Score of 97 and a Transit Score of 100, it’s one of the most convenient places to live in the city—perfect if you don’t want to rely on a car.
However, it’s also one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Chicago, with higher rent prices and a fast-paced, energetic atmosphere. If you love being in the center of the action, enjoy high-rise living, and don’t mind the crowds, River North could be a great fit.
If you prefer a quieter environment, more green space, or lower rent, you might want to explore neighborhoods like West Loop, Gold Coast, or Lincoln Park. Each has its own unique charm and lifestyle, so as you continue your apartment search, it’s worth considering what kind of daily experience you want.
Next Steps in Your Apartment Search
- Visit River North at different times of day to get a feel for the neighborhood.
- Tour multiple buildings to compare amenities, layouts, and pricing.
- Check out other neighborhoods like West Loop, Lincoln Park, and Gold Coast to see how they compare.
You’re making a big move, and Chicago has so many amazing options—take your time and find the place that truly feels like home! 🚀
