A Student’s Guide to Loyola’s Neighborhoods
Whether you moved from a far away city, the suburbs, or are local for life, living in Chicago brings unique ups and downs to the college experience. Loyola is a popular school with an incredibly diverse environment, with incredible neighborhoods nearby, shops, places to eat, and things to do.
Living in Chicago, with endless opportunities at your fingertips, can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you to some of the best nearby neighborhoods and what makes them all uniquely special.
Rogers Park
Home to Loyola itself, Rogers Park is a beautiful and diverse neighborhood. It is home to a vibrant and eclectic community with a rich history spanning over a century. With its beautiful lakefront location, charming architecture, and diverse population, Rogers Park is a wonderful place to live and spend time.
With a population that includes many different ethnic groups, Rogers Park is a melting pot of cultures. The neighborhood is home to large populations of people from many different countries, including India, Pakistan, Mexico, and Ethiopia, to name just a few. As a result, there are many opportunities to experience different cultures and try new foods. Rogers Park is also home to ‘Little India,’ where you can find the best Indian food in the city.
The neighborhood is situated right along the shores of Lake Michigan, and there are many parks and beaches in the area where you can enjoy scenic views. You can also enjoy the many perks of campus life by living near the stunning shoreline. If you are a student looking for an affordable apartment near campus with all the amenities of a diverse population, Rogers Park is the place for you.
Andersonville
South of the Loyola campus, Andersonville is a favorite neighborhood for those who love to be in the city but also value a place where you can relax and escape all the noise. There’s a cool mix of old charm and modern appeal, which you’ll see on Clark Street, the neighborhood’s main attraction, which holds space for the best bars, restaurants, and shopping spots in its area.
Andersonville is also revered for its close ties to the LGBTQ+ community and features locally owned bars and shops from members of the community. Andersonville has some of the best coffee shops, thrift stores, and bakeries. With such a welcoming atmosphere, this neighborhood is a great spot to visit, shop, study, and spend your spare time.
Edgewater
East of Andersoneville is one of the most bustling neighborhoods on the north side, Edgewater. Home to a great community of people. With a large population of young people, this makes it the best spot for people looking for trendy activities, shops, restaurants, and places to eat.
With Spring here (even if the weather doesn’t always feel like it!), the time to shop is back! One of the most desirable parts for people living in the city is walking to restaurants and shops within a short distance, cutting down travel time to hit as many shops as possible. Edgewater is the perfect location for shopping, hanging out, and spending a beautiful day supporting small businesses. With all its community support, Edgewater has everything you might want or need. and this time of year, the plant stores, boutiques, and streets come alive.
Uptown
Uptown, located near Andersonville on the farther end of the north side, is brimming with character and diversity. It’s known for its rich culture and history; Uptown is a melting pot of different cultures and wildly different cuisines. If you love food, you’ll love it here. You can choose between a fried chicken spot, Ethiopian food, Vietnamese coffee, or visit a French nightclub all in one block. Uptown has the best of all worlds, including the iconic Asia on Argyle. Featuring some of the best Asian food in the city, Uptown is a can’t-miss no matter where you live in the city. Hop over to Furama – the best dim sum in the city.
If you’re looking for somewhere to see a live show, Uptown is also home to the Aragon Ballroom and the Riviera Theatre, hosting various concerts and performances. With all it offers, you’re sure to find yourself in Uptown sooner rather than later.
Lakeview
Just a tad further south and probably one of the most well-known and sought-after locations to live in Chicago, Lakeview is home to Wrigley Field and some of the best stops for entertainment in the city. If you’re excited to catch a game this summer, you’ll become extremely familiar with Wrigleyville and the surrounding bars and restaurants.
Lakeview also prides itself on being home to Boystown (recently renamed North Halstead), a mecca for people in the LGBTQ+ community. The annual Chicago Pride parade marches from Uptown to Lakeview and the theatre, comedy, and music scenes there are unsurpassed. It’s worth the train ride, walk, or Uber to spend a day at the game or an evening at the bars and clubs in Lakeview.