West Loop
The Lowdown: West Loop
Who better to have as your neighbor than the mighty and powerful Oprah Winfrey? Okay, she doesn´t live in the West Loop, but the studio where she films her talk show is here. And if that´s not enough, you should also know that the West Loop is known for having one of the most famous dining districts in the city along Randolph Street. During the daytime, the West Loop is busy with delivery trucks bringing and picking up food from the various meatpacking warehouses. At night, it morphs into restaurant row with trendy meals and even trendier people.
Commuting Made Simple: Getting Around
Unlike Lakeview or Lincoln Park, living in the West Loop isn´t about being part of a community. It´s about being close to downtown and having easy access to great dining. The neighborhood´s softer side is still evolving as it slowly attracts more boutiques, but it´s not at the point where it can be considered a self-contained neighborhood. It´s a popular choice for downtown office workers as well as commuters who have to slog along the I-290 every day to make the trek to their jobs in the Western burbs. The desolate streets and concrete jungle feel of the West Loop appeal to a more mature crowd with it being a top choice for buyers in their thirties and older.
Loft Living West Loop Style: Housing
Rental units can be found in some of the few luxury apartment buildings or as one-offs in condo or townhouse developments. In addition, the West Loop has a wide selection of loft condos in converted warehouses as well as new construction buildings. Pricey townhouses are also plentiful if you´re looking to take the community living thing down a notch. Aside from the late-night diners on Randolph Street, the West Loop tends to be pretty quiet. It´s not the kind of neighborhood where you´re going to see a lot of people walking down the street on the weekend or standing on a corner catching up with old friends from college. But if you like a little more privacy and anonymity, the West Loop may be the place for you.
