Get to Know the South Loop
The South Loop is an exciting, vibrant, growing area that is setting new standards for Chicago’s urban dwellers. Located immediately south of Chicago’s Loop, it’s a preferred location for those who want to live, work and play in one dynamic area. The South Loop’s pocket neighborhoods include Printer’s Row and Dearborn Park.
Like the Near South Side, the South Loop holds an exciting position in the city’s residential and business future, as the city and developers are working to turn it into a flourishing, cosmopolitan neighborhood. Already, the district is alive with new restaurants, chic boutiques, and book and antique stores.
What to do in the South Loop
The area has been steadily increasing in popularity, driven by its proximity to the Loop, the lakefront, Soldier Field and picturesque Grant Park. It’s an easy walk to Michigan Avenue and the financial centers of LaSalle Street.
Chicago’s Museum Campus, with the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium and Adler Planetarium, is the cultural anchor of the neighborhood. The beautiful campus, surrounded by Lake Michigan, creates wonderful opportunities for culture and education just about every day of the year.
Home to Columbia College and the School of the Art Institute, the South Loop draws many promising artists to the city.
It is also steps from the Loop, which gets its name from the CTA’s elevated tracks that loop the area. Residents enjoy unparalleled transportation to the rest of the city and the suburbs via train, bus, and “L”.
The South Loop’s Distinctive Housing
Architecturally, the South Loop has many unique and special housing choices. Areas like Printer’s Row feature condominiums and lofts made from former warehouses, printing plants and other historic buildings. Dearborn Park is immediately south of the Loop and has many acres of open land sprouting new subdivisions with single-family homes, townhomes, mid-rise condominiums and apartments.