If you’ve ever wanted a neighborhood that reflects the whole spectrum of Chicago, Uptown is where it's at. It's split into three parts: Margate Park, Sheridan Park, and Buena Park, and each has its own distinct vibe. Right next to places like Lakeview, Boystown, Wrigleyville, Andersonville, and Edgewater., Uptown's in a prime location for some city exploring.

Imagine walking down a street that flips from historic mansions to neat, contemporary apartments and sky-kissing high-rise apartments. This neighborhood has been picking up steam lately, becoming a magnet for anyone looking for a lively spot to land. From studios filled with character to luxury loft apartments stuffed with modern amenities, Uptown rentals are some of the best in Chicago.

Step outside your door, and you’ll be smacked with the soul of the city. The local arts scene is booming with cool theaters and music venues that keep the energy up all night long. There’s also a revolving door of art gallery events, sidewalk café pop-ups, and plenty of shopping to go around.

When it comes to urban living, Uptown is stacked with amenities. There's something for everyone, from quiet spots by the lake to a food scene that could take you around the world in a few blocks. And when night rolls in, the neighborhood lights up with activity as people take to the streets to imbibe on the drinks, dining, and dancing.

Despite being so popular, there are still plenty of apartment options to pick from. From budget-friendly pads to swanky spots, Uptown's apartment market lets you choose your own adventure. Whether you’re here for school, work, or play, Uptown welcomes you with open arms.

Where is Uptown, Chicago? 

Uptown is located just a few miles north of the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago. One of its best features is how close it sits to the serene shores of Lake Michigan, perfect for spontaneous beach days at Montrose Beach, or just a scenic jog.

Framed by some pretty iconic streets, Uptown puts you close to the action. On the north, there’s Foster Avenue, and on the south, Irving Park Road cuts the line. The eastern boundary meets Lake Michigan, and over on the west side, it stretches out to Ravenswood Avenue. If you’re looking to explore, start at landmarks like the historic Aragon Ballroom, The Green Mill, or the Riviera Theatre, places that really put Uptown on the map and draw a crowd from all over.

The proximity to other fantastic neighborhoods is a big bonus for those looking at apartments in Uptown Chicago. This trendy community rubs shoulders with Edgewater to the north and Lakeview to the south, with Ravenswood hanging out just a bit to the west. This makes it an ideal location for hopping between neighborhoods and discovering the diversity of Chicago as you go. Whether you’re cruising down Broadway or hunting for treasures on Clark Street, Uptown’s geography makes it a goldmine for urban adventurers.

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Things to do in Uptown

If you’re wondering what there is to do in Uptown, the answer is plenty! This neighborhood is a green haven filled with beautiful places to picnic, kick around a soccer ball, and meet up with friends. The most popular are Chase Park, Gooseberry Playlot Park, and Buena Circle Park. But let's not forget our four-legged friends! There’s also Pensacola Dog Run, Montrose Dog Beach, and the Puptown Dog Park, making it a dream spot for pet owners who secured a lease in one of the many pet-friendly apartments in Uptown.

For those who enjoy more leisurely pursuits, the nearby Chicago lakefront offers endless opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Imagine spending your summer days at Montrose Beach or exploring the scenic Montrose Harbor. Other local gems include the Wilson Skate Park, The Lakefront Trail, Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course, and the serene Peace Garden.

If you’re looking to soak in some local hotspots, hit up The Baton Show Lounge for a night of unforgettable drag performances or catch some live jazz at the famed Green Mill, a spot oozing with old-school cool and history. For something a bit more laid-back, The Reservoir is the perfect place to chill with friends over craft beers and good tunes. Throughout the year, Uptown is filled with activity, from the Argyle Night Market in the summer to street fests that bring everyone out to celebrate.

Uptown Real Estate

If you're on the hunt for a sweet deal on your next pad, Uptown should definitely be on your radar. Packed with a mix of housing options, from cozy studios to spacious townhouses, this historic Chicago neighborhood offers something for everyone without breaking the bank and excellent access to the CTA Red Line.

Uptown's real charm lies in its variety. Whether you're looking for a cute studio apartment, a sleek one-bedroom, a roomy two-bedroom, or need extra space with a three-bedroom apartment, this neighborhood delivers. It’s especially great for those needing even more room as it’s one of the few places in the city with a healthy stock of three-bedroom apartments, thanks to its legacy as a family-friendly spot. Four-bedroom apartments are a bit rarer, but they do pop up. The architectural scene here is a blend of the old and new, giving you options ranging from modern apartments and affordable finds to vintage gems in classic courtyard buildings. You’ll also find townhouses, condos for rent in boutique buildings, single-family houses for rent, coach houses, and even some cool loft apartments.

Popular Apartment Buildings in Uptown Chicago

Lawrence House Apartments

Draper Apartments

Eight Eleven Uptown Apartments

4401 N Clark Apartments

4521 N Malden Apartments

941 W Agatite Apartments

Clarendon Shores Apartments

Sheridan Plaza Apartments

The Covington Apartments

The Hazelton Apartments

4027 North Broadway Apartments

4200 North Marine Apartments

Uptown Transportation

Getting around is a breeze, thanks to the CTA Red Line slicing through the center of this lively north-side neighborhood. You can hop on at Wilson, Lawrence, or Argyle stations—each one a gateway to quicker commutes and easy adventures. There’s no shortage of bus options either; with routes like the #22, #36, #78, #81, #135, #136, #146, #148, and #151, your transit possibilities are nearly endless.

But Uptown isn't just about public transport. It's a neighborhood that scores high on walkability and bikeability, making it just as easy to get around on foot or two wheels. Whether you’re running errands or just out for a leisurely walk, everything feels close at hand.

For those who drive, while parking is available, it's good to be aware of the various restrictions. Navigating parking rules can be a bit of a challenge, so getting familiar with the local regulations will definitely make life easier. Whether you’re a commuter or a casual traveler, Uptown offers a solid mix of convenience and accessibility.

Uptown Schools

Public, Private, and Charter Schools

Uptown offers a solid school system, featuring a mix of public and private primary and secondary schools. Notable among them are McCutcheon Elementary School and Uplift Community High School, both well-regarded for their commitment to academic excellence and nurturing environments. The schools in Uptown are recognized for their strong performances and positive reputations, making this neighborhood a great choice for families looking for quality education options.

• German International School
• St Mary of the Lake Catholic School
• Lourdes School
• James McPherson Public School
• Joseph Brennemann School
• Prairie Academy
• Ravenswood Christian School
• Mary E. Courtenay Language Arts Center
• Lycee Francais de Chicago
• McCutcheon Elementary School
• Lake View High School
• Ravenswood Montessori School
• Walt Disney Magnet Elementary School
• Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School
• William Goudy Public School
• People's Music School
• Horace Greeley Public School
• North Park Elementary School
• Park View Montessori School - Chicago
• Chicago Waldorf School - Lincoln Square Campus
• Amundsen High School
• Uplift Community High School

Universities, Colleges, and Higher Learning Institutions

When it comes to higher education, Uptown is home to Truman College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago. This institution is a pivotal part of the community, with many programs and courses that prepare students for various careers or further academic pursuits. If you are a student or teacher looking to be closer to school, an apartment in Uptown would be the perfect fit.

Uptown Events

Uptown’s always humming with cool events that bring the neighborhood to life all year round. For starters, the Argyle Night Market and the Windy City Ribfest are the big hitters. These annual blockbusters bring the fun and showcase Uptown's diverse culture with some seriously good eats, pulling in folks from all over the city.

Then there’s the regular lineup, like the weekly farmers' markets where you can snag fresh, local goodies, or the various book clubs and community meetups that keep the local vibe alive and kicking. In Uptown, there’s always something going on that invites in new friendships and fun.

When the seasons change, so does the party. Summer days are all about chilling by the beach with events that make the most of the lakeside. Come winter, Uptown lights up with holiday celebrations that bring everyone together, making it a pretty great place to be, no matter the time of year.

Start off your morning by rolling out of bed in your new Uptown apartment and heading over to Golden House Restaurant & Pancake House. The name alone should get your stomach rumbling! For those mid-day munchies, Uptown Pizza & Barbeque is not far off, and this family-owned spot will treat you like one of their own. Some days, a taco is the only way to curb the hunger pains, and for that, we have Clark El Ranchito. Fortunately, it's open 24 hours, so no matter when the craving hits, you're covered! There’s also a wide range of global options, from DaNang Kitchens Vietnamese offerings to Queen Sheba’s exquisite Ethiopian food and Dib Sushi Bar and Thai Cuisine.

For the budget-conscious, there’s the wallet-friendly Immm Rice & Beyond, and if you’re in a large group where everyone wants something different, plan for the Argyle Night Market during the summer. This is where all the eateries come together and serve the community their delicious food, backed by live music and sidewalk sales.

From casual diners to sporty pizza shops and lively taco takeout, Uptown is filled with many hunger-quenching options.

Uptown knows how to party at night, least in part thanks to the amazing bar scene here. Mao Bar is where you’ll find fruit in your mocktail or Thai iced tea in your cocktail. For a divey vibe, Max’s Place has unbeatable prices and an outdoor patio that lets you take in the temperamental Chicago weather while you chug your cosmo. The Bar on Buena focuses on whiskey and is filled with locals, so stop in and get to know your neighbors; maybe they’ll even buy you a flight! One of the highlights of Uptown is the Baton Show Lounge, where beautiful drag queens dish out killer dance moves. This long-standing nightclub is popular for parties, especially those that want to add an outrageous element.

From drinking and dancing to drag and light-hearted debauchery, Uptown definitely knows how to party.

With The Bean taking center stage as one of the world’s largest outdoor art installations, it's no wonder that Chicagoans love their coffee. In Uptown, there are many mugs and saucers to explore, from Emerald City Coffee with its tasty light bites to Drink Happy Thoughts, where the mural is as much a draw as the perfectly brewed cappuccinos. If you love having your coffee with a cup of cheer, head over to Everybody’s Coffee, where the ceiling is as rosy as the baristas smiles. And although First Sip Café might be where you start your day, their delicious brews will have you daydreaming well into the evening. Heritage Outpost is where you go when you want to impress. With its swanky leather sofas and wingback chairs, it’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the roaring 20s.

Before it became the entertainment hub of the 20th century, Uptown had its humble beginnings as a quiet outpost on the northern edges of Chicago. In the late 1800s, with the city rapidly expanding, Uptown emerged as a favored summer retreat for Chicago's elite, who were drawn to its proximity to Lake Michigan and its cooler lake breezes offering a welcome respite from the city center.

The area's transformation kicked into high gear with the construction of the Wilson Avenue Theater in 1908, marking Uptown's evolution from a seasonal getaway to a year-round cultural hotspot. As streetcar lines extended and infrastructure improved, Uptown became increasingly accessible, attracting a diverse population and setting the stage for its later rise as a spirited entertainment district. This period laid the groundwork for its future as a cornerstone of Chicago's artistic and social scene.

Taking a brief glimpse into its glamorous Hollywood history, Uptown has seen some very big players grace its streets. Charlie Chaplin spun cinematic gold at Essanay Studios, which once called Uptown home, churning out some of his earliest and most memorable films right here in the neighborhood.

The legendary Aragon Ballroom was another jewel in Uptown's crown, where icons like Frank Sinatra and Duke Ellington serenaded packed houses, weaving their magic in the air. Not far from these star-studded performances, even Al Capone, notorious for very different reasons, was part of Uptown's lore, frequently seen at the Green Mill. This jazz club, a staple of the area since its opening in 1907 as Pop Morse’s Roadhouse, has seen everything from mourners stopping by for a quick drink en route to St. Boniface’s Cemetery to silent film stars like Wallace Beery and "Broncho Billy" Anderson, dropping in to unwind.

View more History in Uptown