near north side

the near north side is a swath of territory on chicago’s, well, near north side.  it includes the bottom half of the old town neighborhood and the entire cabrini green public-housing project (most of which is shuttered).  it slices through the big box retail corridor on north avenue near goose island, and it claims a big chunk of the industrial warehouse strip along kingsbury.

residents on the southeast side of the neighborhood are only a few blocks from michigan avenue and river north, where rents are lower than their gold coast neighbors, but the location is still fairly prime.  residents on the northeast side of the neighborhood are subsumed within old town and enjoy a healthy set of dining and entertainment options, not to mention close proximity to lincoln park and the lake.  the famed sandburg village can be found up here.  residents on the northwest side are barricaded by a sea of national retailers, including a colossal whole foods market, best buy, crate and barrel, and (soon) a brand spankin’ new apple store.  perhaps most importantly, no resident living anywhere on the near north side is ever too far from an el station.

most of the apartments on the near north side are high rises, although loft options exist.  parking is difficult unless you rent a space in the building.