Chicago's South Loop Profile and MLS Listings

South Loop real estate is primarily made up of condos, although single-family homes can also be found around the neighborhood. Those who find the prices of downtown Chicago condos a bit too high often look at the South Loop condos as a reasonable alternative. The neighborhood is very convenient for professionals working downtown, and the continued development in the area means new businesses are popping up daily.

The South Loop is generally considered to be the area south of Congress Parkway, east of Canal Street, north of Cermak, and west of Lake Michigan. Home to Colombia College and the Chicago Art Institute, the South Loop has become a popular spot for students and young professionals. The short distance to the Loop, makes this area of Chicago real estate highly attractive to those looking to live close to work and to enjoy the many restaurants and nightlife options downtown has to offer.

Real estate in the South Loop is booming, offering residents a variety of housing options including condominium high-rises, renovated warehouses turned lofts, and many single family homes. The neighborhood within the South Loop called Printer’s Row has become particularly attractive for Chicago’s young professionals. Originally home to Chicago’s printing and publishing industries, this artsy neighborhood is a self-contained community with a neighborhood grocer, restaurants, taverns, and even a community center offering both Jewish and Episcopalian services. Most residents are able to walk to downtown offices, giving the streets of this area of South Loop real estate a bustling yet friendly feel.

Area attractions include Chicago’s Museum Park, home of the Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum, and Soldier Field, the stomping grounds of the Chicago Bears and home to the Chicago Country Music Festival each summer. The area stays true to its literary history with bookshops on most corners and a large outdoor book fair each June that attracts locals and visitors alike.

At night, the more than 70 restaurants and over 30 bars and clubs beckons South Loop dwellers and people from all over Chicago. In addition, a short train, taxi, or bus ride will take South Loopers to the variety of the shows running each week in the Theater District.

Families enjoy the neighborhood’s proximity to the South Loop School, the Chicago Hope Academy, the Philips Academy High School, and the exclusive magnet school, the Jones College Prep High School. Columbia College, Brandeis University, MacCormac University, and East-West University provide many options for higher education.

Transportation to, from, and within the South Loop is very convenient. The CTA Blue, Red, Orange, and Green lines run through the neighborhood; a Metra stop makes it easy to venture to the suburbs; and numerous CTA bus routes service the area. Taxis are an easy find, especially during the work week.