Chicago's South Loop Neighborhood

The South Loop in Chicago is the area south of Congress Parkway and east of the Chicago River. Basically, this is the area that is located south of the CTA Loop downtown. The Loop is the area bounded by the Chicago River on the north and west sides, Congress Parkway to the South, and Columbus Drive to the east.

South Loop is a vibrant neighborhood, considered as Chicago’s central business district, an exciting, vibrant, growing area that is setting new standards for Chicago’s urban dwellers. This area has plenty of shopping opportunities, although it competes with the more upscale Magnificent Mile area to the north, and with the nearest suburban shopping malls. South Loop is the home of Chicago's famous Marshall Field's department store, now Macy's, a traditional favorite for viewing Christmas window displays, and the original Carson Pirie Scott store.

The real estate business in the South Loop neighborhood is growing. It includes mid-rise condos, townhomes, residential and commercial lofts, and high rise condos with world-class amenities and magnificent lake and city views. This area is undergoing a building boom and there are many new condo developments under construction with scheduled completions in late 2006 and 2007. Its real estate future is looking good, as builders are working to turn it into a flourishing, cosmopolitan neighborhood. South Loop already provides lots of entertainment and it is alive with new restaurants, chic boutiques, and book and antique stores. It is the ideal location for people who want to live, work and play in one dynamic and developing area.

Nevertheless, potential buyers here must have in mind the fact that South Loop is a contrast within its own limits. The population here is very diverse; one part of the area is beautiful, while the other part is somewhat unattractive. On one side you have a rapidly developing landscape with some of the cities latest innovations while on the other side you have buildings that are decaying rapidly and in some cases are abandoned all together. Generally, it is composed of some of Chicago's wealthiest people along side some of Chicago's least fortunate.

Back in the day, Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood started as one of the city’s first residential districts, and recent redevelopments have again transformed it into a residential neighborhood. It was initially populated by Irish immigrants. Railroads entering Chicago in the 1850s established passenger stations and freight houses at the southern edge of the business district. The Chicago Fire of 1871 spared the area, and displaced Loop businesses found temporary quarters there which helped the development of the community.

The transportation system in the South Loop is good, as residents enjoy unparalleled transportation to the rest of the city and the suburbs via train, bus, and the “L,” which is famously short for "elevated train". They have access to the Metra rail lines, the Blue, Red, Green and Orange "L" Lines, and CTA busses on many major streets. The South Loop also has I-90 on its western edge and Lake Shore Drive along it's eastern border. There are also several colleges in the area, primarily Columbia College and the Art Institute, bringing many young artists and students to the South Loop. The beautiful campus, surrounded by Lake Michigan, creates wonderful opportunities for culture and education just about every day of the year.

The popularity of the area is increasing all the time, mostly due to its proximity to downtown Chicago. Housing opportunities are also quite good. Architecturally, the South Loop has many unique and special housing choices. Available for sale are single-family homes, townhouses, lofts, mid-rise condominiums and apartments. Many loft conversions and luxury new construction buildings have further broadened the neighborhood's appeal to visitors and prospective residents alike.