WEST LOOP
Quick Facts
Current Prices: $209,000 to $3,499,890
Closed Prices: $175,000 to $4,650,000
Median Sale Price: $447,000
Average $ per sq ft: $380
Association Fee Ranges: $0 to $472, $622, $0 to $22758/mo
Type: Attached Home (Condo, Townhouse, Loft, etc.), Single Family Home
Age: 1872 to 2022
Sq. Ft.: 558 to 5,400sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 0 to 5 bedrooms
Bathrooms: 1 to 6 bathrooms
(based on data from the last 12 months)
Price Vibes
A favorite of urbanites and foodies, this neighborhood is trendy, upscale, and certainly not cheap. West Loop residents are willing to pay a high price for industrial-style lofts around the corner from the latest Michelin-rated restaurant. While the popular open layout floorplans promise more space then you will likely find in the Loop, the price per square foot is high. With plenty of new developments in the area, the West Loop provides ample housing for those who value its location and character.
Where to Live
Since the West Loop used to be a meatpacking district, many of the buildings within the neighborhood are warehouses that have yet to be converted into housing or commercial space. That's why getting into a home in this area, whether you want an industrial loft or swanky condo, is a tough task. The payoff is worth it, though, for a spot in the heart of the action with twinkling views of downtown.
Where to Eat
Listen up, foodies — the West Loop has one of the city's most incredible culinary scenes. Much of life in the West Loop revolves around Randolph Street. Here, you'll find an array of restaurants that serve everything from inventive small plates to deep-dish pizza, casual diner food to fine dining experiences, and homemade ice cream to gelato. Au Cheval serves up one of the most famous burgers in town, while Girl & The Goat is known for its bold, inventive creations. Further north, Momotaro offers a fantastic array of Japanese cuisine, and The Publican employs a variety of seafood and pork dishes for dinner as well as an indulgent brunch menu.
What You'll See
The West Loop revival has been a complete success, as evidenced by the number of people who spend their weekends and evenings strolling this industrial stretch. Randolph Street's restaurants draw the largest crowds, especially on the weekends. Over the summer, locals head to the West Loop for its many street festivals that revolve around -- what else? -- the eateries in the area.
Friday Night Fun
A Friday night in the West Loop will most likely begin at one of the packed restaurants on Randolph Street. Then, head to Fulton Market and switch your tune from dinner to libations at one of the bars that dot this stretch. They're not run-of-the-mill pubs and sports bars, either — you'll find wine bars, artisan beers, and craft cocktails on this side of town. West Loop is also a destination for concertgoers, with The Mid hosting well-known names in electronic music and Bottom Lounge bringing in rock and hip hop acts.
The Perfect Sunday
A Sunday in the city should always start with brunch, and West Loop has plenty of options. Once you've broken the fast, make your way to the once-monthly Randolph Street Market Festival. Here, you can find hidden gems amongst one of the nation's largest antique markets. You'll also find indie designer pieces, products from around the globe, and, of course, delicious street eats to further fuel your shopping expedition.
Transportation Options
Ogilvie Transportation Center is a Metra hub for those commuting into the city or migrating to the north or west suburbs, while the Amtrak and long-distance buses (think Greyhound and Megabus) depart from Union Station. Bus routes abound in the West Loop, taking you west, north, and south, with the 'L' taking you east to the Loop. The West Loop is also a fairly car-friendly neighborhood, especially compared to the rest of the Downtown area. Street parking is available in most areas as long as you're willing to pay the meter.
Though the West Loop has prominent residential pockets, the neighborhood layout is reminiscent of its days as a meatpacking district. Large, industrial-style buildings make the area feel a little more spread out than the Loop or River North, but it is still easily navigated by foot.