River West is a pocket in Chicago that not a lot of people pay too much attention to. Reason being is that it is a relatively new Chicago Neighborhood. It seems to be the perfect spot for residents looking for a little more peace and quiet without moving too far from downtown. It is located on the west bank of the Chicago River’s South Branch. It is part of the West Loop Community as it is bordered by Division, Grand, and the Kennedy Expressway. It also rubs elbow with Wicker Park and River North.
River West is known for its charming traditional family-owned restaurants, bakeries and flower and produce stands. River West also boasts the United Center stadium as well. The area is becoming very popular as it is being rediscovered by a new generation of city dwellers.
River West has become increasingly residential although warehouses still stand in much of River West, and there is still plenty of truck traffic shipping goods in and out along Halsted Street and Grand Avenue. The recent influx of wealthy residents came on the coattails of two major developments in River West: the backdrop of a burgeoning arts scene and an increasingly popular setting for nightlife and restaurants. Artists first moved in to capitalize on cheap rents, which started the gradual transformation from a meatpacking and manufacturing district to one that attracts flocks of art enthusiasts on the weekends.
The price of housing is not too expensive especially compared to River North. A one-two bedroom condo/loft starts in the mid $100,000s, whereas a three bedroom could cost anywhere between upper $200,000s to upper two million dollars. The average sale for a three bedroom townhouse is $423,000. River West offers dozens of new office and residential loft conversions as well as many renovated two and three flats, newly constructed townhomes an brand new loft communities rising from old warehouses and factories. Reminiscent of its industry days is definitely part of the concrete and steel jungle of city living, but the contemporary designs of the freshly rehabbed buildings provide an innovative environment that is appealing to Chicagoans of all types of people. Trendy designs and upgraded amenities have become the norm in this new aged community in the heart of the near north side.
There are many things to do and see in River West. River West residents enjoy unparalleled access to some of the most exciting districts and neighborhoods in Chicago. The city has many finer restaurants and cafes that are all along Randolph Street. Also, River west dining and nightlife is so spectacular that it is know to attract Chicagoans from outside the neighborhood.