South Loop

The South Loop, bounded by Congress Parkway-Eisenhower Expressway on the north, Michigan Avenue on the east, Cermak Avenue on the south, and the Chicago River on the west, presents a striking contrast to the Loop, with its less trafficked streets and a more subdued—but also grittier—vibe. Though it was one of Chicago's first residential districts, the area eventually became a symbol of urban blight. A redevelopment boom is transforming it into a residential neighborhood again, this time attracting more and more residents who like its ethnic and racial mix and growing sense of community, as well as its proximity to the Loop, great museums, and hip restaurants.