River West
Industrial Roots, Modern City Rhythm
River West offers a compelling blend of affordability and urban convenience for grad students and young professionals. Nestled between the West Loop and Wicker Park, it’s ideal for those seeking quick commutes—Blue Line access and bike-friendly streets make downtown and campus connections seamless. The neighborhood balances industrial charm with modern lofts, cozy cafes, and local breweries.
Safety is solid, with a tight-knit community feel and active neighborhood groups. Amenities include fitness studios, grocery options, and walkable dining. River West’s vibe is low-key yet lively—perfect for those who want proximity to the action without the chaos. It’s Chicago living, streamlined.
Safety is solid, with a tight-knit community feel and active neighborhood groups. Amenities include fitness studios, grocery options, and walkable dining. River West’s vibe is low-key yet lively—perfect for those who want proximity to the action without the chaos. It’s Chicago living, streamlined.
What River West Residents
Think About Their Apartments
Think About Their Apartments
overall
8.0
value
8.5
amenities
7.0
social
7.0
management
8.0
safety
9.1
Median rents in River West
Studio
$
1,550
1 Bedroom
$
1,770
2 Bedroom
$
2,235
Reviews
Around the Area
Best Apartments
Living inRiver West
River West —
8.8/10 Rating
(based on 9 neighborhood reviews)
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River West is a hidden gem! It's a smaller neighborhood that might be lesser known, but it's growing. It's an awesome central location. Quick to school on the Blue Line or a 10 minute drive to campus. Getting to other neighborhoods like Wicker, West Loop, River North, etc is also super easy from River West.
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938 N Elston Ave
The neighborhood is new and primarily residential, so very few distractions. The location of River West is great for accessing all the other neighborhoods in Chicago. It is only 3 miles from the lakefront.
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Spoke
neighborhood is safe, convenient, small not too busy or noisy, friendly neighbors
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713 N Milwaukee Ave
The area is safe, it is close to the blue line, there is street parking, and it is close to many other neighborhoods. There is not much of a social scene in our neighborhood directly but its very easy to get to other places.
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937 N Racine Ave
Close in but not expensive. The only big drawback is the highway cutting it off from surrounding areas and taking space that could otherwise be more businesses. I find myself frequently going to Wicker Park because there's not nearly as many businesses in River West.
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943 N Racine Ave
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The neighborhood is great - I think it'll be the new hot spot. It's close to public transportation like the blue line and even walk-able to the west loop. I haven't really discovered a ton of great restaurants, but it's close enough to hot spots like Wicker.
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Mondial River West
Neighborhood is great. Easy access to Wicker Park and Fulton Market. You're right next to a CVS and a new grocery store.
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Mondial River West
River West is a nice compromise to being close to downtown (Central Loop is only a 25-30 min walk or quick blue line trip). There are nicer places than others but for the most part feels homey/cozy. Lots of new things going in on Chicago Ave, Halsted area.
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River West Lofts
It’s great being right on the blue line and being just a few stops or a walk from River North, Wicker Park, and West Loop but there is less to do in the immediate area and it is a bit far from Rush.
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Westerly
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Getting to KnowRiver West
Neighborhood Boundaries
East to West Boundaries: North Branch Chicago River to Kennedy Expy
North to South Boundaries: W Division St to W Girard Ave
North to South Boundaries: W Division St to W Girard Ave