AMLI Residential
Back Arrow
Back to Blog Home
Around The Area

5 Reasons River North Is One of Chicago’s Best Places To Live

by
Jul 10th, 2025

There's something magnetic about River North that keeps drawing people back for more. The neighborhood pulses with energy at all hours, and there are enough coffee spots around to make it there and back for your morning meeting every time. The River North neighborhood is not just part of Downtown Chicago proper, it's an entire ecosystem of its own!

Nestled beside the Chicago River and the bustling Loop, River North has transformed from an industrial district into one of Chicago's most sought-after residential areas.

But why is River North the best choice for your next home (aside from AMLI River North and AMLI 808, of course)? Here are our top five things that make this neighborhood stand out in a city that’s already full of incredible places to live.

What makes River North a great neighborhood

1. Unmatched walkability and urban convenience

Step outside your door in River North, and everything you need is within a comfortable stroll. This neighborhood earned its reputation as one of Chicago's most walkable areas for good reason — you can genuinely live car-free without missing a beat.

The Magnificent Mile starts a few blocks from your doorstep, stretching north along Michigan Avenue with its flagship stores and department stores. But it's the everyday conveniences that truly shine. Whole Foods is nearby for your weekly grocery run, and there are plenty of shops, restaurants, convenience stores and hangout spots to fill in the gaps.

When you're living in properties like AMLI River North or AMLI 808, you're positioned perfectly to take advantage of this area's great walkability. Our luxury River North apartments place you within blocks of everything from dry cleaners to dog parks (yep, it’s true!), so you know you're never far from what you need.

Several branches of Chicago's public transportation network intersect here in River North, adding another option to your daily commute or weekend plans.

  • The Purple and Brown Lines at Merchandise Mart station and Chicago station
  • The Red Line at Grand station
  • The Chicago Water Taxi at Ogilvie/Union ferry terminal
  • Bus stations on nearly every block.

What really sets River North apart, though, is how the streets themselves encourage walking, and the neighborhood's grid layout also means you'll never get lost (an especially handy feature for those of us who are hopeless without our GPS!).

A view of a Chicago train platform with a "Chicago" sign prominently displayed. Buildings and elevated train tracks are visible in the background on a sunny day.

2. World-class dining and nightlife scene

River North doesn't just have restaurants — it has bona-fide dining experiences where James Beard Award winners share blocks with hidden gems and late-night favorites.

Start your culinary journey at Sushi San, which delivers top-of-the-line sushi plates in a relaxed, vibey atmosphere. Just a few blocks away, RPM Steak serves authentic Italian cuisine in a sleek, modern setting that's perfect for those special nights out.

The casual dining scene here rivals any neighborhood in the city. Lou Malnati's (which has two locations in River North!) offers deep-dish pizza that actually lives up to the hype, while Purple Pig across from the Wrigley Building creates Mediterranean small plates that are perfect for sharing over wine.

When the sun sets, River North transforms into Chicago's nightlife playground. The Drifter is a local favorite and is well known for its 20's speakeasy atmosphere, while Gus' Sip & Dip has a wide range of moderately-priced cocktails served alongside some seriously good eats.

A wide shot of the Chicago River flowing between towering skyscrapers under a cloudy evening sky. The buildings are lit up, and the iconic Marina City towers are visible on the right.

3. Prime location for career growth and networking

Your commute shouldn't consume your life, and in River North, it won't. This neighborhood positions you perfectly for career advancement, whether you're climbing the corporate ladder or building your own business empire.

The Loop business district sits just across the Chicago River, making your morning commute a pleasant 10-minute walk through some of the city's most beautiful architecture. Major corporations like McDonald's, Boeing and United Airlines maintain significant presences downtown, all easily accessible from River North.

River North's vibrant coffee culture supports the neighborhood's professional energy, too. Starbucks Reserve Roastery on North Michigan Avenue provides an upscale environment for client meetings, while smaller spots like the Dollop Coffee in AMLI 808 offer the intimate atmosphere perfect for one-on-one conversations or walking meetings.

After-work networking flows naturally here, thanks to the abundance of bars, breweries, bistros and burger joints. The concentration of airy restaurants and bars with private dining rooms makes River North ideal for business entertaining.

An elevated view of the Chicago River with its distinctive teal water, showing a large historic building (likely the Merchandise Mart) spanning the river, connected by a drawbridge. Modern glass skyscrapers flank the river under a partly cloudy sky.

4. Rich cultural attractions and entertainment

River North does more than house residents — it also nurtures culture! This neighborhood serves as Chicago's gallery district, where art, history and entertainment converge to create an intellectually stimulating environment. In fact, the area boasts the largest concentration of art galleries outside of Manhattan!

The Zolla/Lieberman Gallery focuses on contemporary works by established and emerging artists, making the art collection venture more approachable for newcomers. Gallery Victor is also nearby, with a focus on the artists' recent works, as well as other local creators — you might even get to see the artists and ask about their pieces!

The neighborhood itself serves as an outdoor museum, with the Marina City towers helping to create one of the most recognizable skylines in America.

Theater enthusiasts will find themselves well-positioned here, too. The Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier (just a few blocks east of River North) presents world-class productions year-round, while smaller venues throughout the neighborhood showcase emerging playwrights and experimental works.

A bright yellow "Chicago Water Taxi" boat, named "Wendella II," cruises on a river flanked by large city buildings and bridges. Green tree leaves are visible in the foreground.

5. Perfect balance of urban energy and livability

River North manages something remarkable by maintaining big-city excitement while fostering genuine community connections.

If you're looking to get some fresh air and some space from the hustle and bustle, there's also plenty to see and do just outside of the neighborhood's boundary lines.

The Ohio Street Beach in Streeterville provides an unexpected urban oasis where people gather for everything from morning runs to evening volleyball games and summer beach parties; the 18-mile lakefront trail also passes just east of the neighborhood along the water's edge, creating miles of running and cycling paths right outside your door.

Speaking of cycling, the Divvy bike stations throughout the area encourage car-free exploration of the broader city, and it's a great way to spend a weekend with friends or guests!

An aerial view of the Chicago skyline, showing numerous skyscrapers, Soldier Field stadium, and a large marina filled with boats on Lake Michigan under a clear blue sky.

In the end, River North isn't just a place to live — it's a lifestyle choice that prioritizes convenience, culture and community in a world that is often so far from it. From your morning coffee run to late-night adventures, this neighborhood supports every aspect of urban living while maintaining the character that makes Chicago special.

Whether you're drawn by the unbeatable walkability, the world-class dining scene or the perfect work-life balance, River North really does offer something for everyone. It's a place where you can build a career, cultivate relationships and create the kind of life that makes you excited to wake up each morning.

Ready to experience for yourself why River North is the best? Take a stroll through the neighborhood and see how this unique corner of Chicago could become your next home (that's where we come in!)

Enjoy!

Pin it!

Featured Photo by Megan Soule on Unsplash

Second Photo by Daniel Romero on Unsplash

Third Photo by Leo_Visions on Unsplash

Fourth Photo by Zander Betterton on Unsplash

Fifth Photo by Deborah L Carlson on Unsplash

Sixth Photo by Urvish Oza on Unsplash

Author of Article

The AMLI Editorial Team consists of a team of writers and editors who work together on blog articles, and may occasionally employ AI tools to assist in developing content.

Arrow icon.View All Posts by AMLI Editorial Team
share this post