Welcome to The Loop Chicago! This vibrant city is home to some of the best food, shopping, and entertainment in the Midwest. From the iconic Navy Pier, to the Magnificent Mile, to the bustling downtown area, The Loop Chicago has something for everyone. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, this blog post will give you all the information you need to experience the best of The Loop.
We’ll start off by taking a look at the most popular attractions in The Loop. From the famous Millennium Park to the stunning Art Institute of Chicago, there are plenty of amazing places to explore. We’ll also provide some tips on how to get around The Loop on public transportation. Next, we’ll discuss the best places to eat, drink, and shop in The Loop. From the best local restaurants to the hottest nightlife spots, there’s no shortage of places to check out. We’ll also cover some of the best shopping destinations in The Loop, from boutiques to high-end department stores.
Finally, we’ll talk about the various activities and events available in The Loop. From theater performances to outdoor concerts, there’s always something going on in this vibrant city. We’ll also provide some tips on where to stay and what to do to make the most of your trip. So, if you’re looking for the ultimate guide to The Loop Chicago, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to find out everything you need to know about this fantastic city!
Map
Although the industrial core has significantly extended into neighboring community areas, the Loop community area’s boundaries remain the same as several decades ago. The Chicago River surrounds the neighborhood’s north and west border. Roosevelt Road lies south, while Lake Michigan surrounds the community area to the east. Although the South Loop, West Loop and Lakeshore East are all growing areas in their own right, they are still satellites of the Loop.
The Loop comprises various other neighborhoods and sub-districts like New Eastside, Printer’s Row, South Loop, Historic Michigan Boulevard District and Loop Retail Historic District. The loop has every kind of public transit, with easy access to parks, live music, and fantastic nightlife. You also have bus routes, but everything is within walking distance. The Chicago Loop lies in parts of the 60601, 60602, 60603, 60604, 60605, 60606, 60607, and 60616 zip codes.
Population
The Loop was previously Fort Dearborn, the first federally-sponsored colony in the region built by the United States army. Despite being predominately offices and government structures, the neighborhood has experienced the most significant population growth among Chicago’s neighborhood districts since 1950. Its residential population surged considerably over the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
According to the 2021 census, the Loop has a total population of 42,298 individuals. 73.4% of the neighborhood’s residents are Native Americans, and 26.6% have a foreign nationality. The majority of the neighborhood’s residents are whites (61.7%). Asians are the second-densest population group in the Loop (18.4%). Hispanics and Latinos occupy the next place in the racial sector (8.8%), followed by African Americans (7.8%). People from other non-Hispanic races are the Loop’s minority making up 3.3% of the population structure.
Living in the Loop can be a great experience for young professionals. Not only is the Loop one of the most desirable places to live in Chicago, but it is also a great place for young professionals to settle down and raise a family. With plenty of schools, parks, and cultural attractions, the Loop is a great place for young professionals to call home. The Loop is full of family-friendly attractions, making it an ideal place for young professionals to raise a family. There are plenty of parks, playgrounds, and other outdoor attractions, providing plenty of places for families to spend quality time together. The Loop is also home to a number of great schools, giving young professionals the opportunity to provide their children with a quality education. The Loop is also a great place for young professionals to meet new people and build relationships. The area is home to a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues for young professionals to explore. Plus, the Loop’s close proximity to other neighborhoods makes it easy to explore all that the city has to offer. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder why young professionals love the Loop. Whether you’re looking to start a family, meet new people, or explore the city, there’s something for everyone in the Loop. So if you’re a young professional looking for a place to call home, the Loop is definitely worth considering.
Real Estate
Living in the Loop Chicago has traditionally been a center for architectural activity. The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed the region, although it was rapidly rebuilt. Since the beginning of its existence, skyscrapers and high-rises have dominated Loop architecture. The Home Insurance Building, commonly regarded as the first skyscraper, was built in 1885. The Aon Center, the fourth-tallest structure in Chicago, is also located east of the Loop. Most of the Loop’s architecture is sculpted by famous architects like Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, and Henry Moore.
The buildings in the Loop’s Printer’s Row have been converted into lofts and apartments. Alternatively, warehouses and factory lofts in the South Loop neighborhood have been refurbished as residential buildings. New Eastside is a multi-functional district that includes theatres and financial and shopping districts.
There are 24,134 houses in the Loop which accommodate 1.6 persons. The neighborhood is predominantly renter occupied. Around 64.5% of the houses are leased to tenants, while owners dwell in 35.5% of the property. 20+ unit houses and high-rise buildings are the most common housing option in the Loop (95.2%). The second most common residential option is the single-family detached (2.5%).
The Loop is an affluent Chicago neighborhood; its per capita income exceeds $85,300, while the same for an average Chicago neighborhood is $37,103. Real estate in the Loop sells for around $385K. Despite decreasing by 1.3% in May 2022 compared to the previous year, the Loop’s average listing price is still higher than the city’s average of $335K.
Schools
Recent statistics show that the Loop has above-average educational attainment rates. Most of the neighborhood’s residents have a graduate or professional qualification (43.1%). Around 39.1% of Loop’s residents have an undergraduate degree.
The top-ranked educational institutions in the Chicago Loop include:
Crime Ratings
The Loop is located in Chicago Police Department’s District 012. The neighborhood is a safer area compared to most Chicago residential districts. Murder incidences in the neighborhood decreased by 23%, and criminal sexual assault cases declined by 5% in 2022 compared to 2021. However, robbery, theft, and motor vehicle theft cases increased by 28%, 92%, and 46%, respectively, in the same time frame.
Things to do in The Loop
The Loop in Chicago is one of the city’s most popular and vibrant neighborhoods. With world-renowned attractions, award-winning restaurants, and endless shopping opportunities, it’s no surprise that The Loop is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. Here are just a few of the most popular attractions in The Loop:
1. Millennium Park: Millennium Park is one of the city’s most visited attractions. Home to the iconic “Bean” sculpture, the park features lush green spaces, interactive art installations, and special events throughout the year.
2. The Art Institute of Chicago: Located in the heart of The Loop, The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the world’s largest and most renowned art museums. With hundreds of artworks spanning centuries, the museum is a must-see for any art lover.
3. The Chicago Theatre: Built-in 1921, The Chicago Theatre is a landmark in the city. From plays and musicals to comedians and concerts, the theatre offers a variety of entertainment options.
4. Willis Tower: Formerly known as the Sears Tower, Willis Tower is Chicago’s iconic skyscraper. The 103-story building offers stunning views of the city from its observation deck.
5. Navy Pier: Navy Pier is a popular waterfront destination, offering a variety of attractions, restaurants, and shops. From the iconic Ferris Wheel to boardwalk rides and boat tours, there’s something for everyone at Navy Pier.
Eat, drink, and Shop in The Loop.
The Loop is well-known for its great selection of restaurants, bars, and shops. Whether you’re looking for a delicious meal, a night out with friends, or some retail therapy, The Loop has something for everyone. Here are some of the best places to eat, drink, and shop in The Loop.
Eating in The Loop The Loop is home to a wide variety of restaurants, so you’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds. If you’re looking for a classic Chicago-style pizza, check out Lou Malnati’s or Giordano’s. For a unique dining experience, head to Girl & the Goat for a mix of creative dishes with a modern twist. For traditional Italian fare, try the Italian Village. Or, for a more upscale experience, head to Sixteen for fresh seafood and seafood towers.
Drinking in The Loop The Loop is full of great places to grab a drink with friends. If you’re looking for a classic Chicago bar, try the Red Lion Pub or the Berghoff. For a more upscale bar, try The Aviary or the Signature Room. Or, for a relaxed atmosphere, try The Drifter or the Betty.
Shopping in The Loop The Loop is a great place to find the perfect gift or a little something special for yourself. Stop by Marshall’s for clothing, home goods, and more. Or browse the shelves at the massive Macy’s location in the heart of the Loop. For a unique shopping experience, head to The Shops at North Bridge, where you’ll find high-end shops and designer boutiques. Or, if you’re looking for art and antiques, stop by the Monadnock Building.
History
On the north side of the Chicago River, Jean Baptiste Point DuSable founded a trading post in the late 1780s. In 1803–1804 Fort Dearborn was built on the opposing side. In the 1830s, South Water Thoroughfare along the south bank became a center of activity, and a block to the south, Lake Street, soon had the feel of a commercial street. The Loop area, which is close to the main stem of the river, served as the city’s functional center during the era of the walking city.
The majority of Chicago’s older ethnicities may trace their roots to the city’s historic core, thanks to the diverse population in the center city. Although people of all backgrounds, including Irish and African Americans, lived there, the region south and west of State and Madison Streets had a German character as early as the 1850s. Areas of deterioration, vice, and squatter housing were pushed forward as the business sector grew in size toward the railroad terminals, frequently resulting in pockets of affordable housing just past the depots.
Due to the use of streetcars, which initially emerged along State Street in 1859, the city experienced significant growth throughout the Civil War. By developing a luxurious hotel, a sizable retail emporium, and other mercantile structures along State Street towards the end of the war, Potter Palmer masterminded the relocation of retail commerce from Lake Street to State Street. When the Fire of 1871 entirely devastated the core part of the city, this reorientation of the economic sector was already well underway.
In the center of the city, the fire destroyed the majority of residential structures in addition to iconic church and school structures. The development of skyscrapers in the 1880s continued the trend toward commercial expansion, giving the downtown area a distinctive personality and making the skyline the emblem of the entire city.
The growing city’s citizens could stay in touch with the core thanks to advancements in transportation. In 1882, cable cars took the place of State Street’s horse-drawn carriages; in 1906, electric trolleys took their place. In 1927, gasoline buses replaced the trolleys, and in 1938, work on the State Street Subway started. Chicago residents had two neighborhoods up to 1950: their residential area and downtown, which served as a shared location for employment, recreation, government, and retail. In 1948, the number of people using the Loop peaked at about a million per day, going both ways, with a quarter of those people using private vehicles.
The significance of the Loop in many Chicagoans’ everyday lives was diminished after 1950 due to the outward draw of suburban growth in the new automotive metropolis. It was no longer their second neighborhood for many residents, and the downtown area’s share of overall metropolitan retail sales was significantly lower. Effects of the ancient walking city were revived thanks to the central business district’s expansion northward along Michigan Avenue and the reintroduction of residential buildings downtown. A building boom of unprecedented proportion resulted from the collaboration between the city government under Richard J. Daley and business leaders, helped by a consistent stream of state and federal funds, to provide offices for businesses, banks, and governmental agencies, as well as hotel rooms for tourists and expanded infrastructure for cultural and educational institutions.
THE LOOP: CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD
The 32nd Chicago neighborhood, the Loop, is the heart of Downtown Chicago and the city’s economic hub. It is also the second-largest commercial business district in North America. It is home to many of the city’s most well-known landmarks, as well as the global and national corporate headquarters, regional offices, retail stores, restaurants, coffee shops, hotels, and theatres. The Chicago Loop occupies a total of 1.58 square miles (4.09 km2). The Loop Neighborhoods: Central Union station, West Loop, south loop, Michigan avenue, and Chicago’s south loop.
According to some natives, the term “Loop” is rooted in the 1882 construction of two cable car lines that shared a loop along Van Buren Street, Wabash Avenue, Wells Street, and Lake Street. Other people state that “the Loop” wasn’t used as a proper noun until the Union elevated the railway loop’s construction in 1895–1897.
The Loop is a socially advanced region with plentiful restaurants, cafes, shopping centers, and fitness facilities. Apart from State Street’s shopping and restaurants, the Loop is home to a plethora of well-known Chicago attractions, such as Millennium Park, grant park, field museum riverboat tours, Millennium Park, and the Chicago Riverwalk, a pedestrian-only sideway lined with riverfront eateries. The neighborhood also boasts the McCormick Bridgehouse, Chicago River Museum, and the fantastic art exhibit Art on theMART.
This Loop has provided an integrated intra-city transit system since its formation. The core business center of Chicago was surrounded by a circle of railroad depots from the nineteenth century, all of which were situated on the outskirts of the area. By the 1890s, passenger lines had reached seven stations in the Loop. The Chicago terminal of the South Shore Line interurban, which travels to South Bend, Indiana, is located at Millennium Station. Except for the Yellow Line, all Chicago “L” lines provide at least partial service to the Loop.
