North Center

  • 90 Walk Score
  • 67 Transit Score
  • 86 Bike score

About North Center

Renting a North Center apartment means joining one of Chicago’s most relaxed yet refined communities. Located on the North Side and prized for its neighborhood feel, North Center offers convenient commuting via the Brown Line and several major CTA bus routes. This area is defined by its unique landmarks, including the scenic Riverview Riverwalk and the vibrant North Center Town Square, which hosts a popular farmers market and seasonal festivals.

The neighborhood’s culinary and craft beer scene is a major draw for residents. From the legendary brews at Half Acre Beer Co. and Begyle Brewing to acclaimed dining spots like Bad Apple, Tiny’s Milk & Delivery, and the iconic Cho Sun Ok, the local flavors are diverse and high-quality. With its quiet, tree-lined streets, local boutiques, and easy access to both Welles Park and the Chicago River, it’s a perfect balance of urban energy and residential charm, all within walking distance of the cultural hub of nearby Lincoln Square.


North Center Map

Key Locations

Welles Park

Recreation

Bad Apple

Dining

Malt Row (Brewery District)

Nightlife

Half Acre Beer Co.

Entertainment

The 312 RiverRun

Recreation

North Center Town Square

Community

Waveland Bowl

Entertainment

Lincoln Avenue Corridor

Shopping

Cho Sun Ok

Dining

Transportation & Accessibility

Public Transit

  • Montrose Station – Brown Line
  • Irving Park Station – Brown Line
  • Damen Station – Brown Line
  • Ravenswood Station – Metra UP-N Line
  • Addison Station – Brown Line

Bus Routes

  • Route 50 Damen
  • Route 49 Western / 49B North Western
  • Route 80 Irving Park
  • Route 78 Montrose
  • Route 11 Lincoln
  • Route X49 Western Express

Driving & Parking

  • Easy access to I-90/94 Kennedy Expressway
  • Primarily non-permitted street parking on residential blocks
  • 20-minute drive to downtown in light traffic
  • Close proximity to major thoroughfares (Western and Ashland)
  • Ample bike-friendly side streets for local travel

Biking & Walking

  • Dedicated bike lanes on Lincoln, Damen, and Western
  • Multiple Divvy bike-sharing stations nearby
  • Direct access to the 312 RiverRun trail system
  • “Walker’s Paradise” with groceries and dining within 2 blocks
  • Secure on-site bike storage available at the property

Dining & Entertainment

Tiny’s Milk & Delivery

cafe
Charming local favorite serving artisan coffee, fresh pastries, and creative sandwiches in the heart of the Town Square

Common Cup

cafe
A cozy, community-driven coffee house perfect for remote work or a quiet morning with locally roasted beans

Waveland Bowl

entertainment
Classic 24-hour bowling alley featuring a retro neon aesthetic, glow-in-the-dark lanes, and a full-service lounge

Cho Sun Ok

restaurant
Legendary Korean BBQ destination known for traditional tabletop grilling and authentic family-style dishes

Begyle Brewing

bar
Community-focused taproom on “Malt Row” known for its approachable, award-winning beers and dog-friendly atmosphere

Bad Apple

restaurant
Gourmet burgers with artisanal toppings and one of the most extensive craft beer selections in the city

Half Acre Beer Co.

bar
A neighborhood cornerstone offering a spacious taproom and iconic Chicago brews in a relaxed industrial setting

Basant

restaurant
Modern Indian dining experience offering vibrant, high-end flavors and beautifully plated traditional classics

Burning Bush Brewery

bar
Riverside brewery featuring a scenic outdoor patio and a diverse selection of handcrafted ales right on the riverbank

Parks & Recreation

Welles Park

Spacious community park featuring a pool, fitness center, and iconic gazebo for summer concerts

Riverview Riverwalk

Peaceful waterfront trail perfect for walking, running, and enjoying the restored riverbank habitat

Horner Park

Expansive green space offering a popular dog park, athletic fields, and nature trails along the river

Revere Park

Local hub for community sports, featuring a fieldhouse, ball fields, and specialized tennis programs

312 RiverRun

Scenic recreational path and bridge connecting neighborhood parks with stunning views of the Chicago River

Clark (Richard) Park

Versatile riverfront park home to a public boat launch, competitive rowing facilities, and a bike park

Schools & Education

Public Schools

Coonley Elementary School

Public Elementary School

Highly-rated K–8 neighborhood school known for its strong academic programs, regional gifted center, and active community

Bell Elementary School

Public Elementary School

A top-performing K–8 school recognized for its specialty programs and inclusive learning environment

Lake View High School

Public High School

The neighborhood’s historic secondary school offering a premier STEM program and diverse extracurricular activities

Lane Tech College Prep

Public High School

One of Chicago’s most prestigious selective-enrollment high schools, located just on the edge of the neighborhood

Libraries

Sulzer Regional Library

One of the city’s largest regional libraries, offering extensive research collections, a dedicated children’s floor, and maker spaces

Conrad Sulzer Branch

A historic architectural landmark providing quiet study areas, community workshops, and a massive selection of multimedia resources


North Center Properties

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