8 Best Chicago Neighborhoods for Outdoor Adventures

While known for its gusting winds, towering skyscrapers, and delectable deep-dish pizza, Chicago has another defining feature that shouldn’t go unnoticed: its abundant outdoor spaces. With a 26-mile lakefront and over 600 city parks, the Windy City is a prime destination for nature lovers.

If you’re drawn to Chicago for its outdoor recreation, you’re in the right place! In this article, we’ll share some of the best Chicago neighborhoods for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and renters looking to live an active lifestyle in the Windy City. Whether you’re drawn to Chicago’s stunning lakefront or its expansive parks, here are some nature-filled neighborhoods to consider:

• Lincoln Park
• Lakeview
• Gold Coast
• Hyde Park
• Logan Square
• Edgewater
• Bucktown/Wicker Park
• Andersonville

Lincoln Park

Parks and recreation near Lincoln Park:

• Lincoln Park
• Lincoln Park Zoo
• Lincoln Park Conservatory
• Oz Park
• Wrightwood Park

Lincoln Park is a nature lover’s dream. Home to green spaces, conservatories, beaches, and a 35-acre zoo, this popular Chicago neighborhood leaves little to be desired. Here, you’ll find apartments, condos, and homes for rent, all just steps away from the city’s finest outdoor facilities. Whether taking a dip at North Avenue Beach, strolling through the grounds of the Lincoln Park Conservatory, or exploring the famous Lincoln Park Zoo, you’ll never run out of outdoor activities in Lincoln Park.

Lakeview

Parks and recreation near Lakeview:

• North Avenue Beach
• Wrigley Field
• Chase Park
• Notebaert Nature Museum
• Oz Park

Directly above Lincoln Park lies Lakeview, another popular destination for Chicago’s nature aficionados. Not only is this neighborhood home to the famous Wrigley Field, but it also boasts some of the city’s most stunning waterfront views. When not cheering on the Chicago Cubs, you’ll find Lakeview residents biking down the 18-mile lakefront, exploring nearby green spaces at Oz or Chase Park, or admiring the blooming flora and fauna at the Notebaert Nature Museum.

Gold Coast

Parks and recreation near Gold Coast:

• Lake Shore Park
• Oak Street Beach
• Lincoln Park Zoo
• Lincoln Park
• Millennium Park

Chicago’s Gold Coast is as luxurious as it sounds. This area is widely known for its upscale feel, boasting several designer boutiques, Michelin-starred restaurants, and renovated rental properties. However, as rich as the Gold Coast is with glamour, its affluence also extends to outdoor recreation. In fact, this neighborhood boasts some of the most coveted parks and recreational spots in Chicago, such as Lake Shore Park and Oak Street Beach.

Hyde Park

Parks and recreation near Hyde Park:

• University of Chicago campus
• Midway Plaisance Park
• Jackson Park
• Washington Park
• South Shore Cultural Center

Bordering Washington Park, Hyde Park is a great place to experience Chicago’s natural beauty. Here, you’ll find residents strolling through the University of Chicago campus, playing on the outdoor skating rink of Midway Plaisance Park, or participating in local community events like farmers’ markets and music festivals. When outdoor conditions are poor, Hyde Park goers gravitate to the world-renowned Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere.

Logan Square

Parks and recreation near Logan Square:

• The 606 (Bloomingdale Trail)
• Humboldt Park
• Wrightwood Park
• Kilbourn Park
• LaFollette Park

Though it might be landlocked, Logan Square has no shortage of outdoor beauty and recreation. Its standout landmark is the 606, an abandoned railway turned elevated park and trail that runs through the neighborhood and into Humboldt Park. Along this iconic path, you’ll find stretches of green spaces, scenic lookout points, captivating public art, and more. Plus, there are plenty of other hidden gems within the neighborhood itself, like the Illinois Centennial Monument or Logan Square Farmers Market.

Edgewater

Parks and recreation near Edgewater:

• Chase Park
• Winnemac Park
• Warren Park
• Touhy Park
• Rogers Park

If the suburbs are more your speed, you might enjoy living in Edgewater. Just on the northern tip of Lincoln Park, this quieter oasis offers calm residential streets and just as many recreational opportunities as neighboring communities more south. Here, you’ll find residents basking in the sun at Foster or Osterman Beach, exploring the famous Bryn Mawr Historic District, or playing intramural sports at one of the area’s expansive parks.

Bucktown/Wicker Park

Parks and recreation near Bucktown/Wicker Park:

• Holstein Park
• Churchill Park
• Ehrler Park
• The 606 (Bloomingdale Trail)
• Humboldt Park

Bordering the east side of the Chicago River is Bucktown/Wicker Park, one of the city’s trendiest and bustling neighborhoods. If nature is your thing, this thriving area boasts several green spaces throughout Holstein, Churchill, and Ehrler Park. Not to mention, it also provides easy access to the 606, perfect for morning jogs or scenic strolls. However, Bucktown/Wicker Park isn’t just about outdoor recreation, it’s also a cultural hot spot. From renowned live music venues and art galleries to an exciting nightlife scene, this neighborhood has something for everyone.

Andersonville

Parks and recreation near Andersonville:

• Chase Park
• Winnemac Park
• Warren Park
• Touhy Park
• Rogers Park

Another suburban option for outdoor lovers is Andersonville, located about 10 miles north of Downtown Chicago. Like Edgewater, this area fosters a quieter, slower-paced atmosphere and is known for its charming streets and Swedish heritage. Here, you can enjoy local events and recreation at Winnemac Park, a 22-acre park offering walking trails, sports fields, and well-kept gardens. You also might also enjoy shopping along Clark Street, Andersonville’s quaint shopping district lined with 19^th-century row houses, antique shops, and local eateries.

Explore Apartments for Rent in Chicago on Apartments.com

Ready to find your own outdoor oasis in the Windy City? Explore apartments for rent in Chicago right here on Apartments.com! Our expansive database of listings covers all parts of the city, from the waterfront streets of Lakeview to the sprawling green spaces of Bucktown. Whatever part of Chicago is calling your name, we’ve got options for you to explore!

Use our advanced search filters to find your perfect rental in Chicago. Search by price, location, amenities, and more to tailor your listing selection exactly to your wants and needs. With our easy-to-use map and list view, you can easily see which rental properties are closest to your desired locations, like near the river or by a park, to ensure your Chicago renting experience doesn’t fall short for outdoor exploration.