Sleek and secluded, the New East Side has blossomed into one of Chicago’s hottest neighborhoods.
Wedged between the Loop and Lake Michigan, residents enjoy luxury residences with impressive views in all directions. The area is acclaimed for its livability. New East Siders have easy access to some of the best shopping, dining, entertainment, and nightlife in the city. And, with the underground pedway to the Loop, the walk to work is warm (even in the Winter!)
New East Side Neighborhood Guide
New East Side living puts the best of Chicago within walking distance.
For budding art critics, the Art Institute of Chicago is blocks way. Music options range from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to Lollapalooza. Need a new look? Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is the city’s premier shopping district. Love the outdoors? Lovely public gardens, Lake Michigan, and Lincoln Park are at your fingertips.
Local Eats
New East Side restaurants include Filini, for fine-dining Italian, III Forks, a classic Chicago steakhouse, and Eggy’s, for delicious brunch. And with all the Loop and the Gold Coast’s eateries within a short walk, you’ll never lack for another great restaurant to try. On the whole, area restaurants tilt toward fine-dining, but more affordable places are also available.
New East Side Shopping
The New East Side is located between two of Chicago’s great shopping areas, the Loop and the Magnificent Mile. The Mag Mile has over 400 stores ranging from big-name retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue and Bloomingdales and smaller stores and boutiques. You can find all sorts of stores throughout the Loop, including great local businesses like Akira, Reckless Records, and Florodora Shoes. So whether you’re looking for necessities, a new wardrobe, or basically anything else, you can find it nearby!
Cultural Excellence
All year long, New East Siders find themselves at the heart of Chicago’s world-class cultural scene. With Navy Pier and Grant Park nearby, they have a front-row seat for Chicago’s exciting summer festivals and events. In the Chicago winter, one would be wise to prioritize nearby theater, musicals, and live music nearby. Theaters in the area include The Chicago Theater, Goodman Theatre, and Gene Siskel Film Center. Art lovers will love the Art Institute of Chicago, the MOCA, and the many galleries that dot the Loop and River North.
Parks and Recreation
This urban village is surrounded by some top recreation options. All along the lakefront, a lakefront trail is perfect for a jog, bike ride, or walk. The area’s Lakeshore East park is a botanical gem, perfect for a summer picnic or frisbee toss (if your feeling collegiate). Just to the south, Grant Park is known as “Chicago’s Front Yard”. Just to the south, Millenium Park is a Chicago classic. And, with so much architectural beauty, a simple stroll in any direction will be well worth your time.
New East Side History
Coming out of the Lake (1871-1900)
Not only was the New East Side not on the map in the 1800s, it wasn’t even on land. Not yet an urban oasis, the area was underwater in Lake Michigan. Serving as a seaport for the Illinois Central Railroad, goods would arrive by train to be shipped down the Mississippi River. As with nearby Streeterville, the area emerged out of the Lake when it served as a landfill for debris from the Chicago Fire of 1871.
Early Development (1945-2000)
After World War II, the railroads sold airspace rights to the area. In the 1960s, skyscrapers started to go up, including Aon Center and One Prudential Plaza. Integrating the area into the Loop’s existing three-level street system posed a serious challenge. A solution was devised. Parking structures, pedestrian passageways, and lower streets for truck deliveries would be built below ground level. At the center of the neighborhood, the beautiful Lakeshore East Park was designed by landscape architect James Burnett.
New East Side Today
The New East Side became a major residential area in the early 2000s. Aiming to house professionals working in the Loop, a cluster of new luxury towers was built by the Magellan Development Group. It was a huge success. Today, the former tangle of train tracks is home to 15,000 people, a beautiful 6-acre park, and many thriving businesses.
New East Side Homes
Housing in the New East Side consists mostly of high-end condos in the area’s 27 high-end skyscrapers. Units range in size (and price) from studios to massive penthouses. A limited number of pricey townhomes are also available. Residents enjoy top amenities, stunning views, and an easy commute to work. With so much to enjoy, its no surprise that “Chicago’s Newest Neighborhood” is booming!
