The Downtown area covers 4 of Chicago’s 77 community areas: The Loop, Near North Side, Near South Side and Near West Side. It includes popular neighborhoods such as the Loop, River North, the Gold Coast, Streeterville, the West Loop, Fulton Market and the South Loop.
This is one of Are You Chi’s 12 regions, a way to browse the city by the names people actually use. It is not an official City of Chicago division; the official units are the 77 community areas.
Community areas and neighborhoods in this area
| Community area | Popular neighborhoods | Best-of guides |
|---|---|---|
| The Loop (#32) | Central Loop, Printer’s Row, New Eastside, northern South Loop | Best of the Loop |
| Near North Side (#8) | River North, Streeterville, Gold Coast, Old Town, Magnificent Mile, Goose Island, Cabrini-Green | Best of River North, Best of Gold Coast, Best of Streeterville, Best of Old Town |
| Near South Side (#33) | South Loop (most), Prairie Avenue District, Central Station, Museum Campus, Dearborn Park, Southbridge, Prairie Shores | Best of South Loop |
| Near West Side (#28) | West Loop, Fulton Market, Greektown, Little Italy, University Village, Illinois Medical District, Tri-Taylor | Best of West Loop, Best of Fulton Market, Best of Little Italy |
Best of the Downtown area
- Best of the Loop
- Best of River North
- Best of Gold Coast
- Best of Streeterville
- Best of Old Town
- Best of South Loop
- Best of West Loop
- Best of Fulton Market
- Best of Little Italy
Frequently asked questions
Which neighborhoods are in the Downtown area?
Popular neighborhoods here include the Loop, River North, the Gold Coast, Streeterville, the West Loop, Fulton Market and the South Loop. The table above lists every neighborhood by community area.
How many community areas are in the Downtown area?
4: The Loop, Near North Side, Near South Side and Near West Side.
Is this an official Chicago region?
No. Are You Chi groups the 77 official community areas into 12 regions named after well-known neighborhoods. For the City’s own units, see the community areas guide.
Nearby areas
- Lincoln Park to Rogers Park
- Logan Square & Wicker Park
- Garfield Park & Austin
- Pilsen & Bridgeport
- Bronzeville & Hyde Park
Related guides
Sources
- Community areas of Chicago (Wikipedia)
- Neighborhood names come from each linked community area guide, which lists its own sources.
Last updated: October 31, 2026