Welcome to South Loop
History
The South Loop was settled by industrial workers who helped construct the groundbreaking Illinois & Michigan Canal, along with other early engineering projects which shaped the early development of the city. By the 1850’s, the neighborhood had been annexed into the rapidly growing Chicago and was quickly connected to the city via the South State Street horse-drawn streetcar line. Development and population growth swiftly followed, with many wealthy residents relocating from the ever more crowded downtown to newly built mansions in the South Loop.
In the early twentieth century, the city began implementing the famous Burnham Plan, a defining legacy of which is the vast parkland along the lakeshore of the South Loop. That area is now home to world famous cultural institutions such as the Field Museum of Natural History, Adler Planetarium and the John G. Shedd Aquarium. Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears, is also located just across Lake Shore Drive from the South Loop community.
Residential construction accelerated once again in the 1990’s and early 2000’s with the redevelopment of former industrial and railroad land, and continues to this day.
Worth Seeing / Things to Do
The South Loop has emerged as one of the city’s prime locations for fine dining, shopping, and entertainment. Museum Campus offers residents and visitors access to prized collections of historical artifacts and natural wonders, and the vast network of lakeshore parkland offers unparalleled urban recreational greenspace. At the southern end of the neighborhood sits the massive McCormick Place convention center, which is host to a constant stream of world-renowned events and expositions.
Schools
The South Loop is served by the Chicago Public Schools, with The South Loop School, The Drake School, and The National Teacher Academy school all accessible to residents of the neighborhood. The zoned high school for South Loop is Phillips Academy High School.
Transportation
The South Loop is served by the CTA Green, Orange, and Red Lines, all of which stop at the major Roosevelt station. These lines provide frequent and direct rapid transit connections to The Loop, Chicago Midway International Airport, The McCormick Place convention center, West Loop, Lincoln Park, and a variety of other Chicago neighborhoods. The area is also served by the 12, 18, 62, 146, and 192 bus routes.
From Redfin:
- Walk Score® 93 / 100 : Walker's Paradise
- Transit Score® 92 / 100: Rider’s Paradise
- Bike Score® 90 / 100: Biker's Paradise
Real Estate Market
Studio condominium units in the South loop cost an average of $150,000, while a typical 2 bedroom unit is valued at around $400,000. With prices constantly changing, it is best to call an SGR agent for pricing guidance.
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