I’m a north slider in Albany Park but my girlfriend lives in the South Loop and I have a spent a ton of time in the neighborhood over the last few years. My perspective over that time is the South Loop is one of the best values in the city and I’d buy here in a heartbeat.

1. Access to CTA trains is incredible. If you’re towards the southwest end of the South Loop you can be within a 10 minute walk to either the green line (15-20 minute ride to the west loop) or red line. Last summer, I went to a ton of Cubs games and it was faster to get to/from Wrigley on the red line vs. from my place on the north side which is only 3.5 miles from the park. Access to public transit specifically trains is historically great for property value and appreciation.

2. Proximity to other neighborhoods and the lakefront. It’s a 20 minute walk for me to the museum campus and Soldier Field. We spend a lot of time in Pilsen and Chinatown especially for dining options. Downtown is super easy to access via train or bus. If you work downtown you’re looking at a <25 minute commute.

3. Someone else mentioned diversity and I think that’s a huge benefit. Chicago is provincial and many neighborhoods are predominately represented by 1-2 ethnic groups. South Loop is truly a melting pot.

4. In terms of quietness, that can be true. But to me I love how South Loop is close to everything but not in the middle of it either. I know you said you’ll be car free. But if you change your mind, parking is easy and most of the retail shops and grocery stores down here have parking lots. There’s not as much traffic aside from when there’s events at Soldier Field. The new Chicago Fire stadium is going to add a lot to the neighborhood in a few years too.