Understand

Chicago's Near West Side is not just a bland campus dominated by the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). This vibrant neighborhood has a rich history that gave birth to some of the city's most beloved cultural landmarks. It was the major port of entry throughout the 1800s and early 1900s, bringing together diverse communities such as Jewish immigrants and African-Americans during the Great Migration. The heart of the neighborhood was the legendary Maxwell Street Market, where people from all walks of life came to find the best deals, enjoy street performances by future blues legends, and indulge in cheap food. However, the neighborhood has undergone significant changes due to the construction of UIC and the city's desire for a buffer zone between the Loop and the West Side housing projects. While attractions may have moved away, the Near West Side still has pockets of charm, such as the small restaurant strips of Little Italy and Greektown, as well as the trendy West Loop with its high-end restaurants, thriving gallery scene, and hot clubs-of-the-moment.

Map & Climate