Neighborhood Comparison
Bucktown vs Streeterville
Across the six dimensions below, Bucktown comes out ahead in more categories — but the cheaper or more amenity-rich option may still be the right fit depending on your priorities.
Bucktown
Chicago, IL
A trendy residential neighborhood with tree-lined streets, family-friendly parks, and upscale dining. Perfect for those seeking a quieter alternative to neighboring Wicker Park.
Full Bucktown guide →Streeterville
Chicago, IL
An upscale lakefront neighborhood home to Navy Pier, Northwestern Hospital, and the Magnificent Mile. Perfect blend of shopping, dining, and waterfront living.
Full Streeterville guide →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Bucktown | Streeterville | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,050 | $2,500 | Bucktown |
| Walkability | 8.8 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 | Bucktown |
| Transit Access | 8.6 / 10 | 9.9 / 10 | Streeterville |
| Amenities | 8.2 / 10 | 6.3 / 10 | Bucktown |
| Average Building Rating | 4.4 ★ | 4.4 ★ | Tie |
| Resident Sentiment | 10.97 (312 reviews) | 11.17 (345 reviews) | Tie |
Average Rent: Bucktown averages about $450 less per month — meaningful over a 12-month lease.
Walkability: Bucktown scores higher for daily-essentials walkability — groceries, coffee and dining within a short walk of most buildings.
Transit Access: Streeterville has stronger transit access overall, with more frequent service and shorter walks to stops from most apartment buildings.
Amenities: Apartment buildings in Bucktown tend to offer richer amenity packages — rooftops, coworking lounges and full fitness centers are more common.
Average Building Rating: Both neighborhoods average similar resident ratings across reviewed buildings.
Resident Sentiment: Resident sentiment is comparable in both neighborhoods.
Which Should You Choose?
Budget-conscious renters
Pick Bucktown
Lower average asking rent and stronger value across studio and 1-bedroom inventory.
Browse Bucktown apartments →Car-free professionals
Pick Streeterville
Better transit access shortens daily commutes and reduces reliance on rideshare.
Browse Streeterville apartments →Walkability-first renters
Pick Bucktown
Higher density of groceries, coffee, dining and fitness within a 10-minute walk of most buildings.
Browse Bucktown apartments →Luxury & amenity seekers
Pick Bucktown
Newer construction with richer amenity packages — rooftops, lounges and full fitness centers.
Browse Bucktown apartments →Quality-of-living priority
Pick Bucktown
Higher average resident ratings across reviewed buildings.
Browse Bucktown apartments →