Neighborhood Comparison
Old Town vs Streeterville
Old Town and Streeterville are evenly matched across rent, walkability, transit, amenities and resident sentiment. The right pick comes down to which dimensions you weight most.
Old Town
Chicago, IL
A historic neighborhood known for The Second City comedy club, Victorian architecture, and vibrant Wells Street dining scene. Perfect mix of charm and entertainment.
Full Old Town 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 | Old Town | Streeterville | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,400 | $2,500 | Old Town |
| Walkability | 6.1 / 10 | 7.5 / 10 | Streeterville |
| Transit Access | 9.5 / 10 | 9.9 / 10 | Streeterville |
| Amenities | 9.1 / 10 | 6.3 / 10 | Old Town |
| Average Building Rating | 4.5 ★ | 4.4 ★ | Tie |
| Resident Sentiment | 11.06 (287 reviews) | 11.17 (345 reviews) | Tie |
Average Rent: Old Town averages about $100 less per month — meaningful over a 12-month lease.
Walkability: Streeterville 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 Old Town 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 Old Town
Lower average asking rent and stronger value across studio and 1-bedroom inventory.
Browse Old Town apartments →Car-free professionals
Pick Streeterville
Better transit access shortens daily commutes and reduces reliance on rideshare.
Browse Streeterville apartments →Walkability-first renters
Pick Streeterville
Higher density of groceries, coffee, dining and fitness within a 10-minute walk of most buildings.
Browse Streeterville apartments →Luxury & amenity seekers
Pick Old Town
Newer construction with richer amenity packages — rooftops, lounges and full fitness centers.
Browse Old Town apartments →Quality-of-living priority
Pick Old Town
Higher average resident ratings across reviewed buildings.
Browse Old Town apartments →