Neighborhood Comparison
Streeterville vs Bucktown
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.
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 →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 →Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Streeterville | Bucktown | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $2,500 | $2,050 | Bucktown |
| Walkability | 7.5 / 10 | 8.8 / 10 | Bucktown |
| Transit Access | 9.9 / 10 | 8.6 / 10 | Streeterville |
| Amenities | 6.3 / 10 | 8.2 / 10 | Bucktown |
| Average Building Rating | 4.4 ★ | 4.4 ★ | Tie |
| Resident Sentiment | 11.17 (345 reviews) | 10.97 (312 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 Streeterville
Higher average resident ratings across reviewed buildings.
Browse Streeterville apartments →