Chicago’s south lakefront is mostly public parkland, providing the setting for an endless array of recreational activities from swimming and boating to biking and jogging. Near South Side residents enjoy proximity to fine dining, theaters, nightclubs, sporting activities and events in the city parks along the Magnificent Mile, as well as numerous activities and events in the city parks along Lake Michigan. The Lincoln Park Zoo, the Art Institute, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Adler Planetarium and the Shedd Aquarium are all entertainment facilities within walking distance that promote fun and learning for all ages.

Also located on the Near South Side is McCormick Place, the nation’s premier convention facility. Managed by the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority, McCormick Place attracts more than four million trade and public show visitors annually. McCormick Place is known as the hub of the convention industry and features more than 2.2 million square feet of exhibit halls, 112 meeting rooms and the largest ballroom in all of Chicago.

Located between McCormick Place and the Field Museum is historic Soldier Field. The original field has undergone $600 million worth of renovations and is now known as New Soldier Field. Visitors will enjoy improved sight lines, a new stadium club, large new videoboards and many more spectacular new amenities.

Also part of the city’s southern section is the South Loop neighborhood. Residents of this area enjoy all that the lakefront has to offer, including a diverse business community within walking distance of the residential area. Homes in the South Loop offer stunning views of Lake Michigan or the Chicago Skyline. The South Loop is a very convenient area in which to live, with two overhead trains, Metra trains and even one old freight train traveling through the neighborhood regularly. Thankfully, new construction in this area is built with the trains in mind so noise is generally not a problem. In addition to new construction, there are a number of lofts available in converted buildings.

Numerous cultural venues are also located on the Near South Side. The Clarke House Museum is considered to be the oldest building in Chicago. Renowned architect Henry Hobson Richardson designed the Glessner House Museum. The National Vietnam Veteran Art Museum houses a large collection of art by Vietnam vets from the US, Australia, New Zealand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

The Near South Side is known for its rich history. The Prairie Avenue Historic District, from 18th to Cullerton, was once home to many of Chicago’s prominent families, including industrial leaders such as Marshall Field, Philip Armour and George Pullman. At the time, this area was known as “Millionaire’s Row.”