Neighborhood comparison

Lincoln Park vs. Old Town

Two of Chicago’s most-searched rental neighborhoods, side by side — compared on rent, commute, walkability, and vibe, updated from live availability.

How they compare

Metric	Lincoln Park	Old Town
Median studio	$3,250	$2,688✓
Median 1-bed	$4,395	$3,391✓
Median 2-bed	$6,075	$4,893✓
Walk Score	93	96✓
Transit Score	86	89✓
Bike Score	84✓	82
Commute to the Loop	22 min CTA · 22 min bike	18 min CTA · 16 min bike✓
Vibe	Parks, Neighborhood feel, Lakefront, Nightlife	Historic, Neighborhood feel, Nightlife, Central
Best for	Renters who want greenery, the lake, and a true neighborhood.	Renters who want character and quiet without leaving the core.
Buildings available now	5✓	4

Median asking rent and building counts from current availability. Updated daily.

Lincoln Park5 available

Lincoln Park is a Chicago neighborhood on the North Side wrapped around its namesake park, the free Lincoln Park Zoo, and the lakefront — leafy streets, DePaul University, and a deep restaurant and nightlife scene.

Best for: Renters who want greenery, the lake, and a true neighborhood.

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Old Town4 available

Old Town is a historic Near North Side neighborhood known for its 19th-century streets, the Wells Street strip of bars and cafes, and Second City — a charming, walkable pocket minutes from downtown and the lakefront.

Best for: Renters who want character and quiet without leaving the core.

See Old Town apartments →

Which should you choose?

Lincoln Park suits renters who want greenery, the lake, and a true neighborhood.

Old Town suits renters who want character and quiet without leaving the core.

On the numbers, Old Town is the cheaper of the two on a one-bedroom ($4,395 vs. $3,391), and Old Town is closer to the Loop (18 vs. 22 min by CTA).

Questions

Lincoln Park vs. Old Town FAQ

Is Lincoln Park or Old Town more expensive?+

Lincoln Park is the pricier of the two on a one-bedroom (median $4,395 vs. $3,391), from current availability.

Which has a better commute to the Loop, Lincoln Park or Old Town?+

Old Town — about 18 minutes by CTA versus 22 from Lincoln Park.

Should I rent in Lincoln Park or Old Town?+

Choose Lincoln Park if you want renters who want greenery, the lake, and a true neighborhood. Choose Old Town if you want renters who want character and quiet without leaving the core.

More neighborhood comparisons

West Loop vs. River North River North vs. Gold Coast West Loop vs. South Loop Gold Coast vs. Old Town South Loop vs. The Loop River North vs. The Loop

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