Explore the Rich Culture in Chicago's Diverse Neighborhoods
A visit to Chicago is not complete without a visit to the city’s neighborhoods featuring some of the most culturally rich communities in the country. Each neighborhood maintains a strong identity due to the diversity in its residents with two different neighborhoods often looking like different parts of the world. Shopping along the Magnificent Mile, enjoying culturally amazing exhibits at a world–class museum and taking in a theatrical masterpiece are all worthy reasons to come to Chicago. Why not mix in a trip to a diverse Chicago neighborhood eatery or shop in a neighborhood that is uniquely Chicago?
Chicago’s inclusive environment encouraged ethnic groups including Mexicans, Italians, Greeks, Irish and Polish to gravitate toward the city in the early part of the century. These groups have developed important communities, remaining strongly integrated into the city’s fabric today and providing countless ethnic and cultural experiences for group travelers.
The neighborhoods of Chicago are classified into 77 community areas, but these area designations are not governmental as they are based on the names given by the Social Science Research Committee at the University of Chicago in the 1920s. Visitors can expect to find over 200 named neighborhoods in the city today.