As you might have guessed, Old Town is, well, a pretty old part of town. This is where you'll find much of the city's Victorian architecture, including the famous St. Michael's Church, which survived the devastating Chicago Fire of 1877. Even though it's only minutes from heart of The Loop, Old Town maintains the vibe of a peaceful borough unto itself. There's a vaguely European feel to the neighborhood's tree-lined residential streets and sturdy stone buildings, making it popular with joggers, dog-walkers and others inclined toward the outdoors.
This is also a major destination for lovers of culture, both high and low. The Halsted Street area is home to a fine mix of upscale and mid-range shops, pubs and restaurants, but visitors to Old Town are generally here for the show. The neighborhood houses the world-renowned Steppenwolf Theatre, the legendary comedy training ground Second City and multiple movie screens. As might be expected, Old Town rentals don't always come cheaply, but with the aforementioned amenities and easy access to both Lake Michigan and CTA Brown and Purple Line trains, most residents believe living here is well worth it.