The setting for many a Stuart Dybek short story, the Pilsen neighborhood boasts a long and ethnically diverse history that manifests itself in an ever-changing array of cultural earmarks. Modern-day Pilsen still shows ample evidence of the many immigrant populations that have called the area home, from pristine examples of neo-Bohemian architecture to the Mexican-inspired murals adorning many businesses.
Also known as the Lower West Side, Pilsen has recently become known as one of the most happening artistic communities in the city, a pedigree proven by the neighborhood’s multiple murals and abundance of art galleries. Its close proximity to the Loop, the University of Illinois-Chicago campus and the CTA’s Pink and Orange train lines make Pilsen an increasingly popular location for commuters looking to live beyond the bustle, while the nearby United Center is a major appeal for Bulls and Blackhawks fans.