Southport Corridor Apartments

The Southport Corridor is an eclectic micro-neighborhood within Chicago's larger Lakeview community area. Stretching along Southport Avenue from Belmont Avenue to Irving Park Road, this area is known for its shady tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and abundant restaurants and stores. The corridor is not shy about offering a mix of rental options, with single-family homes, vintage walk-ups, and modern condominiums all sprinkled throughout the neighborhood. And because it’s so close to Wrigley Field and Lake Michigan, this has become a highly desirable location for both long-time Chicagoans and newcomers to the city.

The stretch of Southport Avenue between Addison Street and Roscoe Street is where all the fun is. Here, you'll find boutique shops selling everything from furniture and housewares to vintage clothing and knickknacks. Foodies will have a field day exploring all the eateries, whether grabbing a latte from a local café or ending the evening at an upscale farm-to-table restaurant. And, of course, there’s the iconic Music Box Theatre. Pop in here a few times and it won’t be long before they remember your name (and that you like extra, extra butter on your popcorn).

Southport Corridor Apartment Living

Location and boundaries

Southport Corridor carves out its own little world in Lakeview, running along Southport Avenue from Belmont to Irving Park Road. It's not huge, about a quarter-mile east and west of Southport, but it packs a punch. You've got Wrigleyville's buzz to the east and Roscoe Village's laid-back loveliness to the west. It's like Southport took the best of both and made its own thing.

Southport Corridor Vibe

If you were dropped off anywhere in this charming neighborhood, you’d be surrounded by tree-lined streets and a mix of old-school brownstones and modern buildings. The Southport Corridor has a grown-up feel without being stuffy, a place that young professionals love, families move to expand, and everyone says “hi” to each other. It's the kind of neighborhood where you can grab a fancy cocktail or a greasy slice of pizza (or both!) and never feel out of place.  “Where brownstones meet boutiques, and everyone knows the best spot for brunch.”

Heart of the Southport Corridor

Southport Avenue is where everyone congregates. This street always seems to be lively, especially when the weather is nice. There are shops that'll make you want to redo your whole wardrobe, restaurants where you'll become a regular, and the Music Box Theatre – an old-school movie palace that'll make you fall in love with film all over again. When summer hits, the sidewalks fill up with cafe tables, and the farmers' market takes over. It's pretty much impossible to be bored here.

Best Way to Get Around 

The Southport Brown Line stop is right in the middle of everything, so you can hop downtown whenever you want. But honestly, once you're here, you might not want to leave. Everything's walkable, and there are Divvy bikes all over if you want to explore on two wheels. You can easily live here without a car, which is a big plus in a city where parking can be a nightmare.

What We Love Most

The best thing about Southport Corridor is that it feels like a real neighborhood, not just a collection of buildings. You can have a full day without ever leaving the area - coffee at that place where the barista knows your order, shopping at stores where you're on a first-name basis with the owners, dinner at a restaurant where the chef sources from local farms, and a nightcap at a bar where everybody ends up by the end of the night. It's got all the perks of city living but with a small-town heart.

History of Southport Corridor

The Southport Corridor's story is deeply intertwined with Chicago's growth and evolution. Originally part of Lake View Township, this area transformed from rural farmland to a popular urban neighborhood over the course of a century.

In the mid-1800s, Southport Avenue (then called Southport Road) was little more than a dirt path connecting the port at Fullerton Avenue to the south with the township of Evanston to the north. The arrival of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad in 1872 (now the CTA Brown Line) marked a turning point, spurring rapid development. By the 1890s, as Chicago annexed Lake View, Southport Avenue began to take shape as a commercial strip. German and Swedish immigrants were among the first to settle here, leaving their mark on the area's architectural character. Many of the iconic Graystones and brick two-flats that line the side streets date all the way back to this period.

The early 20th century saw Southport Corridor evolve into a working-class neighborhood. The opening of Wrigley Field in 1914 (then known as Weeghman Park) just east of the corridor brought people, businesses, and most importantly, money. With this increase in foot traffic and local revenue, the area really started to transform. A significant milestone came in 1929 with the opening of the beautiful Music Box Theatre. This art deco movie palace has remained a beloved fixture of the neighborhood, surviving the Great Depression and entertaining locals for nearly a century.

The latter half of the 20th century brought challenges, including some economic decline in the 1970s and 80s. However, the 1990s marked the beginning of the Southport Corridor comeback. Young professionals, drawn by the area's charm, affordability, and quick ride into downtown, began moving in. This spurred the renovation of historic buildings and attracted new businesses that wanted to cater to a hip, new crowd.

Today's Southport Corridor apartment rental market, filled with charming historic buildings tastefully renovated with modern amenities, is thriving as an ideal spot to lay down some roots. From beautiful apartments and local attractions to its welcoming residents, this neighborhood has become one of the city's most sought-after areas for renters and homeowners alike.

Around the Southport Corridor

Demographics of Southport Corridor

With a population hovering around 15,000 to 20,000 residents, the Southport Corridor has a more intimate vibe compared to some of Chicago's larger neighborhoods. The area tends to attract a younger crowd, with a median age of about 32, making it a hotspot for young professionals and those looking to make friends with their neighbors over a craft beer and some nachos.

Education is highly valued here, with over 80% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher. While there are some smarty-pants running around, they leave the stuffiness at home, as this area is touted for its down-to-earth vibe. The median household income is $110,000, and residents love sharing their wealth with local businesses (something that’s obvious when you go to book a brunch reservation at Crosby’s Kitchen and there’s an hour-long wait.)

Weather in Southport Corridor

No different than many other parts of Chicago, if you are considering a move to the Windy City, you really need to be patient with the weather. Summers are warm and humid, with temperatures typically stuck between the high 70s and mid-90s. These balmy days are perfect for getting out and watching a ball game, heading to the beach, schmoozing with your neighbors over a grill, and generally just having a great ole’ time. Everyone seems to be in high spirits because, as the locals say, “Summer doesn’t just happen in Chicago, summer is earned in Chicago.” Which leads us to winter..

Prepare to be cold! The temps hover between the high 20s and high 30s, with snowy gusts helping to push that chill through your parka. At least the snowfall is beautiful, heightened by the neighborhood's holiday decorations and cozy restaurants, which create a magical winter wonderland atmosphere. Fortunately, they are pretty efficient at taking care of the snowy roads, so if you drive, you’ll still be able to get around.

The two seasons that everyone loves are autumn and spring. Once summer dies down, you can rely on cool temps between 50 and 70 and the colorful explosion as the trees lining Southport Avenue show off their autumnal colors. Grab a chai, wander the neighborhood, and make some friends who you can invite over for puzzles and Parcheesi while holed up in your house over the winter.

Once you’re done hibernating, spring welcomes you back to life as the temperatures gradually climb from the high 40s to the low 70s. Trees burst into bloom, spring showers give you a reason to collect umbrellas to match your outfits, and you’re again reminded of the beauty of the Southport Corridor.

Amenities in Southport Corridor, Chicago

Local shopping and dining options

Along Southport Avenue you'll find everything you need for a grumbling belly, a day of retail therapy, and a night of excitement. There are trendy mainstream shops like Anthropologie and Lululemon, and local favorites like Krista K Boutique. If you want to grab a book on your way to the park, Three Avenues Bookshop has a big selection and also hosts author events and kid's book readings.

When the dinner bell rings, the corridor doesn't disappoint. Tango Sur is the go-to for Argentinian steaks, Coalfire Pizza for artisanal pies, and Southport Grocery & Cafe for those lazy Sunday brunches. If you need a jolt to pull you from slumberland, you can get your fix at Osmium Coffee Bar or Pedestrian Coffee.

Nightlife in Southport Corridor

While not as raucous as neighboring Wrigleyville, the Southport Corridor has a more relaxed nightlife scene. Lange’s Lounge is a favorite summer spot for cocktails. Hush Money is where you go for a rustic vibe with baseball-themed drinks and Alma’s if you prefer the finer things in life (like cocktails in a stylish hotel). Corridor Brewery & Provisions is located in a renovated warehouse, serving tasty gastropub food and seasonal beers. This is the spot to get to know the locals and enjoy the dog days of summer.

Entertainment and recreational activities

The crown jewel of entertainment in the Southport Corridor is undoubtedly the Music Box Theatre, a historic cinema that shows independent and foreign films. If you want to get in shape to show off at the beach, there are several options, including Southport Fitness and Xsport Fitness. Afterward, stop by Aroma Thai Spa, Massage Envy, or Natural Healers Spa for some much-needed bodywork.

Parks in Southport Corridor, Chicago

While Southport Corridor doesn’t have any large parks, there are a few green spaces you can take the kids or sprawl out with your nose in a book. Playlot Park has a small play area and seating for picnics, and Merryman (Theron) Park has a fun jungle gym. Nearby, you'll find larger green spaces like Welles Park to the north and Hamlin Park to the west, where you can enjoy bigger rec facilities like baseball fields and tennis courts.

Museums in Southport Corridor, Chicago

As a micro-neighborhood, the Southport Corridor doesn’t have any museums of its own, but that's okay! The Chicago History Museum in Lincoln Park is about a 10-minute drive east, and you can quickly get to the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago by hopping on the Brown Line from the Southport station.

Transportation in Southport Corridor, Chicago

The Southport Corridor takes full advantage of Chicago's robust public transportation system, making it easy for residents get around the neighborhood and explore the great Chicago area.

Access to highways

Lake Shore Drive is about 1.5 miles east, providing a scenic route along Lake Michigan to downtown Chicago or north to Evanston. For longer trips, Interstate 90/94 (Kennedy Expressway) is approximately 3 miles west and takes you right to O'Hare International Airport.

CTA Bus Routes in Southport Corridor

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has several bus routes in the Southport Corridor:

• Route 152 (Addison): Runs east-west along Addison Street
• Route 22 (Clark): Travels north-south on Clark Street, just east of Southport Avenue
• Route 9 (Ashland): Operates north-south on Ashland Avenue, west of the corridor
• Route 80 (Irving Park): Runs east-west along Irving Park Road

These routes connect the neighborhood to nearby 'L' stations and other parts of the city.

Metra Train Stops in Southport Corridor

While there are no Metra stops directly within the Southport Corridor, the Ravenswood Metra station on the Union Pacific North line is about a mile west.

CTA 'L' Train Access

The Southport station on the CTA Brown Line is located at Southport and Roscoe. From here you can get a direct ride into downtown Chicago and connect to other CTA lines. The Addison station on the Red Line is also within walking distance, making trips to Cubs games super easy. No reason not to cheer your team on now!

Distance to downtown and other notable locations

• Downtown Chicago (The Loop): Approximately 5 miles southeast, or a 20-25 minute ride on the Brown Line
• Wrigley Field: Less than a mile east, about a 15-minute walk
• Lincoln Park: About 2 miles east
• O'Hare International Airport: Approximately 14 miles northwest
• Midway International Airport: About 13 miles south

Parking options and availability

Parking in the Southport Corridor can be challenging, especially during peak shopping hours and events. Most residential streets require permits for overnight parking. There are metered parking spots along Southport Avenue and nearby commercial streets. Some businesses offer limited customer parking.

For residents, many apartment buildings and condos come with dedicated parking spots, though these often come at an additional cost. There are also a few public parking lots in the area, including one near the Southport Brown Line station.

Schools and Higher Learning Institutions in Southport Corridor

The Southport Corridor and bordering neighborhoods have plenty of educational options for families and students. • Public, private, and charter school options

Public Schools:

• Hamilton Elementary School: Located at 1650 W Cornelia Ave, this highly-rated K-8 school is known for its strong academic programs and community involvement.
• Blaine Elementary School: Situated at 1420 W Grace St, Blaine is a well-regarded K-8 school with a focus on arts integration.
• Lake View High School: While not in the immediate corridor, this public high school at 4015 N Ashland Ave serves many area students and offers an International Baccalaureate program.

Private Schools:

• St. Andrew School: A Catholic elementary school located at 1710 W Addison St, serving students from preschool through 8th grade.
• Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy: Another Catholic school option at 720 W Belmont Ave, offering education from preschool through 8th grade.
• Chicago Waldorf School: Located near Andersonville, this private school offers an alternative education model for preschool through high school.
•  

Charter Schools:

There are no charter schools directly in the Southport Corridor, but there are several in nearby neighborhoods:

• Chicago Math and Science Academy: A highly-rated charter high school in Rogers Park.
• Noble Street College Prep: Part of the Noble Network of Charter Schools, with several campuses around Chicago.

University, college, and others higher learning institution options

You won’t find any colleges in Southport Corridor, but with its centralized location and great public transit, you have easy access to several renowned Universities nearby:

• DePaul University: The Lincoln Park campus is about 2 miles southeast of the Southport Corridor and has a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
• Loyola University Chicago: While the main campus is further north in Rogers Park, Loyola's Water Tower Campus is accessible via the Brown Line from Southport.
• Northwestern University: Located in Evanston, Northwestern is accessible via the CTA Purple Line, which connects with the Brown Line at Belmont station.
• City Colleges of Chicago - Truman College is in nearby Uptown and offers two-year associate degrees and certificate programs.
• American Academy of Art: This private arts college in downtown Chicago is easily accessible via the Brown Line from Southport station.

Local Events in Southport Corridor, Chicago

The Southport Corridor calendar is packed with local events throughout the year. If you want to live in a place rippling with community spirit, you’ll find no better neighborhood.

Southport Art Festival: Held every year in July, this two-day festival transforms Southport Avenue into an outdoor art gallery. It features works from over 100 artists, live music performances, local food vendors, and activities for children. The festival attracts art lovers from across Chicago who want to get a taste of what this charming ‘hood has to offer.

Southport Holiday Stroll: Taking place in early December, this festive event kicks off the holiday season in style. Local businesses stay open late, the streets are decorated with lights, and visitors can enjoy carolers, photos with Santa, and horse-drawn carriage rides. It's a magical evening that highlights the neighborhood's quaint, small-town feel.

Oktoberfest Chicago: While not really “in” the Southport Corridor, this popular event takes place nearby in Lakeview, and if you don’t go, you’ll notice how quiet and empty Southport becomes. Held in September, it has all the German beer, food, music, and activities that you can handle.

Southport Corridor Sidewalk Sale: This summer event, usually held in July or August, is where shoppers revel in their favorite pastime. Local businesses drag out their wares to the sidewalks of Southport Avenue, many with steep discounts, and this is the time to snag deals and get that holiday shopping taken care of early.

Music Box of Horrors: For film buffs, the Music Box Theatre hosts a 24-hour horror movie marathon in October. It’s often packed with people wearing costumes, and rather than feel like a typical movie-going experience, this ends up vibing like an enclosed block part.

During the summer in Southport, there are many different activities you can take part in, like outdoor movie screenings, fitness classes in local parks, and pop-up markets. In this neighborhood, there’s never a dull moment!

Real Estate in Southport Corridor, Chicago

Overview of the real estate market 

The Southport Corridor rental market is hot property in Chicago, and it's easy to see why. This neighborhood's got it all: old-school charm mixed with modern perks, all within a community that makes you feel at home before the moving truck is even unloaded. You'll find a bit of everything here, from classic single-family homes to vintage walk-ups and shiny new condos. If you love those iconic Chicago Graystones and brownstones, Southport has them in spades, many lovingly kept up or cleverly updated to keep their historic feel while still offering all the modern comforts.

Young professionals and families can't get enough of this area, which has kept property values on the up and up. Sure, it can get pretty competitive, especially for those well-maintained older homes. But with so many housing options, there's usually something for everyone's taste and wallet.

What really seals the deal is that Southport's super walkable has great public transit, and is home to a lively commercial strip.

Rental rates and popular housing styles :

There are many styles to choose from when searching for apartments in Southport Corridor. Whether you love the modern appeal of a high-rise or the privacy of living in a single-family home, there’s a welcome mat with your name on it. Here are some of the most popular housing styles:

• Vintage Walk-Ups: These classic Chicago apartments, often in 3-4-story buildings, feature hardwood floors, decorative fireplaces, and large windows. Many have been updated with modern kitchens and bathrooms while retaining their historic charm.
• Modern Condos for Rent: Newer buildings offer amenities like in-unit laundry, central air conditioning, and sometimes shared facilities like fitness centers or roof decks.
• Converted Single-Family Homes: Some larger homes have been divided into apartments, offering unique layouts and often including outdoor space.
• Courtyard Buildings: These U-shaped buildings with a central garden area are common in the neighborhood, offering a sense of community within the larger apartment complex.
• Loft-Style Apartments: While less common in this area, some converted industrial spaces offer open-concept living with high ceilings and large windows.

In Southport Corridor, you can find a great deal on a beautiful home if you know when to look. Like all of Chicago, rental rates are highly dependent on the type of building, amenities, and time of year you are moving in. Please take a look at Domu’s Rent Calculator and our article on expected costs to rent an apartment in Chicago to learn more about what you can afford and the expenses that go beyond monthly rent.

Typically, prices stay within these ranges. But with the increased cost of living and booming rental market, it's best to use these numbers as a rough guide and refer to Domu’s updated search results for better accuracy:

• Studio apartments: $1,200 - $1,600 per month
• One-bedroom apartments: $1,500 - $2,200 per month
• Two-bedroom apartments: $2,000 - $3,000 per month
• Three-bedroom apartments: $2,800 - $4,000+ per month
• Four-bedroom apartments: $3,200 - $5,000+ per month

Popular Apartment Buildings in Southport Corridor, Chicago

• The Southport Corridor Lofts: Located at 3434 N Southport Ave, this building offers modern loft-style apartments with high ceilings and large windows.
• 3443 N Southport: A newer construction building featuring luxury finishes and amenities like a rooftop deck with skyline views.
• 3245 N Ashland: This mixed-use building offers contemporary apartments above ground-floor retail space.
• Southport Place: Located at 3530 N Southport Ave, this building combines a vintage facade with modern interiors.
• The Residences at Addison & Clark: Though on the edge of Wrigleyville, this new development is within walking distance of the Southport Corridor and offers luxury apartments with high-end amenities.

When searching for apartments in the Southport Corridor, prospective renters should consider factors such as proximity to public transportation (especially the Brown Line), parking availability (if needed), and the age of the building's systems and appliances. Many vintage buildings have been beautifully maintained, but it's always wise to inquire about recent updates or renovations.

It's also worth noting that the rental market in this area can move quickly, especially during peak moving seasons (typically May through September). Our guide on Moving to Chicago will help you prepare and be ready to jump the moment you see the apartment of your dreams.

Conclusion

Southport Corridor is a little slice of Chicago where small-town charm meets big-city excitement. It's the kind of place where you can sip artisanal coffee in the morning, catch an indie flick at the Music Box in the afternoon, and still make it to a Cubs game by evening.

From vintage brownstones to modern apartments, there's a home here to match any style. And with Southport Avenue looking like Main Street USA got a trendy makeover, there’s enough boutique shopping, mouthwatering eateries, and local hangouts to keep your social calendar full.

If you're ready to plant your flag in a neighborhood that's got genuine character and a welcoming vibe, hop over to Domu’s Search Page to see what's up for grabs. Between the walkable streets, the great public transit, and the wide range of apartments for rent, this might just be the perfect spot for you to call home.