River North. Galleries, lofts, and the river's edge.

River North sits just north of the Loop across the Chicago River — former warehouses turned into open lofts, glass high-rise condos, and the largest concentration of art galleries outside Manhattan.

What gives River North its character is the range within a few square blocks. Timber-and-brick loft conversions with soaring ceilings and original columns sit alongside newer glass towers, with the Merchandise Mart, the gallery district, and the dining and nightlife corridors woven through it all. A home here can mean a converted warehouse floor or a high-floor condo with skyline and river views, and the two live side by side.

What to know — as a buyer or a seller.

For buyers

Buyers in River North are often choosing between two different kinds of home — a loft with timber and brick character, or a newer tower with amenities and views. The decision usually comes down to how someone wants to live day to day, and it helps to walk both before narrowing in.

For sellers

Pricing in River North accounts for which building and which kind of product a home represents, since a loft conversion and a glass-tower condo draw different buyers. Positioning a home for the right audience matters as much as the number itself.

Buying, selling & living in River North.

River North — common questions.

What kinds of homes does River North have?

River North is built around two main types of home: warehouse and timber loft conversions with high ceilings and original detail, and glass high-rise condominiums, many with skyline or river views. Newer mid-rise and tower buildings add amenity-rich units to the mix. The result is a neighborhood where very different homes share the same blocks.

How do you get around River North on the CTA?

The CTA Brown and Purple lines stop at Merchandise Mart on the neighborhood's southwest edge, and the Red Line stops at Grand. From there the Loop is a short ride south, and the North Side is a short ride north. Much of River North is also walkable for daily errands and dining.

What is River North known for?

River North holds the largest concentration of art galleries outside Manhattan, much of it housed in former warehouse buildings. It is also home to the Merchandise Mart, which opened in 1930, along with a dense run of restaurants, design showrooms, and nightlife. The architecture mixes historic industrial buildings with newer glass towers.

Which schools serve River North?

River North is served by Chicago Public Schools, and the neighborhood also has private and parochial options nearby. Because CPS attendance boundaries are tied to a home's exact address and can change, anyone choosing a home around school assignment should verify current boundaries with CPS directly. A broker can point you to the right office and resources to confirm.

Who is a good River North real estate broker?

Jovanka Corazzina is a River North broker with @properties Christie's International Real Estate. She works across the neighborhood's loft conversions and high-rise condo buildings, and she can walk you through how the area's different building types and blocks compare. The next step is usually a conversation about what you are looking for.