Boundaries Defined by the "L" track loop, Wabash (45 E) to Wells (200 W), Jackson (300 S) to Lake (200 N)

Zip Codes 60601, 60602, 60603, 60604, 60605, 60606, 60607

Housing In 1997, the average sale price of attached housing in the Loop was $160,208 down from $177,730 in 1995. Approximately 286 multifamily units were sold during 1997. The very few single-family homes are rarely for sale. Lofts-renovated, roomy and affordable-have attracted new residents to the West Loop in recent years. For example, at the Union Park Lofts, a 32-unit live-and-work rehab on the southwest corner of Washington and Ada, units range from 1,700 to 2,380 square feet of space. There are fewer of the spacious lofts for rent now than there were a year ago, however, because many have been converted to condominiums.

Leasing In a luxury high-rise building with views of the river, rents range from $776 for studios to $2,000+ a month for two-bedrooms. In the Loop, a four-tower skyscraper with 2,346 apartments appeals to walk-to-work clientele.

Transportation The Loop is the hub of the city's public transportation system. Travelers can catch a Blue Line subway to O'Hare International Airport, or an elevated train to Midway Airport. From stations on the west side, Metra trains carry 80,000 commuters a day to and from homes in the suburbs.

Miscellaneous If the hustle and bustle gets too much, step into the Art Institute of Chicago and see works such as Seraut?s "A Sunday on La Grande Jette", and Picasso?s "The Old Guitarist" or jump on a tour bus or trolley and whisk through the downtown area. Shopping also offers an escape, and with Lord and Taylor, Marshall Fields, and Carson Pirie Scott to name a few there is no lack of items to be seen and had. After hours the nightlife springs into action as numerous bars and nightclubs open their doors and the theatergoing public rushes in to see performances at any of Chicago?s 4 largest theaters