This Chicago Neighborhood Was Just Named Among the Coolest in the World

Time Out just released its annual list of **10 Coolest Neighborhoods for 2025** and one burgeoning Chicago community made the top 5. According to the ranking, Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood is the 5th coolest neighborhood globally. This marks the second time Avondale has been named in the ranking, previously earning the number 16 spot in 2022 . Avondale is the only U.S. neighborhood to make the list, along with communities in Japan, the U.K., and Brazil. Here’s the full list: * Jimbōchō – Tokyo, Japan * Borgerhout – Antwerp, Belgium * Barra Funda – São Paulo, Brazil * Camberwell – London, United Kingdom * Avondale – Chicago, United States * Mullae-dong – Seoul, South Korea * Ménilmontant – Paris, France * Nakatsu – Osaka, Japan * Vallila – Helsinki, Finland * Labone – Accra, Ghana What makes Avondale special --------------------------- Avondale has seen a major spike in development in recent years, making it a hotbed for entertainment, shopping, and dining in Chicago. The neighborhood is home to tons of quirky local businesses from a horror-themed coffee shop to a trendy bowling alley. As a historically Polish community, Avondale also offers some of the city’s best Eastern European food at spots like Staropolska and Anelya. On the nightlife front, Central Park Bar, Sleeping Village, and Podlasie Club are popular weekend hang spots for drinking, dancing, and live music. So if you’re looking to branch out from the usual downtown and West Loop destinations, be sure to hop on the Blue Line and explore all that Avondale has to offer! Source: https://secretchicago.com/avondale-chicago-timeout-10-coolest-neighborhoods-2025/