The Loop Neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois

The Loop is a term used to identify the historic area in downtown Chicago. The actual term the "Loop'' has different meanings, but most commonly applies to the area surrounded by the loop train circuit. The Loop is a community area delineated by the University of Chicago as number 32, as the area spread, the term loop has been used to describe the entire downtown Chicago area.

The Loop neighborhood is dominated by high-rises and historic buildings. The most notable structure is the Home Insurance Building, which was considered to be the first skyscraper; the building was demolished in 1931. The Chicago Board of Trade Building, and the Sears Tower, which is the tallest building in America, can also been found in the loop. Some of these historical buildings were instrumental in the construction of high-rise buildings years later.

The neighborhood general boundaries are to the north, the Chicago River, on the south Congress Park, and Michigan Avenue to the east. The area South of Congress is identified as the "South Loop'', and the name should not be confused with the south portion of the Loop neighborhood. The Loop Proper is a five-by-seven block area within the circuit of the Elevated Transit Authority train.

New Eastside, is a multi-use district bordered by Michigan Avenue, the Chicago River, Randolph Street and Lakeshore Drive. Most of the structures are built over what was once the rail line of the Illinois Central Railroad yards. The neighborhood has a triple-level street system dissected by Columbus Drive.

The Printers Row neighborhood used to be known as Printing House Row, and is located in the south portion of the Loop. The main street of the neighborhood is Dearborn Street, which is where the annual Printers Row Book Fair is held. Many of the former office buildings have been converted into residential lofts and a portion of Printers Row has been declared an official Landmark District.

The South Loop is mainly composed of the area south of Congress Parkway, and is located east of the Chicago River. The southern boundary of the South Loop is under debate while the phrase "South Loop'', is used to describe the area including Roosevelt Road and farther south to 18th Street and Cermac Road. Also found in the South Loop is the National Vietnam Veterans Art Museum.

The West Loop is mostly referred to as West Loop Gate and is a portion of the West Side. While the Historic Michigan Boulevard District is a section of Michigan Avenue located across from Grant Park and Millennium Park. Chicago's Lakefront is mostly a recreational area that stretches from the north to the south and provides entertainment and other pastimes. The Loop continues to be a growing environment with a thriving entertainment industry, delectable restaurants, high-end boutiques and many other venues that people find interesting and inviting.