The boundaries of River North include the Chicago River to the west, Michigan Avenue to the east, Chicago Avenue to the north, and the Chicago River to the South. Before its present state, River North was occupied by factories and warehouses. In the 1980's, many of these buildings became empty and had low real estate costs attracting artists and entrepreneurs who wanted a lot of space and didn't want to spend a lot for it. These conditions helped River North evolve into a neighborhood with the most number of galleries in the country after Manhattan.

River North is home to Chicago's most exclusive health club, The East Bank Club, and great restaurants including Frontera Grill, MK, Zealous and Coco Pazzo. The area is also home to The Merchandise Mart, a massive first-class home design shopping center.

The area is seeing exciting growth in residential development, galleries, boutiques, dance clubs and design studios. New gallery exhibits are typically displayed Friday evenings making gallery hoping a popular way for area residents to begin the weekend.

Former warehouses have been converted into concrete and timber loft residences, and stylish new homes, town homes and mid-rise condominium developments are attracting urban dwellers who seek the proximity to the Loop.

With the Loop and the Gold Coast within walking distance, it's easy to understand why River North has rapidly become one of the city's most expensive and exclusive neighborhoods.