Not so long ago, the southern reaches of the Loop were a collection of abandoned buildings, underused rail yards, and some of the seedier destinations of downtown. Lately, though, the South Loop has become the up-and-coming neighborhood, notable for its proximity to all of eastern Chicago but most especially the lakefront Museum Campus. Some of the best restaurants in town are there, where they take advantage of slightly lower prices and some truly elegant conversions of historic buildings. This is home to the beer-and-blues side of Chicago, as well as to the Bears’ Soldier Field. A large population of college students has an effect on both the prices and hours of the local bars. There are still gracious mansions in the South Loop and even a few neighborhoods of single-family homes. Most of the luxury residences are in the lakeside high-rises or newer condo developments in the west of the district.