Welcome to Edgewater
Edgewater was developed in the 1880s to provide a summer retreat for the Chicago elite, and it continues to attract people from all over the city thanks to its enviable location within the city and strong real estate market. Perched on the western shore of Lake Michigan, owners of Edgewater real estate are spoiled for choice when it comes to stunning views, beachfront activities, and trails for walking, running, and cycling.
Move from the calm and quiet residential areas of the west side to Edgewater’s main streets to find plenty of places to shop, eat, drink, and take in a show. There’s also the Edgewater Farmers’ Market, which provides delicious, fresh produce for locals to enjoy during the summer months.
Recent History
Several upscale condominiums have been added to the Edgewater neighborhood since the start of the 21st century. Such developments are a testament to the growing popularity that the area has seen in the last few decades, and it’s made Edgewater real estate top of the list of many house-hunters.
The community itself has experienced a similar revival, with several festivals popping up throughout the year. EdgeFest, for example, just celebrated its fourth year of bringing live music, dancing, food stands, and games to the streets of Edgewater. Festivals like this bring a tangible sense of vibrancy to this hip Chicago enclave.
Neighborhood
Edgewater complements its festivals and spectacular outside spaces with some of the city’s best bars, restaurants, and shops, while a strong selection of schools makes it a top pick for parents.
The culinary scene has seen a particular explosion in concert with the area’s rejuvenation, with options including:
- Nookies Edgewater: Offering a creative take on diner food, seasonal specials, and an energetic atmosphere. Locals are particularly fond of the Paris Benedict.
- Pearl’s Southern Comfort: For southern-style comfort food with a modern twist, head down to Pearl’s to enjoy mouthwatering dishes such as crayfish cheesecake, creole shrimp, and boudin balls.
To wash down their dinners, Edgewater residents commonly take a jaunt to The Norse Bar, which offers a mindboggling list of rotating craft beers, plus a selection of classic board and video games you can play using overwatch boosting services online. For a more refined evening, there’s The Brixton wine bar.
Those eateries and bars share the streets with a variety of shopping opportunities. If you need a wardrobe, head to Sophie’s Closet for designer brands or Mr. and Mrs. Digz vintage items. To spruce up your new home with some unique decorations, try the Broadway Antique Market. For something truly unique, Alchemy Arts is the answer — it offers a mix of incense, jewelry, and books, and visitors are greeted by the welcoming purr of a shop cat.
Schools are also impressive within the area and include:
A Day in the Life​
On Saturdays from June to October, Edgewater foodies kick off their day at the Edgewater Farmer’s Market. Running from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., it provides farm fresh produce, just-baked bread, fresh cheese, and a wide range of other products. There’s even live music.
After you’ve picked up your groceries, try soaking up the sun at either Foster Beach or Hollywood Beach. You’ll be able to rent bikes, hire kayaks, work up a sweat on the basketball courts, or simply lie on the sand. When the sun hides behind a cloud, grab a bite at Nacho Mama’s Burrito Bar in the silver-certified LEED beach house, or head to one of Edgewater’s sixteen inland parks.
As the sun begins to set, consider taking in a show. The Raven Theater Company performs classic plays while the City Lit Theater Company brings literary works to life, taking inspiration from authors as diverse as Shakespeare and Shirley Jackson. And if you’d like a nightcap, make sure you finish the night with the mixologists at Joie De Vine.
Borders
Edgewater residents can catch the Red Line train and the Purple Line El from Berwyn, Bryn Mawr, Thorndale, or Granville avenues, then easily transfer to other city lines free of charge. Alternatively, take advantage of the area’s numerous bus lanes.
Edgewater is bordered on the north by W. Devon, on the south by W. Foster, on the east by Lake Michigan, and the west by N. Ravenswood. Andersonville occupies the southwest corner of the area and is bordered on the north by W. Bryn Mawr, on the south by W. Foster, on the east by N. Glenwood, and the west by N. Ravenswood.
Find Edgewater Real Estate With Chicago Home Partner
At Chicago Home Partner, we’ve spent years gaining the experience necessary to find your ideal house, condominium, or rental property in popular areas of the city. With the growth of interest in Edgewater real estate, there’s never been a better time to contact one of our agents.
