Welcome to Lakeview
Lakeview, sometimes written as Lake View, is on Chicago’s north side. The area contains Boystown, famous as an LGBT enclave and home to a pride parade every June, but sports fans often flock to the area to visit Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs and the namesake of Wrigleyville. Residents of Lakeview also enjoy easy access to the Chicago Lakefront Trail, an 18-mile path along the coast of Lake Michigan that extends from Ardmore Street on the north to 71st Street on the south.
With plenty of notable restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues, along with a gorgeous view of Lake Michigan, Lakeview has something for everyone. Named by Money Magazine as third on its list of the top 10 big-city neighborhoods in 2013, it’s easy to see why Lakeview real estate is in high demand.
Recent History
Nestled on Chicago’s North Side, just four miles from the Loop, Lakeview has experienced a surge in interest among young professionals and growing families. Having recently become a mecca for successful graduates, the area enjoys a vibrant yet affluent atmosphere and plays host to some of the city’s most famous events.
During the summer, a major portion of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon snakes its way through the area’s green spaces and charming streets with spectators cheering from the sidewalk, and the annual Bike the Drive event always draws similar crowds. Residents will also be able to enjoy plenty of art events throughout the year, including the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts each September, in which 150 juried artists exhibit their work alongside live entertainment and performers.
Popular Neighborhoods
The most desirable areas for Lakeview real estate are Lakeview East and Wrigleyville, with each one offering its own compelling selection of unique stores, restaurants, and bars. Parents will also find some of the best schools in the area, including:
Two of the standout areas of Lakeview are Lakeview East and Wrigleyville.
Lakeview East
Lakeview East links up to downtown Chicago via North Lake Shore Drive, with express services taking you to the Loop by way of North Michigan Avenue and the Magnificent Mile. Lakeview East is bordered on the North by W. Irving Park, on the south by W. Diversey, on the west by N. Halstead, and on the east by Lake Michigan.
The neighborhood’s real draw comes when you step away from the main shopping areas and transport hubs to find tree-lined streets and quiet communities that seem a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Owning a piece of Lakeview real estate gives you access to the best of both worlds.
At the same time, there’s also some of the best nightlife around and a vast range of fun and trendy stores. Bibliophiles can head to Unabridged Books for a huge selection of fiction and non-fiction works, many of which have been read and loved by the staff themselves, a fact evident from the hand-written reviews that accompany many of their volumes. For something a little more modern, Transistor is a music shop, recording space, live venue, and gallery all at once, and the store even provides classes in painting, graphic design, and Photoshop. And if you’re looking for a unique gift, you should stop by Inkling. There are tons of quirky, unique shops in Lakeview, and we’ve only scratched the surface.
If you’re feeling like a midday caffeine burst, head to Intelligentsia Coffee, where one of the baristas was recently named the best in the world and all coffee is made in elegant Clover machines. If you find yourself craving upscale Italian food after your day of enjoying the quirky shops and excellent coffee the area has to offer, you’ll find a lot to love at The Roost Carolina Kitchen, which is renowned for its Southern cuisine.
Wrigleyville
Wrigleyville remains famous all across the state for its association with the legendary baseball grounds of the Chicago Cubs’ Wrigley Field. Bordered on the north by W. Grace, on the south by W. Addison, on the west by N. Racine, and on the east by N. Halstead, this small part of Lakeview is a sport-centric hub. Thriving and energizing sports bars and restaurants crowd the intersection of North Clark Street and West Addison Street, and the entire area enjoys an upbeat sense of self that’s different from anything else you’ll experience in the area.
Eateries run the gamut from compelling restaurants like Bolot African Cuisine to the renowned Lucky’s Sandwich Co., which has appeared on both Man vs. Food and Sandwich King. You can even pick up a surprisingly scrumptious vegetarian feast at The Chicago Diner, ending with a mouthwatering dessert like their vegan caramel crunch torte.
The area is, naturally enough, dominated by all things Cubs, from traditional merchandise stores to odder entries like Strange Cargo, where you can buy thoroughly unapproved Chicago sports gear and other unusual bits and pieces. There’s also Brown Elephant, a colossal resale shop where proceeds benefit the Howard Brown Health Center.
A Day in the Life
A summer day spent in Lakeview East wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Lincoln Park, which forms part of the area’s eastern border. With its scenic Lakefront Trail, bird sanctuary, tennis courts, playing fields, and 9-hole golf course, the park is a 1,208-acre refuge from city life in which residents can play a game with their kids or simply relax and watch the world go by.
Once you’re fully relaxed, try heading into the flourishing shopping areas. Shop for jewelry at M2 Boutique, clothes at Cram Fashion, or toys and games at Ka-Pow Collectibles. In addition to the diverse range of eateries and cafes, you’ll find clothing boutiques and independent stores perched next to more recognizable names like Anthropologie — but there’s more than just unique shopping opportunities in Lakeview! For a completely original experience, head to Robot City Workshop and book one of their “date night” experiences, a BYOB event where couples brave the love tester, build their own robot and enjoy both popcorn and a range of beverages served by the Omnibot 2000, which also brings in the cake during children’s birthday celebrations. In the evening, take your choice from a range of after-dinner venues. Take in some fast-paced improv at The ComedySportz Theatre, or see the famous Blue Man Group at their eponymous club.
Of course, you could always head to Wrigleyville instead. Turn up before the evening crowd arrives and take your kids to Sluggers, which features batting cages, pop-a-shot basketball, and mini bowling, then head over to Wrigley Field to cheer on the Cubs.
If you’d rather take in the game while enjoying a meal, make your way to the low-rise brick building’s rooftop bleachers — colloquially known as the Wrigley Rooftops. You can reserve a seat to watch a game or concert while also taking advantage of table service for food and drinks.
If your throat is hoarse from all that cheering, treat yourself to a drink at Sheffield’s Beer and Wine Garden. You’ll find around 200 different varieties of beer, as well as delicious barbecue that uses meat smokers right on the premises. You can also head to Metro Chicago, one of the oldest and most renowned clubs in the city, to experience national touring acts.
Borders
Lakeview’s southern border is marked by W. Diversey Parkway and its northern border is W. Irving Park Road. Between those roads, the neighborhood encompasses much of the area from N. Ravenswood Avenue on the west all the way to Lake Michigan on the east.
The CTA Red, Brown and Purple lines serve Lakeview residents, while CTA buses running on Sheridan, Halsted, Clark, Belmont, Lincoln, Diversey, and Addison are also available.
Find Phenomenal Lakeview Real Estate With Chicago Home Partner
Lakeview real estate is ideal for young professionals and families, with a growing social scene and plenty to keep you entertained all year round. Chicago Home Partner can help you discover houses, condominiums, and rental opportunities within the area, so don’t hesitate to get in touch for more information.
