Welcome to Lincoln Square
Nestled cozily within the Ravenswood area, Lincoln Square real estate is alluring because it teems with life, celebrating a rich cultural heritage, outstanding eateries, and a wide selection of beautiful homes. Annual festivals make the area one that always seems to offer something new, and this is certainly an area of Chicago that stands out as holding a distinctive feel all its own. It’s also one of the most popular areas for eager house-hunters, thanks in part to the hints of Bavarian architecture, quaint shops, and convenient links to the rest of the city.
Recent History
Lincoln Square has seen something of a renaissance in the past two decades, with young professionals and artists finding exactly what they’re looking for in this little enclave of the city.
That’s evident simply by the artwork that livens up the area, such as the 3,000-square-foot mural created by artist Lothar Speer and local students, which captures the German landscapes of the Black Forest and Lake Constance, and the Lincoln/Leland Mural. You’ll even find Chicago’s Berlin Wall Monument — taken from the structure itself — on display at the Western Brown Line CTA station.
Of course, Lincoln Square is widely known for its festivals, and Square Roots (formerly the Folk & Roots Festival) is one of the most popular. A two- to three-day music festival organized by the Old Town School of Folk Music and the Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce, it features music and dance performances from all over the world, with a strong emphasis on folk music.
Neighborhood
A day walking through the mercantile district of Lincoln Square is never a day wasted, with plenty of boutiques offering everything you could possibly ask for. Here is just a small selection of the shopping opportunities on offer:
- Merz Apothecary: Family-owned and operated since it was opened by pharmacist Peter Merz in 1875, Merz is characterized by antique pharmacy jars, parquet floors, and solid oak cabinets. It’s now known for its bathroom items and alternative medicines; Oprah Winfrey once selected a Claus Porto soap product as one of her favorites.
- Enjoy, An Urban General Store: Enjoy is one for both your own kids and the child inside you. A quirky novelty shop that offers apparel, jewelry, and a vast selection of toys, it lets residents pick up everything they never knew they needed.
- Antiques On Old Plank Road: From high-end reproductions to stunning antique items, Antiques On Old Plank Road is always worth a visit, even after you’ve filled your home with their fine furniture.
- The Dressing Room: For well-known brands like Joe’s Jeans to local up-and-coming designers, this boutique clothing store is the best of both worlds.
After you’ve taken advantage of Lincoln Square’s shops and stores, you’ll easily be able to find a restaurant in which to rest your feet and indulge your taste buds. For hearty American cuisine, try Luella’s Southern Kitchen. Bringing the tastes of the south to the Windy City, Luelle’s can fill you with box grits, fried chicken, and Mississippi mud pie.
For a more northern bite, head to Monti’s for an authentic Philly cheesesteak or enjoy a slice of pepperoni and Jimmy’s Pizza Café, both favorites among the locals. If you’re in the mood for something from further afield, sample some Korean food at Da Rae Jung.
Despite its thriving shopping and restaurant scene, and its relatively small size, Lincoln Square still provides plenty of educational options for your children, including:
A Day in the Life
Welles Park sits at the heart of Lincoln Square, and many residents begin their weekend somewhere within its gorgeous 15 acres. The park’s indoor swimming pool is a perfect place for taking a few laps or taking your child from doggy-paddle to butterfly, while the numerous ballfields let you take in America’s favorite pastime. There’s also the Thursday Farmers’ Market.
For the more musically inclined, there’s the Old Town School of Folk Music, where you can learn about song writing, voice coaching, art, and dance. For growing families, there’s no better venue than the Lincoln Square Lanes, a 12-lane bowling alley that has retained its traditional touches.
When you’re done, make sure you don’t skip a visit to Amy’s Candy Bar. Named one of the “5 Best New Candy Shops” in Food & Wine‘s 2012 Ultimate Candy Guide, Amy’s quickly became a Chicago favorite by offering over 200 different candies, many of which are imported from European locations such as Germany, Belgium, and Holland, and a mouthwatering selection of homemade caramels.
In Lincoln Square, the day is far from over once the sun goes down. Gather can provide delicious aperitifs and a diverse number of drinks to choose from, while a livelier time can be enjoyed at Hidden Cove, which features nightly karaoke. Of course, many families will end the day at The Davis Theatre. First constructed in 1918, it has shown everything from silent movies to stage performances and is now a popular first-run cinema.
Borders
Lincoln Square isn’t just popular for the opportunities it offers within its own borders, but for the ease with which it lets you reach out to the rest of the city. CTA brown line stations can be found at Western, Rockwell, Damen, and Montrose, while the L line can be picked up at Ravenswood.
The neighborhood is bordered on the north by W. Argyle, on the south by W. Montrose, on the east by N. Leavitt, and on the west by N. Rockwell.
Find Lincoln Square Real Estate With Chicago Home Partner
The team here at Chicago Home Partner can help find rental properties, houses, and condominiums in Lincoln Square. With so much on offer, the area has become a genuine hot spot for those looking to rent or buy Lincoln Square real estate, so make sure you get the upper hand by contacting us today.
