Lakeview is one of the oldest and largest neighborhoods in the city. It is rich in diversity and preferred by many Chicago residents. First settled in 1837 by Conrad Sulzer and originally named “Hotel Lakeview” it got its name from the incredible unobstructed views many of its buildings shared of the neighboring Lake Michigan and downtown Chicago skyline. Lakeview is directly North of Lincoln Park, bordered by Diversey Ave to the South and Irving Park Road on the North, Ravenswood Ave on the West and Lake Michigan to the East. One and a half miles of parkland border Lakeview to the East adding to its charm. Today this popular neighborhood is divided into two parts, central Lakeview and Lakeview East. Prices in the East tend to be higher due to better access to the lake and park, both neighborhoods offer equally convenient living.
The Lakeview neighborhood is one of the cities’ most vibrant, attracting a lot of young single professionals. It has also been growing in popularity among families mainly due to the abundance of excellent private schools within its borders. Lakeview has seen some of the cities highest appreciation over the past few years and continues to grow in popularity. Prices are on the rise, but it still ranks as a favorite neighborhood among Chicagoans.
Getting around in this part of the city is easy. Walking is a favorite mode of transportation for those exploring the sidewalk cafes, browsing its eclectic shops, or enjoying a meal at one of its many ethnic flavored restaurants. It’s all here at your doorstep. Getting around Lakeview is made easy by public transportation, which is plentiful. The Redline stops at Belmont and Addison and the Ravenswood CTA stops at Belmont as well. There are also several bus lines servicing the area including, the Halsted #8, Clark #22, and Broadway #36. Commuting is made easy with Lake Shore Drive actually passing through Lakeview on the east and the Expressway within close proximity. Unfortunately similar to neighboring Lincoln Park parking is a bit of a problem and most side streets are permit parking only.
If dining out and entertainment is your thing, this is the place to be. Lakeview boasts almost every kind of ethnic cuisine you could ask for to meet any budget. Several theaters are located nearby. Kingston Mines offers some of the best blues and jazz, Briar Street Theater hosts the Blue Man Group, ImprovOlympics is a hilarious show that rivals Second City and many concerts and even newly released movies come to the Vic and Brew & View theater.
Throughout the year several famous festivals come to Lakeview including, May Fest, North Halsted Market Days, the Gay & Lesbian Pride Parade, and several Open air Markets. It is a flurry of activity at any time of the year.
Lakeview is also home to “boystown” which is defined as the stretch of real estate along Halsted St. between Belmont and Waveland Ave. Boystown is a thriving gay community and well known for its annual Gay & Lesbian pride parade each June. The neighborhood is easily discernable by large rainbow colored pylons that have been displayed along Halsted and the many rainbow flags that hang with pride from various shops and restaurants in the area.
Also located within the great Lakeview neighborhood is smaller but equally popular Wrigleyville. Wrigleyville gets its name from Wrigley Field home of the Chicago Cubs one of two MLB teams in the city. The stadium was built by the famous chewing gum mogul and still bears his name today. As you might guess sports bars are plentiful and the streets surrounding the stadium are teeming with activity especially during the baseball season. There is no place better in the city to catch a game on a big screen than one of Wrigleyville’s fave sports bars. This neighborhood also offers nightlife and upscale dining options as well as several reputable theaters.
The population is typical of other nearby neighborhoods. Its diverse range of activities and slightly lower housing prices make it a Mecca for young professionals while its quiet neighborhood streets are a strong attraction for families. This area maintains a strong neighborhood feel amongst an urban setting.
Transportation in Wrigleyville is equally convenient to its eastern counterpart Lakeview East and parking is less of a chore except during game days when it gets tough. Many residents make some extra spending money renting out their spaces during games because congestion can get to be a problem. Parking is one thing that residents have learned to live with and choose to deal with in order to enjoy all the other charms Wrigleyville has to offer.
- NUMBER1EXPERT™ 
