Lakeview

Lakeview condos, townhomes, and single-family homes are some of the most popular purchases in Chicago real estate. Lakeview appeals to so many homebuyers because of the variety of neighborhoods within the area and because of its proximity to downtown Chicago. Just north of Lincoln Park, this area of Chicago is bound by Irving Park Road to the north, Diversey Parkway to the south, Ravenswood Avenue to the west, and Lake Michigan to the east.

Lakeview is most famous as the home for the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field, but visitors quickly learn that this neighborhood has much more to offer. Its charming mix of bars, restaurants, shopping, and friendly, tree-lined streets makes Lakeview a popular home for many Chicagoans. Lakeview received its name from the Hotel Lakeview, established in 1853 and given the moniker for its stunning views of Lake Michigan. Lakeview continues to offer an amazing panorama of lake and Chicago skyline for those living in its high-rises. Single family homes, townhomes, and condominiums are intermixed along the quaint streets, offering a variety of real estate options for the neighborhood’s population of over 100,000. Lakeview real estate can vary in price, but the range is still quite a bit below neighboring Lincoln Park to the south, starting as low as $220,000. For this reason, many young professionals flock to Lakeview, also appreciating the lively neighborhood’s easy commute to the Loop and bustling activity within walking distance.

Lakeview has two well-known sub neighborhoods, each with its own claim to fame. The Lakeview East, or as it is better known, Boystown, was the first officially recognized gay community in the United States. Boystown is home to the Chicago Pride Parade each June and was host to the international Gay Games VII in 2006. The area surrounding Wrigley Field, or Wrigleyville, is known as the area around North Clark and West Addison streets. The majority of the neighborhood’s 80 restaurants and 60 bars are located on these two streets. Between Boystown and Wrigleyville, there are nearly 600 retail stores, making Lakeview one of the most popular places in Chicago for dining, shopping, and revelry.

Lakeview is also host to several cultural and recreational attractions. Like its neighbor, Lincoln Park, Lakeview has so many summer concerts and festivals that it seems impossible to be bored. The annual Chicago Marathon begins in Lakeview East and extends south along Lake Michigan. Each September, artists from around the country crowd into stands along Broadway Avenue, exhibiting their work and performing live for visitors. In June, the Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival provides a variety of live musical performances as do the Lakeview Mayfest and July’s Rock Around the Block. When there is not an organized street party, Lakeview is abuzz with celebratory Cubs fans all summer long.

Within its roughly three-square miles, Lakeview offers a variety of schooling options. Seven public K-8 and two magnet schools feed into Lakeview High. In addition there are several private schools serving Lakeview, including the secondary school, Lakeview Academy, six K-8 schools, and one pre-school. The CTA Red, Brown, and Purple lines all service Lakeview at the Diversey, Belmont, and Addison stations. Nearly twenty bus routes provide multiple ways to get around.