Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s richest neighborhoods- and not just in terms of the wealth of its residents. This neighborhood is rich in history, cultural institutions, architectural heritage, and lifestyle opportunities. Lincoln Park derives far more than just a name from the 1,200-acre park that stretches along Lake Michigan and forms its eastern border. In addition to The Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory, the park is home to still more jewels in Chicago’s cultural crown - the Chicago History Museum, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and the Theater on the Lake. Outdoor types find a lot to love in Lincoln Park as well- soccer and baseball fields, volleyball, basketball and tennis courts, a driving range and golf course, public beaches and harbors with boating facilities. And then there’s the sheer beauty of the landscaped acreage and the glorious lakefront - a well-used paradise for joggers and cyclists.
Long known for its trendy boutiques and designer clothing stores on Clark, Halsted and Armitage, recent retail development has brought national retailers such as Apple, Pottery Barn, and Banana Republic to the lively area around North Avenue and Clybourn. Grocery shoppers, once limited to small neighborhood stores, now can choose from Trader Joe’s, Mariano’s, and a grand Whole Foods Market. For those who prefer to dine out, Lincoln Park restaurants are among the city’s best and most varied. A lively theater scene includes the world-class Steppenwolf and longtime favorite Victory Gardens. Music fans choose from acoustic favorites at Lincoln Hall, and nationally-known acts from all genres at Park West. to name just a few of the neighborhood's many schools, Lincoln Park High school is one of Chicago’s best, and public elementary schools include highly rated Magnet schools. Two of Chicago’s most prestigious private schools are located in Lincoln Park, Francis W. Parker and the Latin School of Chicago, both of which serve grades K-12.
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is Chicago’s most prestigious neighborhood, rich in historical significance and artful scenery. This area initially expanded in the 1880’s with Georgian and Romanesque residences built for wealthy Chicagoans, lending a present day look into the past. Its prime position on the Magnificent Mile and Lake Michigan encompasses the city’s finest shopping, dining and lakefront recreational activities, while its community includes private houses and architecturally renowned high-rises that are home to some of Chicago’s most affluent residents. The Magnificent Mile is the Gold Coast’s shopping mainstay offering upscale retail, while independent boutiques are conveniently found on Oak Street. Also within walking distance are numerous world-class restaurants, museums and cultural institutions.
Old Town
Old Town is a neighborhood just north of Chicago’s downtown. The community is home to many of Chicago’s finest Victorian-era buildings and is famous for its historic architecture- restored row houses, townhomes, and cottages. Old Town’s housing includes multi-million dollar homes and older high rise condominium buildings.
Old Town’s borders are inexact; Armitage on the north, Division on the south, Clark on the east, and Orleans and Larrabee on the west are the “traditional” borders. Some claim Old Town’s borders extend only as far as St. Michael’s bells are heard. St. Michael’s church is a landmark that survived the great Chicago fire.
Streeterville
Streeterville, located east of Michigan Avenue and north of the Chicago River, was actually (for a short time) an independent territory claimed by the area’s colorful founder, “Cap” Streeter. Today Streeterville is home to some of Chicago’s most valuable real estate, including Michigan Avenue and one of Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions, Navy Pier.
Housing in Streeterville includes vintage and newly constructed high-rises and mid-rise condominiums. The neighborhood is also home to the Museum of Contemporary Art, Northwestern University Medical Center and the university’s downtown campus, as well as the Northwestern University Law School and the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business.
Lakeview
Lakeview is Chicago’s vibrant neighborhood consists of a composite of smaller enclaves including Southport Corridor, Wrigleyville, West Lakeview, Belmont Theater District, North Halsted Street and Sheridan Station Corridor. Lakeview offers many beautiful tree lined streets with rehabbed Victorian greystones, tidy three-flats, multi-unit newer and older condominium buildings and attractive new construction single family homes. In the midst of Lakeview is Wrigleyville housing Wrigley Field, the home of the World Champion Chicago Cubs and America’s most famous ivy-covered walls. Surrounding the ballpark is a notable area of sports-themed bars and eateries, as well as trendy restaurants, unique stores and venues for music, comedy and theater.
Some of the famous buildings in the area are the vintage apartments that overlook the ballpark and feature rooftop bleachers. Lakeview is also a home to the Belmont Theater District showcasing over 30 theaters and live performance venues located near the Belmont El station. In 2013 Money Magazine named Lakeview as number 3 of its top 10 Big-city neighborhoods for its selection of Best Places to Live.
River North
A stylish urban neighborhood that borders the Magnificent Mile and is just across the bridge from the Loop, River North is the go-to district for those who appreciate fine art and design. And for those who appreciate fine dining and drinks, the momentum behind the latest trendsetting openings continues to build and the late night energy swells.
Dormant factories and industrial warehouses began their transformation in the 1970s and 1980s, becoming work spaces and studios for artists and entrepreneurs. What followed was an influx of new businesses that densely concentrated the area and have made River North a hub for creativity and entertainment. Anchoring the area is the massive Merchandise Mart, with its endless trade showrooms for furniture and design wholesalers, and surrounding this epicenter are eye-catching galleries, home stores and antique shops. And architectural standouts are plenty, from the twin corn cobs Marina City to its neighbor the stately, steel and glass 330 N. Wabash building by Mies van der Rohe.
Cultured by day, River North shifts into high gear by night. The dining scene is always buzzing-from knockout noodles and Spanish small plates to high-end steakhouses and famed pizzerias. Just about every type of cuisine is covered in this mix of award-winning restaurants and local favorites. And for some after-hours revelry, slip into any of the sleek new clubs, upscale wine bars and craft cocktail lounges that dot the scene.
Bucktown/Wicker Park
One of Chicago's creative epicenters lies just outside downtown Chicago in Wicker Park and Bucktown. These synonymous neighborhoods are famous for live music and nightlife, chef-driven restaurants and countless art galleries — many housed within the Flat Iron Arts Building. If you have an acute knowledge of craft cocktails or an affinity for coffee, plus want to sift through records or thrifted threads, there's no better area to sip and shop in the country.
The area has become a prevailing influence on Chicago's Michelin-rated, James Beard Award-winning dining scene, boasting some of the city's most sought after tables. Wicker Park and Bucktown are also known for their palate pleasing nightcaps.
Along North, Division, Milwaukee and Damen Avenues, you will find an unbelievable blend of vintage shops amid independently-owned boutiques touting fashions for both men and women, and luxury home goods and beauty products. On the same blocks are nationally-recognized names in fashion, and a mix of major retail chains that have also set up shop to satisfy the on-trend crowds.
Roscoe Village
Roscoe Village is a quiet, but vibrant neighborhood located within the North Center community. A relatively low-density community, Roscoe village offers residents a myriad of housing alternatives including condos and two- and three-flats, a number of which are being converted into single-family residences. The area is also the site of much new construction including townhouse and condominium developments and airy loft conversions. A neighborhood focal point is a concentrated shopping area featuring independent retail establishments and restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. In addition, a section of five blocks on Belmont Avenue, known locally as Antique Row, is one of the Midwest’s largest and most important assemblages of antique stores.