Lakeview

Bordered by the alluring Lake Michigan shoreline to the east and only 20 minutes from the urban metropolis of Downtown Chicago, Lakeview provides its residents with small-town charm and a big-city bustle. Its close vicinity to the lake creates ample recreational opportunities, and the stellar views here never fail to impress.

 

The first non-native settlement is thought to have been founded in 1837, and as the area began to grow it saw an influx of immigrants, mostly from Germany. Lakeview continued to develop, and wealthy Chicagoans looking for summer retreats began to populate the area. Now, Lakeview is home to a diverse population as well as major commercial and industrial sites.

 

Like many of Chicago’s 77 communities, Lakeview comprises several distinct neighborhoods, including Sheridan Station Corridor, Northalsted, Wrigleyville, Southport Corridor, Boystown, and Wrigley Plaza. Each community has its own characteristics while, overall, residential housing in Lakeview remains varied: lavish apartments with views of the shore, restored single-family townhouses, and historic graystone properties.

• MLB Cubs games at the famous Wrigley Field
• The ocean liner-inspired beach house at North Avenue Beach
• Enticing Southern Italian fare at Mia Francesca
  
  

Lakeview has cultivated a warm and laid-back vibe that makes it a friendly place to live. Replete with mostly white-collar employment opportunities thanks to its proximity to Chicago—as well as its own thriving commerce sectors—the area is the perfect place for up-and-coming young professionals. Most of the population has some form of higher education, and families and individuals alike will find themselves well-suited to this lively section of one of the greatest cities in the world.

Lakeview is only 20 minutes away from Chicago’s famous Magnificent Mile, world-renowned retail, dining, and luxury hotel district that offers name-brand favorites as well as Chicago exclusives.

 

However, the community also has several shopping districts of its own, including the retail, dining, and spa options along the Southport Corridor. Close to Wrigley Field, this area gives residents and visitors a chance to experience a small-town shopping environment tucked into the urban metropolis of Chicago. Here, you’ll find charming local shops such as Candyality, named the best candy store in Illinois by The Food Network Magazine.

 

Lakeview also boasts dozens of excellent eating establishments, which vary widely in cuisines and culinary influences. A must-try for those with a penchant for Italian food is Coda di Volpe, an upscale restaurant with everything from grilled octopus to black truffle sauce pizza.

 

Conveniently located in Southport Corridor, Crosby’s Kitchen is brimming with comfort food favorites that are sure to make you feel at home, while Barcocina—set in the heart of Lakeview—supplies a refreshing take on Mexican cuisine within its unique, open-air setting.

From the scenic shoreline to the abundance of activity, Lakeview is bustling with entertainment and recreation that appeal to all ages and walks of life. From the family fun at nearby Lincoln Park Zoo to the pervading sense of wonder at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum to the lakefront trail perfect for biking, skating, and running at the North Avenue Beach, Lakeview is a place where boredom isn’t a part of the local vocabulary.

 

The area hosts several festivals throughout the year, including The Southport Art Fest, a two-day event based out of the idyllic Wrigleyville neighborhood. Chicago’s best and most diverse artists are showcased during this festive event, which includes food, drinks, and interactive experiences for the whole family. For German fare and incredible beer, check out the area’s Oktoberfest, which takes place in and around Lakeview’s St. Alphonsus Church.

 

Golf enthusiasts can delight in the lakeside beauty of the Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course, which features unparalleled views of the shore, Chicago’s spectacular skyline, and harbors. Those looking for a stroll or run along the lake can access the Lakefront Trail at Belmont, which is full of activity on any given day.

Lakeview is home to many excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:

• James G Blaine Elementary School, PK-8, well-rated public elementary school
• Augustus H. Burley Elementary School, PK-8, well-rated public elementary school
• Blaine, PK-8, well-rated public elementary school
• Lake View High School, 9-12, well-rated public high school
• St. Andrew School, PK-8, well-rated private school