Where can you enjoy a rich, one hundred year old Chicago tradition and then take an after dinner stroll along the lakefront? Both Wrigley Field, a Chicago institution, and the Lakefront Trail, can be found within the neighborhood of Lakeview.
Home to about 94,000 residents, this established community is the perfect mix of old and new. The diverse neighborhood is perfect for those who want to be close to the center of the city, but also love some extra space. Lakeview is known for it’s close location to Lake Michigan, it’s lavish dining, excellent theater presentations, and walkability.
Located four miles north of the Loop, Lakeview can be found south of Uptown, north of Lincoln Park, and west of North Center. Roads bordering the community include Diversity Parkway, Irving Park Road, and Ravenswood Avenue. The beautiful Lake Michigan runs along the east border of Lakeview. Many residents enjoy the walkability of the neighborhood. With a walking score of 90, Lakeview is the 14th most walkable community in the city.
In total, Lakeview takes up about 3.1 square miles. Broken down within the neighborhood are sub neighborhoods. These include Boystown, Lakeview East, Wrigleyville, Belmont Harbor, East Ravenswood / Graceland Wood, Lakeview Central, and Southport Corridor. The red, brown, and purple lines are popular subway options in Lakeview. Busses that are well known include 8 Halsted, 9 Ashland, 22 Clark, and 36 Broadway.
History has recorded that the first people to live in Lakeview were Native Americans that used it as a camp and trail path. These Native Americans included the Miami, Ottawa, and the Winnebago. Later, as time went on, the lake side community was settled by immigrants from Germany, Luxembourg, and Sweden. What really made Lakeview gain attention was the part it played in the cholera outbreak in Chicago around 1849. Many sought refuge in this northern community and this set it up for being incorporated in 1857. (Source: Wikipedia)
Other historical events that led to the growth of Lakeview include the 1889 real estate boom and the establishment of Wrigley Field. About 40% of the buildings standing in the neighborhood today are a result of the 1889 real estate boom. Chicago extended the public transportation system to reach Wrigley Field, located in the Wrigleyville sub neighborhood of Lakeview. This brought many more people from the surrounding areas and made Lakeview more accessible. Along with it’s rich history, Lakeview is known for the first official gay village, Boystown. (Source: Wikipedia)
There’s always something to do in Lakeview. You can catch a Cub’s game at Wrigley Field or take in a performance in the Belmont Theater District. The biggest allure of the neighborhood can be found in its name. Its ideal location next to the lakeshore offers lots to see and do and residents take full advantage of the Lakefront Trail. Those who enjoy a variety of restaurants appreciate the range of options the neighborhood offers.
Within a one mile radius you will find over thirty theaters in Lakeview. This up-and-coming arts community is known as the Belmont Theater District. Along with larger theaters such as Briar Theater and ComedySportz Chicago, you will find smaller production houses like Emerald City’s Little Theatre, Public House Theater, and Strawdog Theater. Every single day you have the opportunity to watch one of hundreds of performances, from musicals to comedies. According to the Belmont Theater District, the myriad of restaurants and other entertainment options compliment the organization perfectly and makes for the perfect night out. The Belmont Theater District was developed in in 2014 and is the largest theater district in all of Chicago.
Home to the Chicago Yacht Club, the Belmont Harbor is the best place for those taking a walk or docking their boat. You can learn to sail or nurture your love for boating at the many different events the Yacht Club hosts. In addition to boating, you can enjoy a swift run or bike ride along the eighteen miles of paved lakefront trail. The Lakefront Trail can be assessed easily from many different areas in Lakeview and offers views of Lake Michigan on one side and beautiful cityscapes on the other. Along the trail there are also different parks, playgrounds, benches, and picnic areas.
Restaurants come in all shapes and sizes in Lakeview. Order a delicious asian meal at Joy’s Noodles or take in a burger at the famous Chicago Diner. Residents love the date atmosphere of Bar Pastoral, which serves wine and cheese, and also spend many mornings dining on crepes at La Creperie. 3157 Chicago has a creative approach to food and serves 17-20 courses over 2-3 hours! For those who would rather stick with a traditional American dish, Select Cut Steak House hits the spot.
Overall, this diverse urban village is the perfect place to live for those who want the very best of everything.
