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5 Best Things About Living in Lincoln Park

 
Named after the largest park in Chicago, the Lincoln Park neighborhood is regarded as one of the most sought-after areas in the Windy City. Known for historic brownstones and a bustling dining and entertainment scene, check out our list for the best things about living in Lincoln Park!

A Variety of Beautiful Homes

Lincoln Park brownstone, Chicago Tribune, VHT Studios

Located on the edge of Chicago’s largest park, the Lincoln Park neighborhood is arguably one of the most beautiful and historic areas in the city. 

In 1871, much of the neighborhood was destroyed in the Great Chicago Fire. As a result, the neighborhood was rebuilt with residences made from stone and brick. Today, Lincoln Park offers an exhibition of Victorian architecture. The northside community has an abundance of historic brick row homes, many of which can be admired on walks along Fullerton Parkway between Clark and Halsted. These vintage brownstones create a romantic ambiance throughout the neighborhood. 

Among the handsome brick row homes and vintage walk-ups, homebuyers will find condos with modern amenities, revitalized single-family homes, and student housing. Loft condos in converted factories and warehouses are perfect for buyers who appreciate high ceilings and industrial touches. High-end highrises provide breathtaking views of the lake.

Its storied past and vibrant community has transformed Lincoln Park into a historic area with chic style. The neighborhood’s personality and wide range of real estate options attract college students, young professionals, and families seeking a charming and visually-appealing area to call home. 

A Community with Curb Appeal

Located near acclaimed public and private schools, such as DePaul University's high-energy campus, and a thriving performing arts and music scene, the Lincoln Park neighborhood boasts a diverse community of residents living in homes along its charming streets. 

Walking down the neighborhood’s picturesque brownstone-lined streets resemble walking into a scene from a romantic comedy. The area’s residents range from young families, college students, business professionals, and long-time residents. With a population of nearly 70,000, the balance of neighbors at various stages of life and diverse backgrounds creates a family-friendly and welcoming community for visitors and new residents. 

The pedestrian-friendly streets are ideal for strolling the sidewalks and exploring the lively streets lined with an abundance of shops, a variety of restaurants, residential blocks, lakefront recreation, and performing arts and music venues. Lincoln Park’s beautiful parks, historic buildings and churches, and quiet residential areas provide year-round activities and entertainment. 

Image courtesy of Pinterest.com

Thriving Nightlife and Dining Scene

Lincoln Park leaves nothing to be desired when it comes to nightlife, entertainment, and dining options. The area’s diverse arts and entertainment culture perfectly complement its thriving nightlife scene. 

Any day or night out in Lincoln Park requires fueling up at one of the varieties of restaurants in the area. The seemingly countless options can be overwhelming for newcomers! For a hearty and delicious breakfast, stop by Toast’s Lincoln Park location. This local favorite offers all the classic breakfast and brunch dishes, along with a variety of omelets and benedicts, as well as decadent pancakes, French toasts, and crêpes for a sweet start to the morning. Jam ‘n Honey’s extensive brunch menu attracts long lines of customers every weekend, ready to order their strawberry cream cheese-stuffed French toast or crab cake benedict!

Don’t skimp on lunch! Head to Homeslice, Lincoln Park’s place to be for pizza, salads, and a relaxing back patio. 

Image courtesy of theculturetrip.com
 
The neighborhood has no shortage of high-end eateries run by award-winning chefs. Michelin-starred Boka has a long list of accolades—including six consecutive Michelin stars and a Jean Bancet “Chef of the Year” win for chef Lee Wolen. Sip on one of their premium cocktails and sample their seasonal dishes, such as roasted chicken with sunchoke, maitake, and quince. Be sure to leave room for dessert! Boka boasts rich and unique flavors in their sweets to cap off a luxurious meal. Can’t decide? Order their eight-course tasting menu for a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience at one of the best restaurants in the world. 

Alinea is another Lincoln Park restaurant that’s not to be missed. Known as a culinary destination and a leader in the molecular gastronomy movement, Alinea’s fare is unlike any other. A hub for serious foodies from around the world, Chef Grant Achatz’s tasting menus offer guests meticulously-planned dining experiences ranging from 10 to 18 courses of bite-sized dishes. Come with an empty stomach and an open mind!

The neighborhood’s unique mix of bars, restaurants, and entertainment offers a range of experiences, from low-key dive bars to music clubs and concert venues, such as Lincoln Hall. Started in the 1970s, the Steppenwolf Theater hosts nearly 700 performances each year by the famed Steppenwolf Theater Company. Check their schedule for upcoming shows—including podcasts and virtual performance experiences!

Looking for an evening of stand-up comedy and improv? Check out The Second City, well-known for its famous comedy alumni and popular sketch shows.

An Abundance of Entertainment and Attractions

Image courtesy of Timeout.com
 
Large, green spaces can be hard to find in most big cities, but Lincoln Park sits on the edge of Chicago’s largest park. This picturesque neighborhood is a nature lover’s dream. With over 1,200 acres of green space, residents can enjoy walks through manicured gardens, take a look at a 15-acre pond, visit a historic indoor botanical garden, and admire both lakefront and city views. 

The Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago History Museum, Nature Museum, Lincoln Park Conservatory, and Green City Farmers’ Market are all right at the fingertips of Lincoln Park residents.

The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the country’s oldest free zoos, offering a relaxing break from busy city life. Visitors can explore an urban ecosystem with birds, camels, fish, monkeys, reptiles, and many more species of animals. 

Located at the south end of the neighborhood, The Chicago History Museum is a must-see for tourists and Chicagoans alike. The city’s oldest cultural institution, the museum features exhibits teaching the city’s fascinating history.

The shopping scene is just as notable. The charming retail area around Armitage and Halsted is home to unique boutiques that offer a mix of low and high-end items.

Central Location

Image courtesy of UrbanMatter.com
 
Situated one mile from Downtown Chicago and right on the lakefront of Lake Michigan, Lincoln Park residents enjoy the personality of their charming neighborhood along with the convenience of a short walk or drive into the heart of the city. 

Lincoln Park residents pay extra for the exceptional location and ability to experience the perks of city life with the comforts of suburban amenities. Residents with children have a variety of neighborhood educational options to choose from, ranging from elementary through high school.

The Walter Payton College Preparatory High School is a nearby high school that garners international recognition. In addition to a 99% graduation rate and consistently high standardized test scores, the school’s accolades include the honor of the top international high school in the U.S., the 2008 and 2014 National Blue Ribbon Award, and inclusion on Newsweek’s “Top 100 High Schools” in the country. Last year, this high-performing school received the third place spot on Business Insider’s list of the top high schools in the nation among over 18,000 schools. 

With the convenience of major CTA stops, including Fullerton (Red, Brown, and Purple Lines), Armitage (Red, Brown, and Purple Lines), North/Clybourn (Red Line), and Damen (Blue Line), Lincoln Park offers an ideal location for Chicago-based professionals, growing families, and long-term residents to live in a safe and peaceful slice of this bustling city.

Interested in learning more about Lincoln Park and surrounding Chicago communities? Contact Tom Bakritzes today. His dedication and experience as the best realtor in Chicago will help with the process of finding the perfect neighborhood or piece of Chicago luxury real estate to meet the needs of any homebuyer!


*Header Image: Aerial view of South Pond, Lincoln Park, Pinterest.com
 
 
 

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