Welcome to Lakeview
Lakeview, located in northeast Chicago (just west of the lake), is an energetic, welcoming, and laid-back neighborhood known for its thriving retail corridors and lively social scene. Lakeview has some of the best neighborhood festivals in the city and they celebrate everything from music, tacos, and art to beer and ice cream.
With easy access to public transportation, including the El on the Brown and Red Lines, and numerous bus options, commuting is a breeze.
Made up of several distinct, but overlapping areas including Wrigleyville, Northalsted, Southport Corridor, East Lakeview, and West Lakeview, every area of Lakeview has its own unique personality.
Wrigleyville: Baseball fans will love living so close to historic Wrigley Field, Home of the Chicago Cubs. The energy on game day is palpable, and the neighborhood bars and restaurants come alive with an influx of Chicago residents and tourists ready for fun. Games are not the only events that draw a crowd–Wrigley Field hosts special events and concerts throughout the year, and during the holidays, the area transforms into a Christmas wonderland with festive decorations and a Christkindlmarket!
Northalsted: Just a few blocks north of Wrigleyville, you will find the rainbow-lined and painted streets of Northalsted. This area is known for its restaurants, nightlife, and theater, and is host to the city's largest Pride celebration every June. In August, Market Days draw a large crowd looking to enjoy the weekend-long live music street festival. There are plenty of year-round entertainment options as well. Catch a show or dance the night away to your favorite musicians at The Vic Theater in Sheffield. Craving comedy? Check out the Laugh Factory on Broadway which impressively ranks #6 among all of the city’s comedy clubs. You’ll also find restaurants and specialty shops on every street.
Southport Corridor: Further west, you’ll find a shopper’s paradise! The Southport Corridor has a mix of local independent boutiques and national retail brands. There are also plenty of sit-down restaurants and cafes to choose from, making it a great spot for a leisurely afternoon of shopping and dining. The Music Box Theatre is a historic gem in the middle of the corridor with an eclectic lineup of films - from newer indie movies, and established classics, to cult favorites and themed sing-a-longs (Have you ever experienced a whole theater of people singing “Follow the Yellow brick road?” Well, just wait!).
East Lakeview: This area offers beautiful views of Lake Michigan and has several green spaces and beaches to enjoy. Belmont Harbor comes alive during boating season, and nearby, you’ll find a golf course, tennis courts, and even a bird sanctuary along the lakefront. There are also plenty of dining options, ranging from casual cafes to upper-scale options and every cuisine you can imagine.
West Lakeview: Bordered on one side by the Chicago River, West Lakeview is a bustling residential area. It’s home to Hamlin Park, a large park with sports fields, and a community pool. Residents love taking their furry friends to Lathrop Dog Park and exploring the nature trail that runs along the river. West Lakeview also has a variety of restaurants and shopping options for all of your essentials.
Lakeview Dining Options
You will find every type of dining option imaginable in Lakeview. Wrigleyville is home to a number of sports bars and pubs where you can relax with a burger and a beer. Southport Corridor hosts cozy sit-down restaurants with comfort food and cafes that offer quick takeaways. While Northalsted hosts trendier culinary finds, with small plates and mixologists the norm.
Locals will tell you to stop into Panes Bread Cafe, a family-owned bakery and restaurant, grab an empanada at Cafe Tola, or pick up a slice at the Art of Pizza.
Overall, Lakeview offers a laid-back and welcoming atmosphere with something for everyone.
Lakeview Real Estate
With lakefront high-rises, brick and gray stone 2-3 flats, vintage walk-ups, pricier single-family homes, courtyard condos, and a burgeoning array of high-end, mixed-use developments, Lakeview offers a variety of housing styles and price points.
Along inner Lake Shore Drive, you'll find turn-of-the-century mid- and high-rise buildings alongside many that were constructed in the 1960s and 1970s. Further in from the lakefront, you’ll find low- and mid-rise buildings along with single-family homes and 2-3 flats.
For decades, developers have purchased older businesses and small properties in the area and built newer multi-story properties, and they continue to propose new projects. Continuing into West Lakeview, more frame houses and buildings become common, but you're never too far from a classic brick walk-up building. A few old commercial buildings have been retrofitted into concrete and timber lofts. Lakeview’s diverse housing offers residents many options to fit their style while enjoying life in their vibrant neighborhood.
What to do in Lakeview
- Catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field - The historic home to the Chicago Cubs, Wrigley Field is a must-do activity. Grab a beer and a Chicago dog and take in the glory of the ivy-covered walls and wooden scoreboard.
- Shop the Southport Corridor - Stroll along the thriving retail corridor in the heart of north Lakeview known for its boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes.
- Catch a show at the Vic Theatre - This historic venue hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year, with a focus on indie and alternative music.
- Check out the art at the DePaul Art Museum - Located on the campus of DePaul University, this museum features rotating exhibits of contemporary art and culture.
- Watch a movie at the Music Box Theatre - The marquee of this historic and beautiful independent cinema is a worthy photo-op! And don’t forget to catch their lineup of classic and cult films, as well as new releases and special events.
- Enjoy the nightlife in Northalsted - known for its bars, clubs, and live music venues.
- Attend a Street Festival - Lakeview is known for its vibrant street festivals, which take place throughout the year. Some of the most popular include Pride Fest, Market Days, Lakeview Taco Fest, and the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts.
