Living in Lakeview allows you to have the most attractive features of urban living within a short distance of your doorstep. Restaurants, shops and entertainment abound in this northside Chicago neighborhood, which is well-known for being home to the Cubs baseball stadium, Wrigley Field, and North Halsted, one of the first gay community districts in the nation. Positioned along the city’s lakefront, high rise living with views of the expanse of Lake Michigan is highly desirable. But, with or without the views, Lakeview offers several amenities and activities to enjoy which draws families, singles, and couples to the area, especially those relocating to Chicago.

Baseball fans, or more specifically, Cubs fans, gravitate to Wrigleyville in Lakeview for the chance to catch a live game or simply to post up at a nearby bar to watch their beloved team on the screen while celebrating with other fans. During baseball season, Clark St between Newport Ave and Grace St becomes a nightlife destination. Most recently, the area around Wrigley Field was developed to include an outdoor plaza, a hotel, and several local restaurants with the aim of extending the appeal of Wrigleyville outside of baseball season. These new additions beckon guests to linger a little longer and also add to the area’s growing list of places to dine and stay. 

Music lovers also find their thrills in Lakeview with live shows at places like Metro, Lincoln Hall, and the Vic. The neighborhood is a destination for theater-goers, too, who want a chance to experience thought-provoking, inspiring and creative dramas, comedies, musicals and more in the Belmont Theater District, a collection of more than 20 theaters in Lakeview.

The summer months are for spending time outdoors, and especially along the lakefront trail. Strolling the neighborhood for some casual shopping or al fresco dining can easily occupy your weekend schedule. Dining and shopping along the Southport Corridor will not disappoint, as both the food and retail selections are diverse. 

Also, in June, the neighborhood’s North Halsted district, also known as Boystown, turns especially festive for the city’s annual Pride parade.

Learn more about the housing market in Lakeview:

Michael Samm, Lakeview REALTOR®
Call 312-767-7504 Today!

Choose to partner with trusted talent and let's achieve your home search goals together. 

I want to be your #1 choice for Lakeview real estate by providing exceptional customer service and creating the most comfortable home buying or home selling experience possible.

Whether you are buying or selling a home, I go above and beyond to ensure you have a smooth and successful real estate transaction.

International flavors are easy to find in Lakeview’s diverse dining scene. You’re bound to find a local favorite to suit your mood and palate. 

• Bittersweet Bakery (1114 W Belmont Ave) - this may very well become a regular stop for sweets and baked goods. Croissants, scones, cinnamon rolls, pies and tarts are just a few of the delightful options offered at this French bakery and cafe. 

• Southport Grocery & Cafe (3552 N Southport Ave) - dining and shopping are brought together at this cafe and grocer that serves breakfast all day and provides a selection of artisan food products for purchase.

• Chilam Balam (3023 N Broadway St) - the Mexican cuisine served here relies on the creative execution of its chef and the local farm fresh ingredients used. It’s also BYOB,

• Coda di Volpe (3335 N Southport Ave) - oven-fired pizza, handmade pastas and other Southern-Italian flavors are the highlights at this Southport Corridor popular restaurant.

• Ella Elli (1335 W Cornelia Ave) - elevated and chic, this Lakeview restaurant combines presentation with a range of French-inspired dishes and craft cocktails.

• Andy’s Thai Kitchen (946 W Wellington Ave) - a labor of love by Chef Andy, this long-standing Thai restaurant is a popular neighborhood dining choice.

• Coffee Lab & Roasters (2823 N Lincoln Ave) owned and run by a young, local couple this coffee shop focuses on simple and creative coffee drinks in a welcoming atmosphere. The shop also serves pastries from an Edgwater bakery.

• Farm Bar (1300 W Wellington Ave) - its rustic chic interior pairs nicely with its menu of Midwestern favorites. The dishers here are prepared with farm fresh ingredients sourced from a Wisconsin farm owned by the restaurant group.

• Port & Park Bistro & Bar (4000 N Southport Ave) this family-friendly restaurant sits at the corner of Southport and Irving Park Rd and serves up dishes with globally-inspired flavors.

• Corridor Brewery & Provisions (3446 N Southport Ave) locally-crafted beer and simple, tasty bites make this a nice, casual hangout spot.

Lakeview Neighborhood Amenities

One of the perks of living in Lakeview is being able to easily access the city’s lakefront path which draws runners, beach-goers, sailors, and those looking to simply admire the skyline and enjoy the outdoors. Dog lovers take advantage of the Belmont Harbor Dog Beach (3200 N Lakeshore Dr). Those with an affinity for fitness and being outdoors will want to use the Outdoor Gym Park, located along the lakefront just east of Lake Shore Drive and Wellington Ave.  And for golf enthusiasts, spending the day at Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course (3701 N Recreation Dr) is an option. And further south along the lakefront trail path, there’s the Diversey Driving Range & Mini Golf park (141 W Diversey Parkway). 

There are other smaller parks, suitable for smaller kids, throughout Lakeview, namely playgrounds like Wendt Playlot Park (667 W Roscoe St), Martin (Johnny) Park (922 W Fletcher St), Kenmore Playlot Park (3141 N Kenmore Ave), and Margaret Donahue Park (1230 W School St).

Schools and Grocery Stores in Lakeview

Also, for families with young kids, the schooling options in Lakeview range from specialized early education schools like The Gardner School (2850 N Lincoln Ave) or Mary Meyer School (2817 N Pine Grove), to elementary level grade schools such as Inter-American Magnet School (851 W Waveland Ave) and Nettelhorst School (3252 N Broadway Ave). Inter-American is one of the city’s leading bi-lingual magnet schools and Nettelhorst is a fine and performing arts school. Another fine and performing arts magnet school 

Parents also have the option of private education for their children with Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy (720 W Belmont Ave), Saint Luke Academy (1500 W Belmont Ave), Prairieland Montessori (3652 N Lincoln Ave) or Chicago City Day School (541 W Hawthorne Place). Families with high-school age students can enroll in the area’s neighborhood school, Lakeview High School (4015 N Ashland Ave).

Shopping is also convenient in Lakeview with major grocers like Whole Foods Market (3201 N Ashland Ave), Mariano’s (3030 N Broadway) and Jewel-Osco (3531 N Broadway) all in the neighborhood. For retail shopping, a stroll along the Southport Corridor will do the trick. This shopping destination at the western edge of Lakeview has a mix of big-name brands - SEPHORA, Madewell, J. Crew, Gap, Free People - as well as smaller, local boutiques. 

The neighborhood attracts out of town guests visiting Chicago for Cubs games or a local Chicago experience. For visitors, there are several accommodations within Lakeview including Hotel Zachary (3630 N Clark St), just across the street from Wrigley Field, 

Willows Hotel (555 W Surf St), Best Western Plus Hawthorne Terrace Hotel (3434 N Broadway), Hotel Versey Days Inn by Wyndham Chicago (644 W Diversey Pkwy) and The Wheelhouse Hotel (3475 N Clark St).

Ready to make Lakeview your home? I’m here to help.

Michael Samm, Lakeview Real Estate Expert
Call 312-767-7504 Today!

Are you searching for a condo in a lively Chicago neighborhood? Or are you looking to rent an apartment and are keen on making Lakeview your next home? Connect with a Lakeview real estate agent to explore the housing options, areas and nearby amenities that best match your preferences. If you’re ready to discuss placing your Lakeview house or condo for sale, talk with a Lakeview real estate expert to navigate the neighborhood’s housing market performance and to discuss ways to attract potential buyers.