Lakeview

The Lowdown: Lakeview

Lakeview is just north of the Lincoln Park. It consists of several smaller neighborhoods, each with their own unique flavor. This makes Lakeview a place where almost anyone can find a little pocket where they fit in.

East Lakeview: Something for Everyone

Stating what is probably obvious, East Lakeview is the part of the neighborhood closest to the lake.  It mainly consists of old apartment buildings jammed with senior citizens, college students or recent grads and condos with young professionals.  Even to the untrained eye, the Lakeview crowd isn´t as glossy and shined up as those in some of the fancier neighborhoods, but it´s still a top destination for the under-thirty crowd.

Belmont is one of the grittier streets in Lakeview.  Tattoo parlors and shops selling sex toys add to the street´s urban vibe, while inexpensive restaurants keep the young and broke well-fed.

Boystown: Chicago´s Vibrant Gay Community

Just a few blocks north of Belmont and west of Broadway, you´ll find Boystown.  It runs along Halsted street and is set off by rainbow colored markers. While Boystown does have plenty of bars and stores that cater to the local gay men residing on the quiet side streets or in condos along Halsted, the shops and restaurants are welcoming to all customers, gay and straight alike.

Wrigleyville: Cubs, Bars and Traffic

Just north of Boystown is Wrigleyville — home of Wrigley field (hence the name), rooftop seating and rowdy Cubs fans. The stretch of sports bars outside the stadium make Wrigleyville a choice spot for its baseball and beer-loving residents. If you´re planning to move to Wrigleyville, make sure you bring some patience with you because on game days, the crowds and traffic are a bitch.

Southport: The Softer Side of Lakeview

Keep going north and make your way west and you´ll hit the Southport Corridor.  The residential streets of Southport are populated by apartment and buildings as well as expensive homes occupied by young families.  It´s a great place if you enjoy shopping at local boutiques and the wide selection of restaurants ensures that no Southport Corridor resident will ever go hungry.

The key to finding your perfect area in Lakeview is checking out how much street congestion can you handle, determining what amenities you need to be close to, deciding what kind of crib you´re looking for and what kind of people do you want as your neighbors.  Does the thought of a drunken, despondent Cubs fan pissing on your rose bush make you see red?   Better stay away from Wrigleyville.   Want to be in a single-family house surrounded by other families?  You may want to check out the Southport Corridor.