Lincoln Park / Old Town

 

 

Bordered by the iconic Lake Shore Drive, Lincoln Park and Old Town are both beloved in their own right for being the ideal fusion of city life and lush nature. The preservation of Lincoln Park and Old Town during the Great Fire of 1871 caused it to become a refuge for former residents and classic pre-fire architecture. These neighborhoods housed beatniks, free-thinkers, and movers and shakers within the 1950s and 60s, planting cultural roots that flourish to this day. By the early twentieth century, Lincoln Park was established as a residential neighborhood that hosted some of Chicago's major cultural institutions.  By the end of the twentieth century, the combination of public and private urban renewal efforts made Lincoln Park one of the highest-status neighborhoods in the city, as it is known today.

A mixture of classic architecture, mid-century, and Parisian-style homes beckon next-generation homeowners looking to make Lincoln Park and Old Town their homes. Parks dot the neighborhoods to create a landscape of green paradise, an oasis that makes residents forget they’re minutes away from downtown Chicago.

 

The immaculate ambiance creates a posh atmosphere. The integration of urban apartments mixed with luxury mansions manicured with gorgeous gardens on tree-lined streets is a walker’s paradise. Individuals lucky enough to call Lincoln Park and Old Town home relish the subtle elegance that makes these neighborhoods the most well-loved in Chicago.
 

Nearly everything is within reach for those who wish to establish themselves here. It’s the ideal city living mere streets away from refined storefronts, local and national shops, great food, and posh urban comfort.

Lincoln Park and Old Town residents have access to spectacular cultural delicacies. There is a reason Chicago has carved out a space for itself as one of the most elite spheres in the culinary world. Michelin-rated restaurants are well-known fixtures of Lincoln Park and Old Town, such as Alinea, which offers modernist cuisine, placing it as a forerunner in gastronomic innovation. Boka is another Michelin-rated establishment celebrated for its timeless flavors of seasonal American cuisine. The visual marriage of French provincial and southern farmhouse vibe is reflected in the cuisine served in Blue Door Farmstand. Take a stroll down the gorgeous streets to pop into luxury boutiques like Lori's Shoes, Art Effect, and Alice & Wonder.

 

The diversity of activities available is a testament to the cultural richness found in Lincoln Park and Old Town. As a stunning monument to the Baroque style, St. Michael's Church is an example of unique architecture. Residents can enjoy the skills of local artisans at the Old Town Art Fair. On Burling St., Oz Park is the perfect oasis for young families or community-minded individuals who want their yellow brick road in the middle of the city. And during the summer, Castaways on North Avenue Beach turns into the center of the party with live music and a rooftop bar beside the lake.

Chicago’s cultural footprint has been the launching pad for significant musicians, comedians, writers, and actors with iconic jazz clubs and concert venues like Steppenwolf Theater, Kingston Mines, and Second City. Catch a show at the historic Theatre on the Lake, and mark your calendars in August for Chicago’s Air and Water Show, the city’s second-most popular festival.

 

Lincoln Park and Old Town boast some of the best schools in the district. Some of these schools include: