A one-of-a-kind neighborhood on the shores of Lake Michigan
Few neighborhoods truly offer something for everyone, but Lakeview East comes as close as a neighborhood can. A part of Chicago's North Side, 6 miles from the heart of the city, dense residential areas stand tall in the distance, across the highway from bird sanctuaries and lakefront recreation. Hospitals sit blocks from legendary Wrigley Field, with some of the city's top public and private schools lining the streets in between. "It's just wonderful. I love it," says Mary Petri, a broker with EXIT Strategy Realty who has been in Chicago real estate for nearly 40 years. "There's a mix of old and young, every generation, and every kind of person." Families and their pets can be seen strolling the sidewalks, browsing the small local businesses or pausing to grab a bite at shops and restaurants, some of which have been neighborhood fixtures for decades. This thorough mixture of amenities and convenience makes Lakeview East a one-of-a-kind neighborhood, where residents can stroll a beach in the morning, catch an afternoon ball game, walk their kids home from school and enjoy a night out, all without venturing more than a few blocks from their home.
Wrigley Field is a quick train ride or walk from Lakeview East.
Run along the Lake Michigan at Belmont Harbor.
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Comedy clubs, movie theaters and yoga with bunnies
While he lives in the nearby Buena Park neighborhood, Mark Zipperer’s office is in the heart of Lakeview East, just down the street from the Ann Sather restaurant, a Chicago breakfast tradition since 1945. Here, American and Swedish cultures combine — diners can enjoy crepe-style Swedish pancakes with lingonberries or a Denver omelet with a side of Swedish potato sausage. Numerous local shops line Broadway, from pet stores to sweets shops. “Unabridged Bookstore, I go there often. Love it!” says Zipperer, managing broker with Re/Max Next. “It’s small, it’s been there forever, they have a great collection of gay and lesbian books and travel books. It’s a great place to go for a breather or to just page through a couple of books.” Sometimes, he’ll find a book and head to another neighborhood fixture for a read. "The Chicago Diner. It’s vegan — ‘meat-free since ’83’ is their slogan. I love it. It’s about the history of the area,” says Zipperer. “I’m not vegan; I’ll go in, sit at the bar, read my book and have my avocado tostada.” For grocery shopping, choices include Belmont Harbor Market, Mariano's, Trader Joe’s and Jewel-Osco. A Home Depot is also just south of the neighborhood for home goods and related needs.
Century Theatre is a movie theater in Lakeview East
Ann Sather has been a Chicago breakfast tradition since 1945 in Lakeview East.
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Modern high-rises, older mid-rises and a smattering of single-family homes
From studios in lakeside high-rises to historic Victorians from the end of the 19th century, Lakeview East is home to a variety of houses to meet most any needs. This allows buyers to get more space or condense their living needs as time passes without ever having to leave their desired neighborhood. The modern high-rises and older mid-rises offer condo and apartment options. Studios and one-bedroom units under 1,000 square feet sell for $100,000 to $375,000; those with two or three bedrooms and over 1,000 square feet usually go for $150,000 to $700,000, with luxury and penthouse versions going for up to $1.5 million. Condos with four or more bedrooms, or those topping 2,500 square feet, can sell for $800,000 to $2 million, and homeowners association fees can run from $400 to $900 monthly.
Renovated two-flats that have been merged into a single-family property often cost from $800,000 to $1.5 million. "There are a lot of older buildings — it seems like vintage is back in style," Petri says. "Buyers like the details, the high ceilings, the solid construction." Standalone homes include stately 1890s greystones and sell for $1.5 million to $3 million. Homeowners will often update these older homes, swapping out steam heating for gas and updating electrical systems. Buyers will also want to find out details about the parking situation. "Some buildings have parking permits for evenings," Petri says. Despite having some of the highest home values in the metro, homes sell quickly - on average, after 24 days on the market, roughly half the national average of 44 days.
Older brick buildings offer condo and apartment options in Lakeview East
Lakeview East is a one-of-a-kind Chicago neighborhood.
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Northalsted, a nationally-recognized gay village
A sub-neighborhood of Lakeview East, Northalsted — also known as Boystown — is the first nationally recognized gay village. It’s home to one of the Midwest's largest LGBTQ+ communities and hosts Chicago's Pride Fest and the Chicago Pride Parade. The latter draws over one million attendees yearly and is one of the city’s largest parades. “Northalstead Market Days in August is a really fun street fest, it’s been going on for years,” says Zipperer, “They shut Halstead down between Addison and Belmont, there’s dancing, music, food and drink.”
Nearby, the AIDs Garden Chicago is a memorial park focused on the impact of AIDs and HIV, with an educational walk that expands on how HIV has impacted the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago. The park features a 30-foot sculpture by Keith Haring and is at the former site of the Belmont Rocks, a popular gathering place for the community.
Lakeview East is home to the first nationally recognized gay village.
Chicago celebrates Pride in Northalsted as crowds join the fest each June.
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Education options in Lakeview East
Students may attend private or public schools, with many starting out at The Nettelhorst School, which serves kindergarten through eighth grade and has an A-minus grade from Niche. It’s just around the corner from Zipperer’s office, and he’ll swing by on walking breaks — “They have chickens that they raise and keep there, the one, Popcorn is always social, I’ll stop by and feed them.” Whether they head there or to Horace Greeley Elementary School, which is graded a B-minus, the zoned high school is Lake View High School, which scores a B-minus. It offers dual credit courses and numerous sports and club options. In 2018, a $27 million renovation of the 19th-century school added an innovation lab and a turf athletic field.
Some students in the very south of the neighborhood may be zoned for Tubman Elementary or Alcott Elementary, both rated as B-plus schools. They’ll move on to Lincoln Park High School as their neighborhood school, which earns an A grade and is named Niche’s top standout high school in Illinois. On the very north end, some students may head to Brenneman Elementary School, graded a B-minus, before heading to Senn High School, rated a B-plus.
Students can test-in to attend magnet and prep schools located throughout the city. Private school options in and around the neighborhood include Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School, while Saint Clement School, part of Chicago’s Catholic schools, is just south of the community.
Lake View High School serves students in Lakeview East.
Nettelhorst Elementary School serves students living in Lakeview East.
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CTA buses, the L train, or biking and walking
Public transportation options include Chicago Transit Authority buses, with stops throughout the neighborhood. Multiple L stations are nearby, including Belmont, which is a stop for Red Line, Brown Line, and Purple Line trains. Light rail on the Metra lines provides routes out of the city. Many folks get around by foot or two wheels, says Steve Inacker, co-owner of Vicinity Candles, who makes candles with aromas to represent Chicago neighborhoods. Their studio is within the neighborhood. “Chicago you can easily not have a car in the city and be fine. It’s nice to have when you have to carry stuff around, but it’s super easy to take the CTA. It’s pretty bikable — I love it; it’s the fastest way to get around the city, in my opinion.” To head outside the Chicago area, O’Hare International Airport is 15 miles west, usually a 40-minute drive, although it can top an hour at peak times.
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center is on the neighborhood's southern end on Wellington Avenue. Providing 24-hour emergency care, it’s one of only five trauma centers in the city. Thorek Memorial is on the northern edge and is also a 24-hour emergency care center. Ascension Saint Joseph, a critical care center with an advanced NICU, is at the corner of Lake Shore and Diversey — it’s common to see staff walking to work at these care centers.
The L train takes Lakeview East residents anywhere in the city.
Catch a bus or the L at the Belmont CTA station in Lakeview East.
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Events big and small across the Lakeview East community
The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce hosts various seasonal gatherings, such as a holiday tree lighting, the Belmont Sheffield Music Festival and the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts. Events at Wrigley Field are popular and have a massive impact on the neighborhood. “I love it here, it’s awesome we have a studio here, if we have a slow day and there’s an afternoon game I can just pop up and go to the game,” says Inacker. “It’s probably my favorite thing to do ever — see a day game, have a couple beers, enjoy the sunshine.” Wrigley is also home to concerts throughout the year, which Zipperer says can be heard throughout the neighborhood. Both mention that it can lead to traffic snarls, but it’s a part of life – “Most of us keep the schedule and plan around it,” says Zipperer. “Wrigley creates a lot of excitement and energy.”
Movie theaters and comedy clubs provide entertainment any day of the week, and Lakeview East is home to Briar Street Theatre, a historic performing arts theater that is home to the Blue Man Group and their regular performances. Just blocks away, Laugh Factory is host to some of the biggest touring stand-up comedians and regular local shows featuring Chicago favorites.
Lakeview East residents celebrate Chicago Pride Fest.
Lakeview East has holiday events at Christmastime.
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Lake Michigan is a hub of activity
“I think the lake is maybe the most underrated part of Chicago, people don’t think about Chicago having a beach,” says Inacker. Expansive walking and biking trails have traffic every hour of the day, particularly in the warmer summer months. Waveland Park Tennis Courts have lighting for play into the night, while the softball fields also host flag football leagues and the Chicago Swans Australian Rules Football Club practices. Belmont Harbor is home to boat docks and a dog beach, along with the Chicago Yacht Club. For nature lovers, the Jarvis Bird Sanctuary is a haven for songbirds and migrating birds — but for those looking for an eagle, they can head to the other side of the parking lot, where the Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course offers nine holes for a quick round. Inland, Gill Park is a favorite for its indoor pool, fitness center and outdoor sports areas. Resources for youth include the Park Kids after-school program, a teen club and summer camps.
Lakeview East has several spots for residents to enjoy the lakefront.
Find solace in nature at Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Alan Berlow,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Gill (Joseph) Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Pool
Lincoln Park Zoo
Weisman Park
Playground
Lincoln Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Bike Trails
Ann Sather Garden
Picnic Area
Trails
Cricket Hill
Football
Soccer
Multi-Purpose Field
Martin (Johnny) Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Diversey Driving Range
Gallagher Way
Transit
Airport
Chicago O'Hare International
25 min drive
Subway
Addison Station (Red Line)
Subway
Belmont Station (Brown, Purple, Red Lines)
Subway
Wellington Station
Bus
Broadway & Waveland
Bus
Broadway & Addison
Bus
Lake Shore Drive & Belmont
Bus
Halsted & Roscoe
Bus
Clark & School & Aldine
Bus
Clark & Belmont
Bus
Broadway & W. Sheridan
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Lakeview East
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Lakeview East, Chicago sell after 23 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Lakeview East, Chicago over the last 12 months is $432,056, up 6% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Large 1 bedroom condo in sought after location. Hawthorne Pl sits amongst historic mansions, and offers a view of Belmont Harbor. This freshly painted condo has an open kitchen with granite countertops and breakfast bar, and plenty of storage space. Oversized living / dining room with gorgeous Brazilian cherry hardwood flooring that imparts warmth to the space. Abundant closet space in the
Architecturally significant 3 bedroom/ 2 bathroom vintage condo meets modern! This 2200 sq ft lakeview unit takes up the entire second floor (all on one level). New Kitchen (2016) has Merillat cabinet, quartz countertops, reclaimed wood open shelves and stainless steel appliance. Unit features massive living room, family room, hardwood floors, 11' ceilings, crown molding, Caen limestone
Melissa YoungBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago
Experience breathtaking lakefront living with fantastic views! This impeccably updated home offers the best of Lakeview's waterfront living, featuring a 30-foot private terrace that extends from the living area to the bedroom, showcasing stunning views of Belmont Harbor, the lake, park and Chicago's skyline. Every inch of this home has been beautifully updated, including gorgeous European white
Condo studio located on the nineteenth floor. Needs some updating. Bring your decorating ideas. Great views of Park and Lake shore Drive. Amenities include Patio with grills, roof deck, exercise room, party room, salon, and storage. Public transportation right outside front door Walking distance to Wrigley Field, restaurants and bars.Good investment in Lakeveiw Area. Owner must wait 2 years
EXTRAORIDINARY OPPORTUNITY IN ONE OF LAKE SHORE DRIVE'S MOST WELL RESPECTED, MIDCENTURY FULL-AMENITIY BUILDINGS! THIS SPRAWLING, ONE-OF-A-KIND HOME FEATURES 4,400 SQ FT OF LIVING SPACE ON TWO LEVELS AND LIVES LIKE A SINGLE-FAMILY HOME IN THE SKY. FEATURES INCLUDE NORTH, WEST AND SOUTH EXPOSURES WITH SUNNY LAKE OR CITY VIEWS FROM EVERY SPACIOUS ROOM; EXTRA LARGE SEPARATE LIVING, DINING & FAMILY
Treetop and Lincoln Park views from this large 1 Bedroom condominium on rarely available 'D' tier. Check out floor plan and the 3-D tour! Spacious light-filled Living Room/Dining Room combo. Efficient Kitchen and lots of in-unit storage space. The Bedroom is big - there is enough space to also furnish a small office. Building amenities include: Amazing rooftop Deck with grills, firepit, and
Walk to the Lake, Golf Course, Tennis, Montrose Beach/Harbor, Public Trans and all that East Lakeview & Buena Park have to offer from this Bright N/E Facing 2 Bed / 2 Bath home in Park Place Tower, A Premier Full Amenity Building featuring Large Living Area w/Separate Dining Space w/wraparound windows opening to Maple/S/S Kitchen w/space for breakfast table or pantry shelving; Huge Primary Suite
Live Four50 is located at 450 W Belmont Ave Chicago, IL and is managed by CA VENTURES, LLC, a reputable property management company with verified listings on RENTCafe. Live Four50 offers Studio to 3 bedroom apartments ranging in size from 464 to 4185 sq.ft. This rental community is pet friendly, welcoming both cats and dogs. Property is located in the 60657 ZIP code. For more details, contact our
This stunning 3 Bed 2.5 Bath townhome will not last on the market. This home features Two cozy fireplaces - one in the living room and another in the master suite for a touch of elegance. The modern kitchen includes stainless steel appliances and an area for designated dining. The master suite boasts a private balcony offering serene views, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Expansive
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Alan Berlow,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
59,951
Median Age
35
Population Density
65 ppl/acre
Population under 18
15.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.9%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$83,005
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$111,345
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.2%
College Graduates
82.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
35.1%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
81%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
40''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
88/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
77/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
79/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.