$571,772Average Value$324Average Price per Sq Ft23Homes For Sale
Striking a balance between city and suburbs in Lincoln Square
“We like to think of ourselves as – you’re in the city, right? But maybe you don’t want to go all the way downtown. So you get that bustling city feel, but it’s still easier to park if you want to come from the suburbs, easier to walk around in,” says Rudy Flores, President and CEO of the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce. Primarily residential, Lincoln Square is often quieter during the day, as residents commute to offices and downtown; however, nights and weekends buzz with activity as residents enjoy the events and parks. A strong Chamber presence keeps Lincoln Square local, Flores notes – “We’ve watched the home values increase, but with that, the commercial values are also increasing. We need to keep getting more people to come visit our stores so they can stay small businesses.” This focus is most prominent along the main thoroughfare, where small shops stand tall, keeping out national chains. While some of these are foundational businesses, highlighting the German heritage that dates to the 1840s, the growth of diverse shops and restaurants reflects the ongoing change in the neighborhood.
Small town shopping and easy parking
Lincoln Square residents get the best of quiet suburban style living with city close by.
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German delicacies at Gene's Sausage Shop
Lincoln Avenue runs through the heart of Lincoln Square, a mile-long corridor home to most of the neighborhood's dining and shopping. Adjacent avenues branch off to more local boutiques and eateries. “Young people will come from outside the neighborhood to go bar hopping; there are tons of shops and bars nearby,” says Lisa Sanders, a Realtor with @properties Christies International. Oromo Café is a convenient start at the bottom of the avenue on the way to The Book Cellar to browse the shelves. Gene’s Sausage Shop and Delicatessen embraces the German heritage of the neighborhood, selling gourmet sausages and other European delicacies. Places like 016 Restaurant & Sandwich Shop and Himalayan Sherpa Kitchen reflect the many cultures that have brought their flavors to the area. The latter features Nepalese and Indian cuisine, including Tibetan dumplings, and the former specializes in Serbian dishes from Leskovac – the name of the restaurant, 016, is the area code for the city. Tony’s Fresh Market is a family-owned supermarket chain for groceries. Target and other big box stores are a few miles outside the neighborhood.
Genes Sausage Shop is a must try for German imports and deli items.
The Book Cellar is Lincoln Squares beloved local literary space with the latest novels.
Merz Apothecary offers medicine and herbs to locals in Lincoln Square.
Himalayan Sherpa Kitchen offers Nepalese and Indian cuisine to Lincoln Square residents.
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Varied prices in Chicago's far north
“During the day, it’s pretty quiet up here because we are primarily residential, and there are not a lot of big offices,” says Flores. Homes in Lincoln Square vary in price, providing opportunities at all price levels for prospective buyers. Condos in early- to mid-1900s mid-rise buildings sell for $100,000 to $300,000, while those in 2000s-era buildings go for $275,000 to $575,000. Single-family homes with Craftsmen, Georgian and prairie influences are throughout the neighborhood and range in price based on age. Established homes that may need updating sell from $300,000 to $1.3 million; new construction sells for $975,000 up to $2.3 million. Two- and three-flat units are also common. “Homes in the neighborhood can be expensive; that is why some people will buy a two-flat, remodel one level to live in, and rent out the other,” Sanders says. Turnover here is fast – homes sell on average after 23 days on the market, roughly half the national average of 44 days on the market.
Single family homes are available in Lincoln Square.
The Lincoln Square neighborhood offers many different styles of homes.
You can find three-story homes in Lincoln Square.
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Quality Chicago Public schools and prep schools
Sprawling over a large residential area, several schools in Chicago Public Schools service the neighborhood. Some students in the northern end of the neighborhood above Summerdale Avenue will start at Jamieson Elementary School before moving to Mather High School. These receive a B-plus and a B, respectively, from Niche.
Budlong Elementary, which gets a B, is the primary elementary school for students within the neighborhood. It's complimented by Hayt Elementary and McPherson Elementary, which receive B-minus grades, along with B-plus-rated Chappell Elementary and Waters Elementary earns an A-minus. All of these schools feed into Amundsen High School, which also earns an A-minus.
Numerous magnet and prep schools, including nearby Lane Tech, are available for opting into. Rob Munds, Realtor with Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty and resident of nearby Southport, notes these are highly competitive, often taking hundreds out of thousands of qualified applicants. “Some people will travel quite a ways to go to a specific school,” says Munds, “Some kids at my daughter’s school live in Northfield, which is way up north. They leave an hour ahead of time to get in – if it’s rainy or snowy, an hour and a half.”
Budlong Elementary School serves students in the Lincoln Square neighborhood.
Lane Tech College Prep High School offers high quality learning to students in the Chicago area.
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Acres of green space at River Park
River Park has 30 acres of green space for fishing, playing sports, spending time in the river, or observing wildlife and nature. The canoe and kayak launch allows folks to drop into the river and enjoy the river's flora. There are tennis courts, a public swimming pool, and a fenced dog play area. The North Shore Channel Trail is accessible from the park and has over 8 miles of paved trails for walking, running and cycling. Nestled within the Rosehill Cemetery – which has plenty of winding paths to walk – the West Ridge Nature Park features a pond for bird-watching and fishing, surrounded by lush marshes full of native plants. To the east, Winnemac Park is home to a playground and five ball fields, while the expansive Horner Park is just a few blocks south of the bottom end of the neighborhood – this keeps all residents within a few blocks of a city park.
The Old Town School of Folk Music is just south of the neighborhood for indoor recreation and entertainment. It is the largest non-profit community arts school in the country, and thousands of students attend classes weekly, ranging from dance to folk music performances and more.
Enjoy the walking paths at River Park in Lincoln Square.
Children in Lincoln Square can visit Jacob Park's playground.
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Fall fun with Apple fest and Oktoberfest
“Apple Fest is in its 37th year, it’s almost half a mile long, and we bring farms into the city,” says Flores. “Restaurants do apple-inspired dishes; we have around a hundred vendors, if not more. Over 40,000 people came through last year; it’s a big, fun family fall fest.” Steve Inacker, co-owner of Vicinity Candles – who create aromas focused on neighborhoods around the city – has used the festival and the neighborhood’s love for it as the foundation for their Lincoln Square candle. “Apple Fest is what our candle is based on for the neighborhood. Fall, apple pie. family.” The neighborhood’s German heritage is also a prominent part of the area. In late September, The Chicago German-American Oktoberfest shuts down Lincoln Square's heart with traditional drinks, bands, food, games and more. Square Roots, one of Chicago’s premiere music festivals, takes place over three days in July as the Chamber partners with the Old Town School of Folk Music to explore music from across the globe.
Friends yell "Prost" as they sip a pint of imported German beer at Lincoln Squares Oktober Fest.
Lincoln Square's Apple Fest showcases the best Apples from around the Midwest.
Large crowds flood the streets of Lincoln Square during Oktober Fest.
Fall harvest vegetables from local framers are on sale during the annual autumnal Apple Fest.
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Lincoln Square provides plenty of options to get around
“The L line – the Brown Line – was historically called the Ravenswood line,” says Flores, and longtime residents still refer to it that way. It runs across the bottom end of the neighborhood, while the Green Line is a few blocks east, offering more stops throughout the city. Flores notes that the neighborhood is very walkable and points out a new low-stress bike route that helps keep riders away from traffic and makes the community accessible through all forms of transportation. Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital is in the center of the neighborhood for 24-hour emergency care, usually less than five minutes from anywhere within the community. It’s one of the larger employers within the neighborhood as well. When residents want to travel, Chicago O’Hare International Airport is 10 miles west. It is usually a 40-minute drive but can reach upwards of an hour at peak times.
CTA Bus routes connect at the Western Ave Brown Line station, and run on major streets.
The Western Ave CTA Brown Line quickly connects Lincoln Square to the Chicago El network.
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A popular Farmer’s Market for commuters
The Lincoln Square Farmer’s Market takes place twice a week, with a night market on Thursdays - it was one of the first in the country, according to Flores. “They started the evening markets thinking about people's commuting patterns; it’s difficult to go to a weekday market when you’re working a 9 to 5 job and working downtown. The Tuesday morning market is right next to the L station – but what, are you going to take your produce to work? That’s why they started the evening one, so you’re coming off that train and picking it up before you go home.” This has helped make the market a mainstay in the community and a regular stop for residents from May through November.
Lincoln Square has two weekly farmers markets, one on Tuesday mornings and Thursday evenings.
Views of downtown Chicago in the distance as the crowd files into the Lincoln Square market.
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
Tim Brent,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
River Park
Baseball/Softball
Boating
Dog Park
Ronan Park
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Trails
Gross Park
Basketball
Football
Soccer
Jacob Park
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
West Ridge Nature Preserve
Fishing
Lake
Trails
Welles Park
Baseball/Softball
Football
Pool
Winnemac Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Football
Legion Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Tennis
Transit
Airport
Chicago O'Hare International
22 min drive
Subway
Western Station (Brown Line)
Bus
Lawrence & Washtenaw
Bus
Western & Berwyn Terminal
Bus
Lawrence & California
Bus
Foster & Virginia
Bus
Foster & Washtenaw
Bus
Lincoln & Balmoral
Bus
Western & Leland (Brown Line)
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Lincoln Square
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Lincoln Square, Chicago sell after 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Lincoln Square, Chicago over the last 12 months is $501,485, up 6% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Lincoln Sq.-Budlong Woods! Top floor! extra wide, gorgeous 1920's architecture . Originally converted /fully rehabbed in 2009, this almost 1800 asf condo has 3 bedrooms -1.1 bath, Huge windows with all 4 exposures, Super bright. Beautiful arches, almost 9 ft ceilings,hardwood floors and more. Kitchen has granite counters, SS package, front load LG Washer/Dryer in unit. Central air, Lots of
Don't miss your chance to own this top-floor corner unit in a charming courtyard building right in the heart of Lincoln Square/Budlong Woods. This 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom condo offers a smart, efficient layout with abundant natural light pouring in and hardwood floors throughout, adding warmth and character. The kitchen is thoughtfully designed with plenty of cabinet and granite countertop space,
First resale of 3-years-new penthouse condo in Lincoln Square/Waters Elementary. All brick, extra wide 3-bedroom/2-bath condo has all of the bells and whistles plus a private roof top deck across the full roof of unit 3W. Completed in December 2021 by notable developer Platinum Homes, this beautiful home provides a heightened sense of space and comfort. Beautiful features include oak hard wood
Rose Leversha@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Fantastic Investment Opportunity in Lincoln Square/Budlong Woods! This beautifully maintained, solid brick 3-unit building offers incredible potential for owner-occupants or savvy investors. Two of the three units have been recently updated, and all feature a similar layout with hardwood floors throughout, decorative fireplaces, spacious living and dining rooms, two bedrooms, a full kitchen, and
Tucked into a quiet corner on a tree-lined street in the heart of Lincoln Square, 2515 W Gunnison is a top-floor, three-bed, two-and-a-half bath home blending vintage charm with modern conveniences and comfort. An all-brick, high-end gut rehab in 2017 on an extra-wide lot, this condo features a chef's kitchen with pantry and breakfast bar overlooking a great room perfect for entertaining or
This huge 3-bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment is waiting to welcome you home! Vintage Charm meets modern amenities in this 1850 sq.ft, 2nd floor apartment. Enjoy an updated bathroom and kitchen with brand-new refrigerator and central heat and air. The over-sized living room flows into a sun room offering a great spot to relax after work, plus there is a separate dining room and the perfect space for
Welcome to 4756 M. Maplewood Apartments – Your Perfect Home in Lincoln Square!4756 M. Maplewood Ave., Chicago, ILLocated in the heart of Lincoln Square, 4756 M. Maplewood Apartments offer an unbeatable location with easy access to everything you need. Just steps away, you'll find:Giddings PlazaWelles ParkHarvest Time Grocery StoreA variety of local
July 1st move-in! This is a spacious studio with excellent closet space, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, small accent wall with exposed brick, and good natural light throughout. The building has recently been updated with a Keyless entry with Butterfly MX entry/intercom system and package receiving via Amazon Hub. There is also an on-site laundry facility, lobby, and elevator in the
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Tim Brent,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
20,496
Median Age
40
Population Density
21 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$83,294
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$108,302
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.1%
College Graduates
60.3%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
23.6%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
75%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
40''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
61/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
90/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
62/ 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.
