1. Lincoln Park overview

2. History of Lincoln Park

3. Living in Lincoln Park

4. Con of Lincoln Park

Today let me share with you the beauty of Lincoln Park, the home of Leo the Lion. This is a very special place for me because I spent my high school years here. So I really can attest that this is one of the best locations to live in Illinois. 

Lincoln Park is home to 70,492 people. Located only two miles from the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago, this beautiful community is also one of Chicago's wealthiest neighborhoods. It encompasses many sub-neighborhoods: namely, East Lincoln Park, Clybourn Corridor, DePaul, MidNorth, Old Town Triangle, Park West, Ranch Triangle, Armitage/Sheffield, West DePaul, and Wrightwood.

Lincoln Park is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, its proximity to Lake Michigan, and its wide variety of restaurants, shops, and bars. The neighborhood is also home to a number of parks, including Lincoln Park itself, which is the largest park in Chicago.

It has a dynamic real estate market which preserves historical architecture along with modern innovations. Here you can find frame houses, vintage brownstones, brick and limestone homes, two-flats, modest single family homes, townhomes, and highrise condos and apartments along the lakefront. There are also many large residential loft conversions, mainly along the Clybourn Corridor. The median home value in Lincoln Park costs $667,500 and media rent at $2,000. 

The History of Lincoln Park

The area was originally home to a Potawatomi village, but it was later settled by German farmers and merchants. In the 1860s, the city of Chicago set aside 60 acres of land as a park. The park was named Lake Park, but it was renamed Lincoln Park in 1865 after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln.

In the late 19th century, Lincoln Park became a popular destination for wealthy Chicagoans. Many of the mansions that still stand in the neighborhood were built during this time. The Lincoln Park Zoo was also founded in 1868.

In the early 20th century, Lincoln Park became a more diverse neighborhood. Immigrants from Eastern Europe, Italy, and Mexico began to settle in the area. The neighborhood also became a center for the arts and culture. The Steppenwolf Theatre Company was founded in Lincoln Park in 1974.

Now that you know a bit about the history of Lincoln Park, let me proceed to show you What’s it like to live in Lincoln Park?

Living in Lincoln Park

A. Dining Options

Lincoln Park is home to a diverse range of cuisines and award-winning eateries. 

Some of the eateries still represent the Irish and German ancestors who arrived in the 1870s. 

There are also several restaurants with patios where you may relax, as well as seasonal farmers markets such as the Green City Market.

B. Nightlife

Bars, low-key dives, hotel rooftop bars, mainstream concert venues, and blues clubs make up the nightlife in this district. 

Its diversity appeals to a wide range of populations, including students, young professionals, and families.

C. Shopping

Lincoln Park's Armitage and Halsted neighborhood is a haven for shoppers. This is where you'll discover a selection of tiny boutiques and high-end retailers lined together in historic row homes. The Apple Store, Laudi Vidni, Art Effects, and the Foxtrot Market are among the stores. 

D. Entertainment and Recreation

Lincoln Park blends nature into city life. 

This neighborhood is known for its namesake park which contains the Lakefront Trail, Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Conservatory, North Avenue Beach, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Chicago History Museum. 

It’s perfect for families, nature lovers, pet lovers and everyone else. No wonder its namesake high school has a pride of lions.

For years, Chicago's music, art, and theater scenes have produced nationally recognized talent. 

Everyone knows that Chicago is the birthplace of the blues, which is why you must visit Kingston Mines every night to hear incredible blues musicians. 

If you prefer more contemporary and up-and-coming music, there’s the Park West, Golden Dagger, or Lincoln Hall.

Lincoln Park also offers a number of museums. 

Chicago History Museum where you can find pieces related to Chicago’s past events. 

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum shows progress in different species. 

If you enjoy architecture, Lincoln Park has Wrightwood 659. 

Take a visit to the National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabini. 

For theater and movie lovers, there’s Landmark's Century Centre Cinema, Regal Webster Place, and AMC Dine-in 600 North Michigan 9, David’s Theater, and The Music Box Theater. 

And in the namesake park, there are up to ten stages hosting theater productions ranging from dramatic to outrageously funny.

E. Transportation

Lincoln Park is not just home to tree-lined avenues and bustling business corridors; it is also well-connected to its surrounding towns and beyond via a variety of forms of transportation.

It may be reached from the suburbs via the Clybourn Metra station or the Kennedy Expressway, as well as from other Chicago neighborhoods via multiple 'L' stations and bus routes. 

Cyclists can take use of the iconic Lakefront Trail and numerous bike lanes.

F. Topnotch Schools    

Lincoln Park’s schools are topnotch. This community has all the resources necessary for their students’ success.

For young children, there’s Lincoln Elementary School, Mayer Elementary School, Louisa May Alcott School, LaSalle Language Academy, Newberry Math and Science Academy, Prescott Elementary School, Saint Clement School, Saint James Lutheran School and Francis W. Parker School. In particular, Prescott Elementary School is the 13th best elementary school in Chicago.

And the namesake high school is also one of Chicago's best public high schools - ranked 33rd within Illinois. I actually went to Lincoln Park High School. LPHS academic programs include Honors, Double Honors, AP and International Baccalaureate. It is renowned for its high academic and sports excellence. My experiences shaped me into the person I am now so I am so happy to be a Lady Lion.

One of the country's largest private universities, DePaul University, is also here. In the 2022 US News and World Reports ranking, DePaul is ranked 65th best value school in America.

e. low crime rates

Lincoln Park is relatively safe with a Safety Score of 90 from VeryApt Inc. While crime rates spiked during the pandemic, it is still one of the safest communities in Chicago. The 18th and 19th police districts of Chicago patrol the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

But as much as I love Lincoln Park, there’s something you should know about this place.

CON OF LINCOLN PARK

If there’s anything negative about Lincoln Park, it’s the high cost of living and limited parking. 

Lincoln Park has a cost of living that is 52% more than the Chicago average and 48% higher than the national average. 

Drivers will also struggle to find parking since there are a limited amount of parking spaces available. 

Conclusion

Named after the legendary President Abraham Lincoln, this community offers the best of Chicago - beautiful natural scenery, diverse populace, no shortage of dining, entertainment, shopping and transportation options, and topnotch schools. Although it is very expensive to live in, it’s worth investing in the home of the Lions.

Are you interested in investing in Lincoln Park? Get our free Buyers Guide here.