Buying A Home Chicago | Lincoln Park | Debra Dobbs | Buy A Home

Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s richest neighborhoods—and not just in terms of the wealth of its residents. This lakeside neighborhood is rich in history, cultural institutions, architectural heritage and lifestyle opportunities.

PUBLIC AMENITIES
Lincoln Park derives far more than just a name from the 1,200-acre park that stretches along Lake Michigan and forms its eastern border. In addition to The Lincoln Park Zoo and conservatory, the park is home to still more jewels in Chicago’s cultural crown—the Chicago History Museum, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and the Theater on the Lake.

HOUSING STOCK
The block bordered by Willow, Armitage, Burling and Orchard has been called the most expensive in Chicago—and one of the priciest in the country. Here Chicago’s wealthiest families have bought up multiple lots to create stunning in-town estates. But lesser mortals can find a home in Lincoln Park as well.

Since the decline in the housing market, homes are taking longer to sell but prices have held in the neighborhood’s upper range. Dozens of properties are still priced from four to eight million dollars, with super-high-end homes built in the last five years leading the way, and renovated mansions and vintage condos in lakefront buildings not far behind.

Recent sales in mid-2010 have ranged from a 6,500-square foot single-family home built in 1920, which sold for just under $3 million, to a 1-bedroom condo at $190,000.

TRANSPORTATION
Several CTA bus lines and the Red Line elevated trains move Lincoln Parkers throughout the city. Lake Shore Drive and the Kennedy Expressway (I-94) border the neighborhood to the east and west, but traffic can make getting to them a slow process at nearly any time of the day. Parking is at a premium, as permit-only areas and newly installed parking meters have further constrained the already tight supply of available spaces.

SHOPPING, DINNING AND NIGHTLIFE
Long known for its trendy boutiques and designer clothing stores on Clark, Halsted and Armitage, recent retail development has brought national retailers such as Pottery Barn and Banana Republic to the jammed area around North Avenue and Clybourn. A new Apple store is set to open in late 2010. Grocery shoppers, once limited to small neighborhood stores, now choose from Trader Joe’s and a huge Whole Foods Market.

For those who don’t like to cook, Lincoln Park restaurants are among the city’s best and most varied. From Charlie Trotter’s shrine to gastronomy to the Weiner’s Circle, famed for Chicago-style dogs and a generous serving of attitude, there’s something for everyone here, with a great dining experience on almost every corner.

The bar scene is still jumping in Lincoln Park, mostly on Webster near the campus of DePaul University, and on major streets like Clark and Lincoln Avenue. But more sophisticated fare is available as well, as new wine bars and cocktail lounges pop up across the neighborhood. A lively theater scene includes the world-class Steppenwolf and longtime favorite Victory Gardens. Music fans choose from acoustic favorites at Lincoln Hall, newly opened in the old Three-Penny Theater, and nationally-known acts from all genres at Park West, to name just a few of the neighborhood’s many venues.

SCHOOLS
Lincoln Park High School is one of Chicago’s best, and public elementary schools include highly rated magnet schools as well as neighborhood buildings. Two of Chicago’s most prestigious private schools are located in or near Lincoln Park, Francis W. Parker and The Latin School of Chicago, both of which serve grades K-12.