The Ultimate Guide to Chicago’s Lincoln Park Neighborhood

Welcome to Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood! This Northside ‘hood is one of Chicago’s most well-known, and for good reason. With mega-charm and ample green space, Lincoln Park is an awesome place to visit…or better yet, call home. 

If you’re thinking about moving to Lincoln Park and want to learn more about this jewel of a neighborhood, read on!

This is Lincoln Park 

Lincoln Park is located north of the heart of downtown Chicago. Simply cruise along the Lake Michigan shoreline until you hit the neighborhood’s namesake park. 

Let’s talk about Lincoln Park’s boundaries. Like most neighborhoods in Chicago, Lincoln Park’s neighborhood borders are mostly clear…

This part is clear: Lake Michigan and the Chicago River sandwich the neighborhood to the east and west. Diversey Parkway bounds the northern border. 

But things get a little hairy around the southern portion of Lincoln Park, which includes a gray area near the Old Town Triangle. While bustling North Avenue feels like a natural dividing line (and Google will tell you it is), the Old Town neighborhood and Lincoln Park both stake claim to several blocks around the historic Old Town Triangle. So, those lucky residents get to stake claim to two awesome neighborhoods! 

Compared to lots of Chicago’s best downtown neighborhoods, like pocket-sized Streeterville and Lakeshore East, Lincoln Park is ginormous. It’ll take you a good two and a half hours to walk the perimeter of its 3 square miles. 

And while I love a small neighborhood, in the case of Lincoln Park, bigger just might be better. Here’s why: the micro-neighborhoods that live inside Lincoln Park’s borders each have their own identity and personality. From Sheffield to Mid-North, we’ll dive deeper into these “neighborhoods inside the neighborhood” later. 

Lincoln Park History 

I firmly believe that knowing the history behind the neighborhood you live in makes you love and appreciate it even more. So before I jump into all the reasons to move to Lincoln Park, let’s run through a little history lesson. 

Lincoln Park’s Dismal Beginnings

Standing at the corner of a busy intersection in Lincoln Park, it feels impossible to imagine what the landscape looked like 200 years ago. No blinking stoplights. No busy streets. Heck, no streets at all! 

Back in the early 1800s, the Lincoln Park neighborhood wasn’t a neighborhood at all, but a sea of forested grassland and home to Native Americans. The Green Bay Trail – which is now Clark Street – snaked through the neighborhood, extending all the way to Wisconsin. 

In fact, the Lincoln Park area was so remote that the only development before the 1850s was a cemetery and smallpox hospital. It doesn’t exactly scream, “Welcome to the neighborhood!”, does it? 

Now keep in mind that originally, the city of Chicago’s northernmost border was North Avenue, which means the Lincoln Park area wasn’t even in Chicago. But by the mid-1800s, the area was incorporated as Lake View Township and its identity began to take shape. 

A Name for the Neighborhood 

As the 19th century reached the midway point, German, Irish and Italian immigrants settled in, and the community began to bloom – but still without an identity. And then, with one shot on the night of April 14th, 1865, that all changed. The assassination of Abraham Lincoln galvanized the community, and the area was almost immediately renamed in his honor. 

Just three years later, the famous Lincoln Park Zoo was established and two pairs of swans – a gift from New York’s Central Park Zoo – became its first residents.  

The next 50 years brought in a wave of development to Lincoln Park, and it became Chicago-official. The neighborhood’s annexation into Chicago’s city limits, paired with an explosion of infrastructure advancements, meant streetcars and trolleys were soon buzzing about. 

Mobsters to Gentrification, Lincoln Park is Transformed 

Now, like many burgeoning neighborhoods throughout the U.S., the explosive growth of the early 20th century created not just opportunities, but also some challenges. And, Lincoln Park was no different. 

By the tail-end of the roaring 20s, the neighborhood was fraught with gang warfare, as North and South Side gangs fought for control over the city’s organized crime syndicate. In fact, the infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre that killed seven men from Al Capone’s rival North Side Gang took place just around the corner from today’s neighborhood-fave Bourgeois Pig Café. 

But, the troubles were only just beginning. With the onset of the Great Depression, Lincoln Park fell into a period of disrepair, lasting all the way through to the mid-century. It wasn’t until the Puerto Rican community found a home in Lincoln Park that these first-generation immigrants helped usher in a new phase of renewal for the neighborhood. 

For the next 20 years, Lincoln Park was transformed, with urban renewal funds being used to restore historic buildings and fix up the neighborhood schools. But, it came at a cost, as low-income housing was a victim to the new development. Lincoln Park’s gentrification was swift, and by the 1980s, original residents were pushed out as the cost of living in the neighborhood soared. 

Lincoln Park’s Popularity Rises 

By the time the 21st century rolled around, gated communities, condominiums and high-rise apartment buildings had lured young professionals to the area. Lincoln Park had become thee downtown Chicago neighborhood to live in, with 70% of residents under the age of 40 and median incomes ticking up year after year. 

And when money moves in, development follows. From restaurants to dry cleaners, parks to new schools, Lincoln Park soon had everything its residents needed to live comfortably without ever leaving their neighborhood.  

What it’s Like to Live in Lincoln Park Today 

If you’re trying to decide which neighborhood in downtown Chicago to move to, you’re probably doing a lot of research. And you should- there are so many awesome spots to choose from. West Loop has its hipster culture and Gold Coast is posh as can be. Streeterville is close to the action, and Lakeshore East has enviable green space. Heck, have you seen what has developed in the South Loop over the last 15 years? Amazing!

So if you’re asking yourself, “why should I live in Lincoln Park?”, the answer is easy. Lincoln Park gives you the best of every Chicago neighborhood, all wrapped into one. 

Have It All When You Live In Lincoln Park

Are you skeptical? Think a neighborhood can’t check all your boxes? I get it. It’s hard to believe you can have historic charm and loads of convenient shopping. Tons of stuff to do and zen-like green space. The city’s best pizza and best watering holes. I sold ya on that last one, didn’t I? 

Before you start packing boxes and searching for an apartment, let’s take a walk through every reason you’re going to fall in love with Lincoln Park. 

Everyday Conveniences That Make Life Easier 

That’s right – I’m kicking off my Lincoln Park pitch with grocery and drug stores. I know that access to fresh produce doesn’t exactly have a cool-factor, but imagine living in a neighborhood void of milk and peanut butter. Pretty unlivable, right? 

This is one of the very best things about living in Lincoln Park. Not only is it the coolest neighborhood in Chicago, it’s also the most livable. All the conveniences you need to live day-to-day are within its borders. 

Grocery Stores in Lincoln Park 

Forget over the top amenities. When you live downtown, having a grocery store within walking distance from your apartment is such a luxury. And when you live in Lincoln Park, it’s yours. There are so many grocery stores – both big and small – that you actually have choices about where to shop. 

• Park View Grocer: Hidden-gem of a small grocer on Clark Street in the southwest corner of Lincoln Park. Fantastic beer and wine selection. 

• Big Apple Finer Foods: This independent grocery store in the Mid-North district is a neighborhood favorite. Neighbors rave about the butcher shop, fresh produce and bulk candy.

• Carnival Foods: An old-school grocer on Dickens and Lincoln in Mid-North. They have everything you need, plus the staff is the friendliest around.

• Trader Joe’s: What’s better than a Trader Joe’s in your neighborhood? How about two? With locations on the south and north ends of Lincoln Park, you’ll never run out of Speculoos Cookie Butter. 

• Whole Foods: The mother of them all, Whole Foods, is located smack in the middle of Lincoln Park, near DePaul University. Of course, their grocery selection is incredible, but it’s the hot food bar – which includes breakfast – that’ll win your heart! 

• Target Grocery: Located in the north part of Lincoln Park on Clark, it’s everything you need wrapped with a bullseye bow. 

• Jewel-Osco: Riverpoint Center has a big-box Jewel-Osco for your major grocery runs.

• Aldi: Two Aldis, both along Clybourn. One on the north-end at Riverpoint Center and another on the south-end in the Clybourn Corridor. 

• Bonus Option: Hop across North Avenue a couple blocks to Old Town’s Whole Mariano’s. 

Farmer’s Markets in Lincoln Park 

In Chicago, local farmer’s markets are something we relish. Opening day, after a long and cold winter, should probably be considered a city-wide holiday. In Lincoln Park, you’ve got two great markets to choose from: 

• Green City Market: Located right on the edge of the park, at 1817 N Clark Street, the Green City Market is open May – October on Saturdays. You know you’re at a great farmer’s market when you rub elbow with local chefs! 

• Lincoln Park Farmer’s Market: Located at Lincoln Park High School, this local market is open on Saturday mornings from May through late November. With goodies like fresh empanadas and Michigan peaches, I promise you won’t leave empty-handed. 

Big Box in the Big City

Access to big box stores is a convenience that’s usually saved for the suburbs, but Lincoln Park’s got them all. And even if you love to shop small, you’ve got to admit that having a Target within walking distance of your home is a huge plus. 

First, there are two huge retail centers that hug the far west side of Lincoln Park – Riverpoint Center on the north-end and Clybourn Corridor to the south. They feel more like suburban strip malls, and are bursting with national brands. You’ll find everything from Menards to Dick’s Sporting Goods to Best Buy. 

Need a prescription filled in a hurry? There are four Walgreens scattered throughout Lincoln Park to cover your pharmacy needs. 

But my favorite recent addition to the neighborhood are two small-format Target stores. Packed with must-haves and want-to-haves, there’s also grocery and pharmacy at these locations. With one in the Mid-North area and another in Park West, it’s easy to take a stroll to and from your Target run. 

The Best Shopping in Lincoln Park

Now here’s where it gets fun. If you’re wondering where to shop in Lincoln Park, I have some advice. There are three awesome spots in the neighborhood to practice serious retail therapy. 

Armitage-Halsted Shopping District 

The Armitage-Halsted area is the best place to shop in Lincoln Park. You’ll find local shops as well as trendy brands like Outdoor Voices. Armitage is also the mecca for web-based retailer’s brick-and-mortar stores like All-Birds and Warby Parker. 

Shopping Along North and Clybourn

North and Clybourn is where you’ll find your favorite national brands. A destination for athleisure wear, you’ve got Lululemon and Athleta within a stone’s throw of each other. My favorite home brands – West Elm, Crate & Barrel, CB2, Pottery Barn and World Market. Yup, you can basically deck out your entire apartment in one shopping trip.

Clark Street 

Clark Street cuts through Lincoln Park south-to-north and is lined with diverse retail from Fullerton to Diversey. Urban Outfitters to New Balance, you can style yourself from head to toe. Conveniences like Sally Beauty to T-Mobile keep everyday needs within reach too.

Things To Do in Lincoln Park 

Although strolling boutique shops in Lincoln Park is my favorite pastime, there’s plenty to do if window shopping doesn’t float your boat. Whether you’re visiting or call Lincoln Park home, checking out its tourist attractions is a must-do. 

Steppenwolf Theater 

Check out a play at the Steppenwolf Theater. Active since the 1970s, and in its Lincoln Park location since 1991, this not-for-profit ensemble theater is one of the best in the country, boasting a cast of great actors that includes founder Gary Sinise and original member John Malkovich. 

Grab your tickets and enjoy one of Chicago’s must-do theater experiences.  

Lincoln Park Conservatory

There are two things I love about the Lincoln Park Conservatory. First, it’s a total refuge in the middle of winter. You know that smell of springtime? It’s alive and well year-round inside the Conservatory, and there’s no sweeter scent while a snow storm is raging outside. 

And second – it’s free! That’s right, no admission cost, ever. 

Chicago History Museum 

If you live in Chicago and have never been to the Chicago History Museum, you’ve got to go! Located on the south side of the park, this place is a treasure trove. You’ll learn a ton about the city, and the museum has events outside its walls as well. My pick: take a Sheffield walking tour and learn more about the history of your neighborhood.

Lincoln Park Zoo

And of course, the zoo! The Lincoln Park Zoo is a must-see attraction in Chicago, no matter your age. Spend the day or take a quick stroll through to say hello to your favorite critter. 

Admission is always free and there’s a lot more than just lions, tigers and bears at the zoo. Check out their super fun events, like Wine Fest, ZooLights and a host of garden tours. 

The Best Restaurants in Lincoln Park 

If you visit Lincoln Park, I suggest you come hungry. And if you live in Lincoln Park, I promise you’ll never go hungry!

From hole-in-the-wall pubs to Michelin star-rated restaurants with months-long waiting lists, exploring the local fare might be your favorite new pastime. 

Best Farm to Table: Blue Door Farm Stand

After a shopping trip along Armitage, pop into Blue Door Farm Stand. Their philosophy is, “let the seasons dictate what’s on the plate”, and they take it seriously! The food on your plate is locally sourced from farmer’s markets, farms and beekeepers. They even have a namesake farm – Blue Door Farm – in Indiana. 

Best Date Night: Boka 

The date night restaurants in Lincoln Park are plentiful, but I do have a favorite. Boka is a splurge that’s totally worth it. It has all those fancy things – Michelin stars and James Beard awards – but the food and experience speak for themselves. The ambiance is warm, and the food is other-worldly. 

Best Tacos: Broken English Taco Pub

The best Mexican food in Lincoln Park is at the super-funky Broken English Taco Pub. Their Lincoln Avenue location is right on the eastern edge of Wrightwood. This place is loud and proud; you can’t miss its wild turquoise exterior. 

Take a seat on the pup-friendly patio and start with a round of the strongest margaritas in Chicago. Add all the street tacos you can eat and split a plate of their Nacho Momma’s Nachos. And finally, save room for their churros topped with strawberry ice cream. Best. Meal. Ever. 

Best Pizza in Lincoln Park: Pequod’s Pizza 

The best pizza in Lincoln Park might also take the crown for the best pizza in all of Chicago: Pequod’s! This place is legendary and serves up some of Chicago’s best deep dish pizza.

Don’t worry about putting on your Sunday’s best, Pequod’s is a total dive, and it’s all part of the charm. Famous for their caramelized crust and piles of crunchy, crispy pepperoni, their pizza is heaven on a plate.

Best Tapas in Lincoln Park: Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba

Not only is the food heavenly, the energy in this place is electric! Right on the corner of Halsted and Armitage, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba serves up Spanish tapas, Chicago’s best sangria and service that cannot be beat. 

The dining menu is bursting with favorites like patatas bravas, empanadas and roasted dates. They also serve up my favorite weekend brunch in Lincoln Park. The beef tenderloin benedict is a total winner, and the Nutella French toast is dangerously good.   

The Best Bars in Lincoln Park 

Lincoln Park does not lack in the cold beer and cocktails department. No matter where you live, a bar is just a quick walk away. Here’s my four faves, but I highly suggest getting a group of friends together for a pub crawl! 

Best Cheap Drinks: Lincoln Station 

If you’re looking for late night food and drinks in Lincoln Park, mosey on over to Lincoln Station. Located on Lincoln Avenue, just a few blocks from DePaul University, this joint serves up drinks and bar food on the cheap. 

Head over on a Wednesday for $5 burgers and cheap tap beer (their selection is ginormous!). Lincoln Station is also the best place in Lincoln Park to watch sports, and it’s the favorite bar in Chicago for Buffalo Bills fans to catch their team every Sunday during football season. See, I told you Lincoln Park had something for everyone…even transplants from Buffalo!

Best German Bar: Prost!

The best German beer hall in Chicago has got to be Prost! They’ve got all the classics – wurst, schnitzel, spaetzle and over twenty beers on tap.     

And hey, Wisconsinites, you’ll be sure to find the best cheese curds outside your home state at Prost. 

Best Irish Bar: Halligan Bar

Halligan slings stiff drinks and cold beer. That’s it, and that’s the beauty of this no-frills bar on the corner of Lincoln and Orchard. The crowd here is young, the noise-level is booming, and the drink prices are LOW-Low-low. 

With daily drink specials between $2-4, it’s easy to pick up a buzz on the cheap. 

Best Wine Bar: J9 Wine Bar 

Looking for a cozy spot to grab a glass of wine in Lincoln Park? J9 is it! 

The seating is plush, the fireplaces are roaring and staff is welcoming. A confession: I love wine, but am like a deer in headlights when handed a list of reds, whites and bubbly. Not to worry. The bartenders at J9 are incredibly knowledgeable and kindly offer up suggestions. 

Lincoln Park’s Best Green Space and Parks 

Once you eat and drink your way through Lincoln Park, you can walk it off in one of the many, many parks. The neighborhood’s ample green space might be what it’s most known for.  

Of course, its namesake park is the big draw for tourists and visitors, but residents know about all the extra spots to play, catch some rays and even dip your toes in the water.  

Oz Park 

There’s an absolute treasure in the center of the Lincoln Park neighborhood – Oz Park.

It’s over 14-acres of green space and has baseball fields, tennis courts, a basketball court, an awesome children’s playground and beautifully-landscaped gardens. But it’s the statues of The Wizard of Oz characters scattered throughout the park that give this place character. You’ll be just as charmed as the youngsters in the whimsical slice of Lincoln Park. 

Wiggly Field Dog Park 

Yes – Wiggly Field Dog Park. Say it, and I dare you not to crack a smile. Wiggly Field is located in the Wrightwood neighborhood, giving local pups a place to run and socialize. 

Come for the space to run and play. Stay to make friends with neighborhood fur-balls and puppy-parents.

North Avenue Beach

Chicago’s winters may be cold, but man-oh-man, the summers are HOT. To cool off on a humid summer day in Lincoln Park, look no further than North Avenue Beach. 

A favorite beach in Chicago, North Avenue is huge with lots of space to swim, play volleyball and build sandcastles in the sunshine. 

Lincoln Park 

And finally – the big (BIG) park! Lincoln Park has so many spots to explore, you could spend days roaming its 1,188 acres of ponds, trails and gardens. Aside from the zoo, there are a few super special spots that top my must-see list: 

North Pond Nature Sanctuary 

Us urban dwellers pay big bucks for a little peace, quiet and relaxation. But I’m telling you – a morning spent at North Pond will leave you more centered than any spa day. 

Stroll on the paved path to the pond, take a seat, and set your sights on the wonders of nature. Birds, ducks, beavers, turtles…this place is like an enchanted wetland right in the middle of the city. 

The Lily Pond

The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pond is a part of the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Beautifully landscaped and the picture of tranquility, there’s a reason this place is known for proposals and weddings. The romantic vibe, all set to the soundtrack of croaking toads, is right out of a fairy tale. 

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

Your search for a fun kid’s activity in Lincoln Park should bring you directly to the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. A great way for kids of all ages to spend an afternoon, the museum lets you explore the best of nature and science in Chicago. 

The indoor butterfly room is a fan-favorite, and the daily butterfly release will even impress the adults. Daily admission is really affordable, and they also have an annual family membership, which is a must for families who live in Lincoln Park. 

Cummings Playground

Located just outside the Zoo, Cummings Playground has play structures for children of all ages. From classic swings to modern rope webs, Lincoln Park’s youngest residents love calling this modern playground their stomping ground.

The South Pond

Nature meets the city at Lincoln Park’s South Pond. Located south of the Zoo, the South Pond is best known for its Instagram-worthy views of downtown. 

Lincoln Park’s Neighborhoods in the Neighborhood

If you’re thinking about moving to Lincoln Park, you’ll want to explore the neighborhood to figure out what area is best-suited for you. What you’ll discover is something really cool – Lincoln Park has distinct micro-communities within its borders, and each has its own personality. 

The Neighborhood Communities of Lincoln Park

There are seven “neighborhoods-within-the-neighborhood” in Lincoln Park: 

Old Town Triangle

Part Old Town, part Lincoln Park, the tip of the Old Town Triangle extends about a dozen square blocks into Lincoln Park. As neighborhoody as neighborhoods get, this pocket of Lincoln Park has charm written all over it. Mostly home to historic brick-laden homes and vintage apartment buildings, the Old Town Triangle is a perfect welcome mat to Lincoln Park. 

Mid-North District 

The Mid-North District is also referred to as East Lincoln Park (I know, confusing, right?!). This small section of Lincoln Park skirts the east side of the park, west to Lincoln and north to Fullerton. Mid-North is a prime-spot for new high-rise apartments and makes city living simple with quick access to groceries, pharmacy, restaurants and bars.  

Park West 

Park West runs along the northeast part of the neighborhood, but gets its name because it’s just west of the park. I love this part of Lincoln Park because it has that neighborhood-feel with quiet streets and historic homes, but is also within walking distance to a little more hustle and bustle.

Wrightwood Neighbors

The Wrightwood neighborhood sits in the north central part of Lincoln Park, just north of DePaul University. It’s a quieter pocket of Lincoln Park, with lots of single family homes and brownstones. Because of its proximity to DePaul, you’ll see a mix of families and students calling this piece of the Lincoln Park puzzle home. 

Sheffield Neighbors

The Sheffield Neighbors area in Lincoln Park gives you the best of everything the neighborhood has to offer. Sandwiched between Halstead and Racine, there are blocks upon blocks of brownstones, town homes, historic apartments and small businesses. 

Around the south perimeter – near Armitage and Halstead – are some of the neighborhood’s best restaurants and bars. 

Ranch Triangle 

Lincoln Park’s Ranch Triangle – which stands for Racine, Armitage, North, Chicago (River) and Halsted – is a small but mighty few blocks. 

It has residential charm like Sheffield, and also has some big changes headed its way. The mega Lincoln Yards development – a $6 billion mixed-use project, is on the west edge along the river and will bring an entirely new vibe to this part of Lincoln Park.  

Lincoln Central 

Just like the name implies, Lincoln Central is centrally located in the neighborhood with its borders touching all six of the other niche community areas. 

Full of historic residential buildings, it’s also home to Lincoln Park High School, several churches, and the iconic Oz Park. 

Lincoln Park Neighborhood Associations

Once you get settled into your new neighborhood, get involved! Joining a neighborhood association is the best way to meet your new neighbors and make a difference in your community. 

For both neighbors and businesses who want to be active members of the Lincoln Park neighborhood, you’ve got options: 

Old Town Triangle Association 

This long-standing association is focused on preserving the Old Town Triangle’s history. They take on neighborhood improvements, capital improvement and are the force behind the famous Old Town Art Fair. 

Wrightwood Neighbors Association

Any resident of the Wrightwood neighborhood can become a member of the Wrightwood Neighbors Association. Their mission is to keep the neighborhood connected through community involvement and promote public safety. They also organize social activities like my favorite Lincoln Park event, the Lincoln Park Wine Festival. 

Sheffield Neighbors Association 

Neighbors in the Sheffield neighborhood can get involved with the community by joining this active association. The organization takes great pride in their neighborhood, directing a lot of energy into maintaining Sheffield’s gardens. 

Each year, they host the Sheffield Street Festival, a fundraiser for community schools, community projects and the neighborhood beautification program. 

Ranch Triangle Community Conservation Association 

Founded in 1963, the Ranch Triangle Conservation Association serves residents by advocating for the preservation of the Ranch neighborhood. Run by volunteers, this group is actively involved in community development and has a strong relationship with the Alderman whose wards cover the neighborhood. 

Mid-North Association 

The Mid-North neighborhood is beautiful, and its association’s mission is to keep it that way. They exist to keep the historic nature of the area vibrant. The all-volunteer board keeps close tabs on every proposed plan for redevelopment in the neighborhood – from zoning changes to minor variances.  

Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce 

Lincoln Park’s Chamber of Commerce knows that when the community thrives, so do its businesses. As a business owner in Lincoln Park, becoming a member of the Chamber of Commerce gives you access to marketing opportunities and gives you an instant network of supportive neighbors to cheer on your business.

Lincoln Park Luxury Apartments for Rent 

There’s a running joke around my friends and colleagues about new folks moving to Chicago. Seems like everyone they knew told them “Hey, I heard you’re moving to Chicago. You should check out Lincoln Park.” Coincidence? I think not! It is a really cool place to live, and as you have seen, offers something for everyone.  

So, let’s check out some of the best luxury apartments in Lincoln Park– perfect for life long Chicagoans and new kids on the block. 

2555 N Clark Apartments 

This Lincoln Park high-rise stands tall along Clark Street. Located in the Park West community in Lincoln Park, it’s close to the Park, Zoo, lake shore and quick transit options to downtown. Residents here appreciate the friendly staff and incredible view of the lake from the rooftop sky deck.

Belden Stratford Apartments

The Belden Stratford is one of the coolest apartment buildings in Lincoln Park. A former hotel, this building is oozing with historic charm you won’t find in a brand-new building. Located in the Mid-North District, it’s so close to the Lincoln Park Zoo, you can practically hear the roar of the lions.

Elevate Lincoln Park Apartments 

Elevate apartments in Lincoln Park is a spectacular building in a fantastic location. Nestled in the Wrightwood neighborhood, Elevate opened in 2018 and totally lives up to its name. A modern mid-rise, it offers residents perks like a 24/7 door attendant, keyless entry and secured indoor parking. 

The amenities are killer too – a crazy-good fitness center, yoga room, dog spa and a dog run. But it’s the outdoor spaces that’ll make your eyes really pop. A third-floor courtyard with dining areas, rooftop pool and lounge space will blow your mind. 

The Apartments at Lincoln Common

If you wanna live in the heart of Lincoln Park, take a look at Lincoln Common. This mega-complex opened in 2019 and boasts two high-rise towers that are anchored by restaurants, including Velvet Taco and Philz Coffee. 

Lincoln Common loves to brag about the natural light that floods its modern units. The floor-to-ceiling windows are one of their best features, but the stunning kitchens and bathrooms are a close second! 

Eugenie Terrace

This 44-story luxury apartment building sits right along the southern edge of Lincoln Park. I love this location because it straddles both Old Town and Lincoln Park, two of my favorite neighborhoods in Chicago. 

The views from this building are insane and give you the Chicago trifecta – the lake, the downtown skyline and sprawling Lincoln Park. The amenities are pretty amazing but it’s the events they put on for residents that are out of this world. From rooftop Barre classes to building-wide happy hours, if you’re a social butterfly, this is a great place to rent an apartment in Lincoln Park. 

Let’s Make the Move to Lincoln Park

If finding an apartment to rent in Lincoln Park is something you’d like to explore, we’re the pros! Our leasing experts will make finding an apartment in Lincoln Park easy, but until then, here’s a peek at a few of our top picks. 

Lincoln Park Demographics 

I’m a numbers gal, and Lincoln Park’s demographic data paints a picture of the makeup of the neighborhood:  

• Population: 71,954 
• Median Age of Population: 30.5
• Total Households: 33,602
• Average people per Household: 2
• Households with children: 16.6% 
• Owner-Occupied: 44.9%
• Renter-Occupied: 55.1% 
• Average Household Income: $183,888 annually
• Median Household Income: $117,138 annually

Elementary and High Schools in Lincoln Park 

If you’re considering raising a family here, school options probably top your list of questions about the neighborhood. Good news – because of its size and demographics, the family-friendly neighborhood has a plethora of school options. 

Public Schools in Lincoln Park 

• Lincoln Park High School – High-schoolers in Lincoln Park attend this high-school; the only public option in the neighborhood. 

• Abraham Lincoln Elementary School – Established in 1871 (yes, 150 years ago!), this K-8 neighborhood school covers the east-side of Lincoln Park. 

• Mayer Magnet School – A K-8 public school, this elementary school covers the west-side of Lincoln Park. 

• Alcott College Prep – This K-8 school in Lincoln Park covers the Park West neighborhood. 

• Prescott Elementary – Elementary kids in the Wrightwood neighborhood attend this K-8 public school. 

Private Schools in Lincoln Park 

• St James Lutheran School – This Lincoln Park private school is for elementary and middle school students. With a focus on small class sizes, and high-school prep, this school’s focus is on preparing children for their next step. 

• Frances W Parker – A progressive private school in Lincoln Park, Parker teaches students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens. 

• St Luke Academy – Offering toddler programs through middle school, St. Luke’s education is rooted in the Lutheran tradition. 

• Saint Clement School  – A private Catholic school in Lincoln Park, Saint Clement educates children from preschool through 8th grade. 

• St. Josaphat – Another Catholic elementary and middle school in Lincoln Park, St. Josaphat has been teaching children with a faith-based education for over 130 years. 

DePaul University in Lincoln Park

Straddling the Wrightwood and Sheffield neighborhoods in Lincoln Park, DePaul University is right in the heart of the neighborhood. 

The nation’s largest Catholic university (who knew!), DePaul provides its students a diverse education and campus experience. With a student population of nearly 23,000, this urban university is large, but still maintains a student to faculty ratio of 16-to-1. 

DePaul’s Lincoln Park campus is one of two; with the other in the Loop. Even though it’s right in the middle of a bustling downtown neighborhood, it feels like a traditional campus. 

The Lincoln Park campus is home to three colleges: 

• College of Education 
• College of Liberal Arts and Social Studies
• College of Science and Health 
• College of Music
• The Theatre School 

Parking in Lincoln Park 

How do you find a parking spot in Lincoln Park? Smart planning and a dash of good luck. 

Parking in Chicago can be tough, and Lincoln Park can seem even more challenging because it feels easy to find street parking. And, there is a lot of street parking. But, there’s also a lot of people chomping at the bit to get one of those coveted spots. Stay patient friends and be nice to the parking Gods :).

If you’re headed into the neighborhood to shop, eat or play, find a parking spot in a lot or garage ahead of time using Spot Hero. 

If you happen to find meter parking, be sure you have the ParkChicago app downloaded. You can easily make payments and even extend your time when your quick lunch turns into an early happy hour. 

Public Transit in Lincoln Park 

Getting around Chicago is easy when you live in Lincoln Park. 

The CTA Brown, Red and Purple lines run north to south directly through the center of Lincoln Park, with four stops – North/Clybourn, Armitage, Fullerton and Diversey. For commuters to the Loop, the Red line is a quick 30-minute trip.

The city bus is also an excellent way to hop from Lincoln Park to nearby neighborhoods like Old Town, Wrigleyville or Lake View. 

Highway Access in Lincoln Park 

Lincoln Park sits right between Highway 41 (Lake Shore Drive) and I-90. Access to either highway is a 5 to 20-minute drive depending on where you live in the neighborhood. 

Lake Shore Drive will run you right along the lake shore, either north or south. And I-90 is the main artery to Chicago’s suburbs and neighboring states. 

Time to Move to Lincoln Park? 

Did I sell you on moving to this great downtown neighborhood? It’s truly one of my favorites in Chicago, and I’d love to share more about why it’s such an awesome place to call home.

My team of leasing agents and I know Lincoln Park inside and out and can help you find the perfect apartment, stress-free. Reach out to learn more about Lincoln Park and get the ball rolling on becoming its newest neighbor.