Living In Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s neighborhoods named after our 16th President – Abraham Lincoln. It is located on the North Side of Chicago and has a population of about 70,000 people. The neighborhood comprises several distinct districts, including DePaul University, Old Town Triangle, Park West, Ranch Triangle, Sheffield Neighbors, Wrightwood Neighbors, and parts of West DePaul.

Young professionals, college students, and families are attracted to the area due to its great housing stock and proximity to downtown Chicago. You can walk or bike along Lake Michigan and enjoy famous restaurants around the neighborhood.

The area is the 7th community of the 77 designated neighborhoods in Chicago. Lying to the city’s North Side, Lincoln Park is one of the most affluent Chicago neighborhoods. It has an average per capita income of $87,835 compared to the city’s average of $37,103.

Living in Lincoln Park, Chicago, is a great experience. It offers a wide range of amenities, attractions, and activities for everyone to enjoy. You can explore the Lincoln Park Zoo and its gardens, spend time at North Avenue Beach with amazing views of Lake Michigan, or shop in the area’s many trendy boutiques and stores. The neighborhood also has numerous restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world.

If you’re looking to live in Lincoln Park, there are several housing options available. Apartments and condos with floor to ceiling windows of views of the lake or the city skyline can be found in some areas. There are also single-family homes and townhouses for those who prefer a more traditional living environment. Whatever housing option you decide on, you’ll be living amongst a diverse community of people.

The area is served by multiple transportation options, making it easy to get around. The Chicago Transit Authority operates bus lines and trains connecting Lincoln Park with the rest of the city. Cabs are also available for those who prefer a more convenient option for getting around. The area also has many bike lanes.

Most Lincoln Park residents are affiliated with the management and business sector. Other common occupational sectors include sales, legal, education, healthcare, and food service. 

The Lincoln Park neighborhood occupies a 3.17 square miles (8.21 km2) land area. It lies west of Chicago’s famous and largest parkland, Lincoln Park. Manicured gardens, a secret lily lagoon, a medieval indoor botanical garden, and plenty of lakefront green space with breathtaking city views make the Lincoln Park neighborhood a nature lover’s dream.

There are many upmarket national businesses, boutiques, bookstores, restaurants, and coffee shops in the vicinity. In October 2010, an Apple Store and a Lacoste store opened across the street. The Clybourn Corridor retail sector, which extends into the Near North Side, is also included in the area.

Lincoln Park is located 3 miles (4.8 km) from the Downtown Chicago Loop. The CTA operates public transportation in the Lincoln Park area. The Red, Brown, and Purple lines of the Chicago “L” are accessible at the Fullerton station, while the Purple and Brown services also run from the Armitage and Diversey stations. Residents also have access to the CTA bus network.

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Map

The boundaries of Lincoln Park are specified on the city’s official community districts list. Diversey Parkway runs through Lincoln Park on the north and North Avenue on the south. Lake Michigan is situated on the neighborhood’s east, and the Chicago River lies to its west.

Lincoln Central, Park West, RANCH Triangle, Mid-North, Old Town Triangle, Sheffield, and Wrightwood Neighbors are located inside the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Lincoln Park lies in parts of the 60614 zip code.

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Population

The Lincoln Park neighborhood has a total population of around 70,492 individuals. Around 88.0% of the neighborhood’s population comprises Americans, and 12% are people of foreign nationalities.

German farmers and factory workers initially inhabited Lincoln Park. Following the Civil War, a population of Kashubian immigrants inhabited the area around Southport and Clybourn. Kashubians immigrated to Chicago from what is now north-eastern Poland, bringing with them their unique culture and language, inspired by their rural traditions and close interaction with their German neighbors.

Lincoln Park has been a culturally diverse area ever since. The Puerto Rican immigrants settled in Lincoln Park in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. The neighborhood’s population is inhabited by whites (78.7%). The second-largest population sector is dedicated to the Asians (7.2%), following the Hispanics and Latinos (6.2%). African Americans constitute 4.9% of the Lincoln Park neighborhood’s population. The remaining 3.0% population comprises people from other non-Hispanic races. The neighborhood is predominantly populated by young urban executives, recent college graduates, and young families.

Real Estate

Being one of the wealthiest Chicago neighborhoods, Lincoln Park has a higher value than the average neighborhood. The median income is $115,389 compared to Chicago’s average of $58,247. 

Lincoln Park’s housing market collapsed after the Great Depression. This prompted the establishment of the Lincoln Park Conservation Association in 1954 to prevent further deterioration of the neighborhood’s buildings. In 1956, the neighborhood received urban renewal financing to renovate and reestablish old buildings and educational institutions. The real estate value started stabilizing afterwards so much that the region between Armitage Avenue, Willow Street, Burling Street, and Orchard Street was rated the most luxurious block in Chicago by Forbes magazine in 2007.

There are 35,570 households in the Lincoln Park neighborhood; each housing unit accommodates 1.9 persons. The majority of residences (55.3%) are renter-occupied, and 44.7% are owner-inhabited.

Lincoln Park real estate is a mix of three- and four-story traditional flats, single-family townhomes, modern courtyard condos, and high-rise residential complexes. The neighborhood provides adequate housing options for everyone from working bachelors to young families and empty-nesters.

20+ units apartments are the most popular housing type in the neighborhood, making up 42.6% of the residential property. People also prefer living in three to four houses (13.7%) and single-family, detached houses (10.5%).

Lincoln Park houses sell for $604K compared to Chicago’s average of $335K. These listing prices went up by 4.1% when the neighborhood’s real estate appreciated in March 2022.

Lake Shore Drive, the main thoroughfare, is home to most of Lincoln Park’s luxury high-rise condominiums. The area also provides reasonable housing options for budget-minded buyers. Its a diverse neighborhood and you can also find Chicago apartments here.

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Schools

One can assume that Lincoln Park is among the city’s best neighborhoods based on its educational attainment rate. More than half of the population has a tertiary-level degree. 47.3% of the population has an undergraduate degree, while 36.7% have a graduate or professional degree. Around 6.3% of Lincoln Park residents attended some college but don’t have a degree.

The Lincoln Park residents have access to some of the city’s top-rated Chicago Public Schools and private schools. Lincoln Park’s private schools include The Latin School of Chicago, Francis W Parker School, and the British International School of Chicago.

Living in Lincoln Park offers a unique blend of urban living and suburban comforts. It is an affluent neighborhood surrounded by green spaces; here is an overview of some of the best schools in the neighborhoods:

DePaul University

Depaul University is a private educational institute located in the northern part of Lincoln Park. It is one of the largest universities in Illinois, with a student population of over 22,000 college students from all around the world. The university offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduates degree programs to its students.

Lincoln Park High School

Lincoln Park High School is a public secondary school in the heart of Lincoln Park. It serves as a regional magnet school, offering specialized classes and programs to its students with an emphasis on foreign languages and sciences. The student body is equipped with rigorous academic coursework and numerous diverse co-curricular activities like clubs and sports teams.

Lincoln Elementary School

Lincoln Elementary School is a public elementary school in Lincoln Park. It provides an enriching learning environment to its students through its engaging lesson plans and friendly faculty. The school also offers after-school programs for students needing extra help or enrichment activities.

Conclusion

Living in Lincoln Park has many advantages. The neighborhood has excellent educational facilities,

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Crime Ratings

Lincoln Park lies in the Chicago Police Department’s District 018. Even though the neighborhood has a 24% lower crime rate than Chicago’s average, criminal activities have increased in the past few years.

The police reported one murder FIR in 2022 compared to none in 2021. Criminal sexual assault cases increased by 137%, while robbery cases experienced a 98% increase compared to 2021. Burglary cases also increased by 71%, while the police reported a 110% rise in theft incidences.

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Things to do in Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is a neighborhood located on the North Side of Chicago, Illinois. It is known for its beautiful park, which stretches for over 1,200 acres along Lake Michigan. The park is home to the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Chicago History Museum, and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. There are also many other fun things to do in the area, such as visiting the North Avenue Beach, exploring the local shops and restaurants on Clark Street, or taking a boat tour of the Chicago River. Additionally, Lincoln Park is home to a number of popular music and art festivals throughout the year, making it a great destination for culture enthusiasts.

There are a lot of things to do in Lincoln Park most importantly its all within walking distance.

Lincoln Park Zoo

The Lincoln Park Zoo is Chicago’s first and most beloved zoo. It is home to over 1,100 different species of animals, ranging from the majestic Polar Bear to the tiny Tamarin Monkey. The zoo offers a wide variety of educational programs for all ages, including interactive wildlife exhibits, animal shows, and keeper talks. Visitors can also participate in behind-the-scenes tours and memberships are available.

Clark Street Shopping District

The Clark Street Shopping district is located in the heart of Lincoln Park and features a variety of unique stores, restaurants, and cafes. From clothing boutiques to gift shops to antique stores, this shopping area has something for everyone. There are also many locally-owned restaurants serving delicious meals. Many young professionals and families frequent the area for its lively nightlife.

Green City Market Lincoln Park

The Green City Market Lincoln Park is the largest outdoor farmers’ market in Chicago. It offers a variety of fresh, locally-sourced produce, meats, cheeses, and other goods from local farmers and artisans. The market also features educational activities like cooking demos and outreaches to connect people with healthy eating habits.

North Ave Beach

North Ave Beach is at the heart of the Lincoln Park neighborhood. This popular beach is a great spot for sunbathing and playing sports such as volleyball and soccer. The beach is also home to an iconic pier that was built in the late 1900s and has since become a Chicago landmark. In addition, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Michigan from the beachfront boardwalk.

Chicago History Museum

The Chicago History Museum is located in the historic Lincoln Park neighborhood and offers a great way for visitors to explore the city’s past. The museum features interactive exhibits on topics such as architecture, transportation, industry, and culture. Visitors can also learn about famous figures from Chicago’s history, including Jean Baptiste Point DuSable and Daniel Burnham. In addition, the museum offers family-friendly activities such as scavenger hunts and storytelling activities.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum is right by North Pond in Lincoln Park. The Museum is located in Lincoln Park and offers interactive exhibits that explore the natural world. Visitors can learn about Illinois’ wildlife while exploring the museum’s green roof and butterfly garden. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and activities for all ages, including live animal presentations. Additionally, the museum hosts regular events.

The neighborhood of Lincoln Park is an ideal place to live in Chicago due to its numerous attractions, excellent educational facilities, lower crime rates than city averages, and easy to get around.

Lake Front Trail

The Lake Front Trail is a popular recreational trail that winds around Lake Michigan. The 18-mile-long path runs through various parks in the area, including Lincoln Park. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the lake and city skyline while enjoying a leisurely bike ride or jog. Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities for picnics, people watching, and wildlife viewing along the way.

History

Lincoln Park Community Area’s citizens ranged from rich citizens living around the park and the Loop to German farmers and traders centered around North Avenue to laborers living near the factories along the North Branch of the Chicago River during the nineteenth century. The majority of the area’s early European immigrants were German truck farmers, whose crops earned the region the title “Cabbage Patch.” 

By 1852, the German population had grown large enough to begin construction on St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, named after local brewer and site contributor Michael Diversey’s patron saint. The southeastern half of the property was allocated as a graveyard by Chicago in 1837. However, the tombs proved to be such a health problem that the cemetery was relocated, and the land was renamed Lake Park in 1864. The following year, it was renamed Lincoln Park in honour of the murdered president.

The Great Fire of 1871 raced through the North Side, encompassing part of Lincoln Park, destroying most buildings. Before the government issued fire regulations to the city boundaries in 1874, residents quickly reconstructed, with many relocating to temporary wooden shacks. Industrial businesses such as furniture companies and the Deering Harvester Works sprang up along the river’s North Branch over the next few decades. These companies employed Italians, Poles, Romanians, Hungarians, and Slovaks, establishing the working-class identity of west Lincoln Park.

The eastern section of the neighborhood maintained an enclave of middle-class commuting families and luxury houses facing the park. Crilly Court, an apartment complex developed by Daniel F. Crilly, who chose artists as tenants, was one of the late nineteenth century’s new institutions. St. Vincent’s College, later called DePaul University, was founded near the McCormick Seminary in 1898. Lincoln Park was widely accepted as a residential area that attracted some of Chicago’s main cultural organizations by the early twentieth century.

Lincoln Park’s residential real estate sector deteriorated during the Great Depression as owners partitioned and neglected their buildings. In Lincoln Park’s southeastern corner, residents of Old Town were concerned after WWII that their neighborhood was on the edge of becoming a slum. In 1948, they founded the Old Town Triangle Association, which prompted residents in the mid-North neighborhood to organize a similar group in 1950. The Lincoln Park Conservation Association was founded in 1954 to serve the entire community. LPCA promoted neighborhood redevelopment by supporting private property restoration and the employment of government resources, including federal urban-renewal money and housing code violations.

Lincoln Park was declared a nature preserve in 1956, and the city’s “General Neighborhood Renewal Plan” was implemented in the 1960s. Despite the LPCA’s best efforts to avoid the mass clearing in Hyde Park, it aroused the fury of poor residents in Lincoln Park’s southwestern portion. The Concerned Citizens of Lincoln Park claimed that Puerto Ricans and African Americans were being priced out of the neighborhood’s revitalization. Developers purchased land around the park and constructed high-rise apartment buildings, much to the displeasure of the LPCA, which had planned to retain the district family-friendly.

Land values rose rapidly in the last quarter of the twentieth century, making it impossible for individuals and institutions in economic difficulties to stay in Lincoln Park. The majority of the impoverished were compelled to leave. McCormick Seminary, which had been struggling financially, ceded its grounds to DePaul and relocated to Hyde Park in 1973. The new high-rises and renovated historic houses attracted single professionals and childless couples. Lincoln Park had become one of the city’s most prestigious districts by the end of the twentieth century, thanks to public and private urban regeneration programs.

This Chicago neighborhood is known for great restaurants, amazing restaurants, blues bars, boutique shops, historic buildings in a fantastic location, and a family-friendly neighborhood with big-city access.

If you are interested in Lincoln Park at walking distance from just about everything, make sure to give us a call. Our experienced agents are ready to help you find the perfect place to call home. With decades of experience in the area, we can provide you with all the information and advice you need. Contact us today!