After living in Lakeview for a year I knew no other place could compare to the beautiful lake front, shopping, dining, festivals, and entertainment options. When living in Lakeview the only struggle is deciding where to eat or what performance to catch with friends. You can walk out your front door and greet the shore of Lake Michigan while enjoying a cup of Intelligentsia Coffee or go on a morning jog. The neighbors and business owners you see in Lakeview are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet and it’s easy to find yourself emerged in culture at every turn. Whether you are a water lover or you can’t get enough of Threadless, an indie t-shirt company, you will find an endless list of why Lakeview is a great place to live.
Reason 1: The Lake
Being within walking distance to the lake is the best reason to live in the Lakeview neighborhood. The Lake offers so many things to do and you’ll find people jogging, biking, running and rollerblading up and down the shoreline which is lined with a walking trail. Parks surround the lakefront and there are dog parks and places to exercise. One of the best parts of living in Lakeview is Belmont Harbor which holds beautiful sailboats in bright colors. In addition to running or walking on the trail, you can simply enjoy the lake from a rooftop building and take in the fresh air. In the summer there are hundreds of boats that go by and one of the best places to watch the annual Air and Water Show is Lakeview along the waterfront or on top of it’s apartment buildings.
Reason 2: The Shopping
Lakeview is a Chicago shopping destination. With indie shops galore and luxury shops coming in, the neighborhood is filled to the brim with places to spend some cash. Threadless is an independent t-shirt company that features designs submitted by online artists. Another great shop is the Goorin Brothers Hat Shop where you can find lots of artisan hats to complete your wardrobe. Bookstores are in excess and many find themselves browsing the Unabridged Bookstore on Belmont. American Apparel, Urban Outfitters, Gap, Papyrus, and other trendy shops are all available in Lakeview to shop and browse.
Reason 3: The Dining Options
You will never go hungry in Lakeview. One of the best reasons to live in Lakeview is the food. From gourmet to diner fare, this neighborhood has everything you could possibly want to eat. Looking at the stars from their outdoor patio and enjoying some Pad Thai at Joy’s Noodles and Rice or watching anime films at Ping Pong will keep your evenings interesting. You can also grab takeout at Ann Sather or bring burgers home from DMK Burger. A top place to eat is Fiorentino’s Cucina Italiana which can be found on Ashland Avenue. This fancier restaurant offers seafood and italian items. Not only are the dining options out of the world, Lakeview is also a mecca for coffee lovers. Intelligentsia, Argo Tea, and Julius Meini Cafe all offer some of the best coffee in all of the Windy City. It’s also important to note that most places to eat in Lakeview are El Fresco and offer BYOB (Bring your own bottle) service.
Reason 4: The Entertainment
The Blue Man Group, Comedians, Pianists, Rockers, and Drag Queens all take the stage in Lakeview. You can go to a cocktail bar and sing karaoke or sit in a theater while watching a broadway play. In Lakeview you can catch your favorite performer at The Vic Theater or see a movie at one of the many theaters. Entertainment is a given in Lakeview and you will never be bored. Children’s programs run all throughout the neighborhood and there is always a Halloween parade and other events for children. The schools in the neighborhood work together to bring culture to the area and you can find art installations, poetry readings, and street performers often. One of my favorite things to see in Lakeview is the knit bombers who knit over trees and other things in the neighborhood. It’s not uncommon to come across a city sign that is covered in brightly colored yarn.
Reason 5: The Festivals
Lakeview is home to the annual Pride Parade, the Lakeview East Festival of the Arts, North Halsted Market Days, Wrigleyville Summerfest, and Summer On Southport. The LGBTQ community flocks to the Pride Parade where rainbows are flown high and it’s common to see Drag Queens out all day. There’s a lot of glitter, music, laughter, and fun. Another great festival is the Lakeview East Festival of