Are you thinking of moving to Lincoln Park? The Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago offers easy access to public transportation and tasty restaurants. It’s also located near shopping and schools, making it a great place to call home.
If you need a few more reasons to move to Chicago, Lincoln Park has you covered. Here’s what it’s like to live in one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods.
Lincoln Park location
One of Chicago’s most affluent neighborhoods takes its name after the city’s largest park. Located on the North Side of the Windy City, Lake Michigan borders Lincoln Park on the east, with the Chicago River to the west. The neighborhood’s tree-lined streets are home to DePaul University and feature a diverse nightlife, dining, and entertainment scene.
Some parts of Lincoln Park sit along the waterfront on Lake Michigan and Diversity Harbor. The west part of the neighborhood backs up to the Chicago River, making Lincoln Park a serene place to live.
Transportation in Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is far away from the big city’s busyness but close enough to enjoy the public transportation system. Commuting to work from Lincoln Park will be a breeze. Hop on the L and take the Red, Brown, or Purple line from the Fullerton station into downtown Chicago. The Purple and Brown lines also stop at the Armitage and Diversey stations and the CTA bus service.
Not a public transportation fan? You can reach Lincoln Park by car via Lake Shore Drive or the Kennedy Expressway. The drive time to downtown Chicago is only 15 minutes via Lake Shore Drive. Parking in Lincoln Park can be expensive, but some rentals include garage space with your monthly rent. Many rideshare and taxi options abound in the Lincoln Park area.
Lincoln Park is highly walkable, too. Parks, farmers markets, theaters, and award-winning restaurants are all accessible and reachable by foot.
Commuting to work will be a breeze. Hop on the L and take the Red, Brown, or Purple line from the Fullerton station into Downtown. The Purple and Brown lines also stop at the Armitage and Diversey stations, as well as the CTA bus service. Not a public transportation fan? Lincoln Park can be reached by car via Lake Shore Drive or the Kennedy Expressway. The drive time to Downtown Chicago is just 15 minutes via Lake Shore Drive.
Lincoln Park is extremely walkable, too. Parks, farmers’ markets, theatres, and award-winning restaurants are all accessible and reachable by foot. Here’s where to go in this walk-friendly neighborhood.
Schools in Lincoln Park
Families have many good school options in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Schools like Alcott Elementary and Abraham Lincoln Elementary School have desirable ratings. Families can also opt for private education with the Francis W. Parker School or St. James Lutheran School within the neighborhood.
Chicago is also a major college city, making Lincoln Park great for students. DePaul University, Roosevelt University, the University of Illinois Chicago, and the Lincoln College of Technology are all close to the Lincoln Park neighborhood.
Where to dine and shop in Lincoln Park
Grub options in Lincoln Park are ideal for any palate. All your Chicago staples are here, and you won’t have to go far to get them. This wealthy community boasts Chicago’s only 3-Michelin star restaurant, Alinea, but also has several places to find deep-dish pizza and Chicago dogs. The great thing is that most shopping and dining are right out your front door. Explore a few of the top shopping and dining spots in Lincoln Park to enjoy:
Summer House Santa Monica
All the locals eat brunch at the Summer House Santa Monica. Named Lincoln Park’s Best Place to Brunch, Summer House offers California fare and bright sunny vibes for Sunday brunch.
Elaine’s Coffee Call
Elaine’s Coffee Call is worth visiting whether you need a pick-me-up before work or energy for a late-night coffee session. Adjacent to Hotel Lincoln‘s lobby, Elaine’s offers La Colombe Coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries. Set up shop in a quiet corner with a cappuccino and pain au chocolat.
Pequod’s Pizza
Living the Chicago life can be busy. Pequod’s Pizza is the place to call home when you don’t feel like cooking and want to order in for dinner. When Chicagoans eat deep-dish pizza, they get it from Pequod’s. From the crisp, burnt crust to the perfect swamp of sauce that sits upon layers of mozzarella, it’s the best Chicago-style pizza in the city. Order in carryout in advance — good things take time.
The Wiener’s Circle
The best nights in Chicago often conclude at The Wiener’s Circle, open until 5 a.m. on the weekend. You’ll want to know about this place before you move to Chicago. This hot dog stand is famous for its chargrilled dogs, burgers, cheese fries, and surly staff. Head here after a night out for a char dog with “the works” (classic Chicago-style) with a side of verbal abuse (all in good fun, of course).
Where to go out for drinks in Lincoln Park
Don’t sleep on Chicago’s bar scene. The city was crowned GQ’s best city for drinking, so you know there are some great watering holes in Lincoln Park. Our Chicago neighborhood guide will help you find the best bars in Lincoln Park:
Delilah’s
Billards? Check. Killer jukebox? Check. Pinball? Yes sir. One thousand adult beverages from which to choose? That’s right. DJs spinning all kinds of music? Affirmative. Delilah’s also hosts art openings, film screenings, and beer tastings.
LOKaL
Soak up last night’s sins with Nutella frites, candied pork belly benedict, and breakfast poutine at this sleek, urban New American eatery. Bottomless mimosas, bloody Marys, and DJ music make it a party. If you prefer, LOKal also has a brunch menu worth checking out on weekends
Replay Lincoln Park
Are you looking for a fun place to go with friends or on a first date? Nostalgia abounds at this beercade. Show your date your fun (and competitive) side by inviting your special someone to play free vintage arcade games, video games, and pinball. Replay Lincoln Park has an extensive craft beer list and several signature cocktails.
Where to go shopping in Lincoln Park
For everything from designer shoes to one-of-a-kind art and gifts, skip the tourist traps on Michigan Avenue and head to Armitage Avenue and Halsted Street, which boasts some of the city’s most popular shops.
The Lincoln Park Plaza has all the healthy foods and ingredients you need. Head on over to Art Effect for unique home decor or craft supplies. Of course, you’re also only a short drive from Michigan Avenue, Chicago’s most famous shopping street. Also known as the Magnificent Mile, it has everything you need, from designer boutiques to gift shops.
Entertainment in Lincoln Park
When you call Lincoln Park home, you’re also close to all the entertainment you could ever want. Theaters, parks, and markets are all within a short distance from your front door.
Check out Lincoln Hall for a quirky night of entertainment. This theater is intimate and offers a wide selection of musical performances. The Steppenwolf 1700 Theatre hosts performances from Chicago-area artists. The Second City Theatre is a laugh-out-loud improv and comedy club that served as the breeding ground for many SNL greats.
Many Lincoln Park residents spend their weekends shopping from the fresh farmers markets. Green City Market is the city’s most extensive and first year-round sustainable farmers market. It operates seasonally on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the south end of Lincoln Park.
Lincoln Park is well-known for its picturesque parks and gardens. The park for which the neighborhood is named lies along the lakefront. The section of the park adjacent to the neighborhood houses the Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Park Conservancy, and an outdoor theater. You’ll also find a rowing canal, the Chicago History Museum, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, North Avenue Beach, statues of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, Abraham Lincoln, and many others. The easy access to lush green spaces makes Lincoln Park an excellent option for families or residents with dogs.
Renting in Lincoln Park
Renting in Lincoln Park can be pricier than in nearby neighborhoods. Learn what you can expect to pay for a rental in Lincoln Park, Chicago:
- Average cost of a studio apartment: $1,395 per month
- Average cost of a one-bedroom apartment: $1,948 per month
- Average cost of a two-bedroom apartment: $3,000 per month
The number of rooms and amenities influences how much you can expect to pay for a rental in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Chicago. The area includes many students and working professionals, meaning many rentals are studios or one-bedroom apartments. While two- and three-bedroom apartments are also available, these often come at a much higher price.
You can find rentals in Lincoln Park with many luxurious amenities, including expansive lobbies, on-site fitness centers, and a pool. However, more amenities available in your rental also increase the rent price. Many of the rentals in Lincoln Park are brick apartments or condos. Some have gated entrances that increase security. You may be able to save on the cost of a Lincoln Park rental by choosing something on the border of one of the nearby neighborhoods.
Chicago is one of the most vibrant cities in the United States. Lincoln Park may be a good option if you want to be close to the hustle and bustle of the city but far enough away to enjoy green parks.
Ready to call Lincoln Park home? Search thousands of apartments on Zumper and find one in your new favorite neighborhood.
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