Lakeview East Chicago Neighborhood

With long stretches of shoreline and one of the most happening dining and shopping districts in the city, Lakeview East is definitely a top Chicago neighborhood.

Let’s start with the natural beauty of Lakeview East’s lakefront. You can walk for miles along the water uninterrupted by cars or cross streets. The pedestrian/biker trail hugs the land, edging the great blue expanse of Lake Michigan and passing by acres of grassy fields, playgrounds, Belmont Harbor, and the Sydney Marovitz Golf Course. Bikers, runners and walkers use the trail year-round (although that lake wind can be a bit frigid in the dead of winter!). It provides a convenient commuter and recreation path that isn’t infringed upon by motor vehicles.

Chicago boaters make good use of Belmont Harbor and its 730 docks and mooring cans. The protected inlet provides a safe haven for sailboats, yachts and other watercraft. There are paved walkways and landscaped grounds around the entire harbor, creating a picturesque waterside retreat that many are surprised to find in a Midwestern city. South of the marina are sprawling parklands, footpaths, outdoor exercise stations, jungle gyms, benches, and breathtaking views of the lake and skyline. Head north from Belmont Harbor and you’ll come across tennis courts, baseball diamonds, and a golf course that doubles as a makeshift cross-country ski trail in the winter.

Moving inland from the lakefront you’ll notice Lakeview East has a sizeable number of large courtyard buildings. These high-rise and mid-rise brick residential complexes are common in Chicago. Many Lakeview East condos for sale are found within this type of structure, which more times than not have been converted from apartments to condominiums. These properties are generally known for their great vintage character and lasting construction. Of course, Lakeview East real estate is not limited by any means. The neighborhood has plenty of new housing stock, lofts-style places, and standard three- and four-flats.

Lakeview East condos for sale are quite sought-after due to the vibrant community and proximity to the lake. Prices start in the low $100,000s for a studio and surpass the million-dollar mark for luxury penthouses on Lake Shore Drive. The range of properties in between offers one- to four-bedroom condos, duplexes and a few townhouses. Some Lakeview East condos for sale include garage parking within the complex or small lots, however, it is likely residents will have to battle it out with other locals for street parking.

Leave the car at home and venture out on foot for the best access to Lakeview East cuisine. The two main hubs for local grub are Broadway and Halsted streets. Both are packed with one restaurant/bar/café/diner after another and their menus don’t disappoint. Hungry patrons can order anything from vegetarian dishes to the best steakhouse cuts. Coffee shops are also big on this side of town, as are sushi bars, delicatessens, pizzerias, Mediterranean bistros, taverns, and ice cream shops. Mixed in with the legion of eateries is an excellent variety of clothing stores (both new and resale), shoe stores, bookstores, and other retail establishments that spread out along Belmont Avenue as well as Broadway and Halsted.