The Chicago North Side neighborhood of Lakeview is one of the city’s largest. Home to popular districts Wrigley Field and Boystown, one of the nation’s largest LGBT communities, the neighborhood encourages the inter-mingling of locals and tourists. It is Chicago’s largest neighborhood after the Austin, with occupants ranging from families to celebrities and college students to professionals.

Hansen Realty can help you find the perfect Chicago residential rental in the Lakeview area. In fact, we’ll even break down the neighborhood for you and tell you why it’s a great place to live.

Bordered by West Diversey Parkway on the south, West Irving Park Road on the north, North Ravenswood Avenue on the west, and the shore of Lake Michigan on the east, Lakeview is known for its safe, close knit communities, great shopping and expansive dining and bar scene. With Uptown to the north, Lincoln Square to the northeast, North Center to the west and Lincoln Park to the south, exploring a new neighborhood is only a short bus or train ride away.

Although known for its sport-themed bars and lively nightlife, Lakeview has quite the deep artistic side. Music Box Theatre (3733 N. Southport) shows new independent and foreign films alongside many classics. Its neighbor, The Mercury Theater (3745 N. Southport), serves as the neighborhood playhouse. Music venues like Schubas (3159 N. Southport), The Metro (3730 N. Clark), The Vic (3145 N. Sheffield) and The Elbo Room (2871 N. Lincoln) hosts well known music acts as well as fresh faces.

If grabbing a brew at favorites Sluggers (3540 N. Clark), Vines on Clark (3554 N. Clark) or Murphy’s Bleachers (3655 N. Sheffield)  before a Cub’s game isn’t your style, there are lots of elegant dinner spots and chill brunch destinations to check out.

Argentinian steak house Tango Sur (3763 N. Southport), Mediterranean inspired Socca (3301 N. Clark) and Italian hotspot Mia Francesca (3311 N. Clark) are great places to wine and dine. Ann Sather (3416 N. Southport & 3411 N. Broadway), Bleeding Heart Bakery (1351 W. Belmont) and Southport Grocery and Café (3552 N. Southport) know how to make brunch the best meal of the day.

Bife Vesuvio at Tango Sur

As far as shopping goes, Belmont Avenue, Halsted Street and Clark Street are filled with one-of-a-kind shops. For eccentric finds, hit up The Alley (3228 N. Clark St.)—you can grab some tattoos and piercings while you’re there, too. Second hand clothing store Ragstock (812 W. Belmont Ave.), where you’ll find gently used clothing and quirky accessories. Swing around the corner and discover glamorous items. Belmont Army  (855 W. Belmont Ave.) has five floors, including an Army Surplus store at the very top. Strange Cargo (3448 N. Clark) has retro printed tees with witty sayings, like “I’m only here for the hot dogs.”  For classier looks that are on the pricier side, head on down to Southport Avenue, where you’ll find lots of designer boutiques and well known retail chains.

Last, but definitely not least, one of Lakeview’s gems is Wrigley Field (1060 W. Addison). Catching a Cub’s game on a perfect summer day is part of the genuine Chicago experience.

So if you’re looking to live in a energetic, family friendly, comfortable neighborhood, Lakeview is the place for you. Hansen Realty can help you find a Chicago Lakeview apartment and make the moving experience as seamless as possible. Contact us today by calling 773-477-4455 or stopping by our office at  2711 N. Halsted.