Welcome to Lincoln Park, one of Chicago's most popular and affluent neighborhoods. Named after President Abraham Lincoln, the neighborhood is home to Lincoln Park Zoo, the country's largest free zoo, as well as DePaul University and the Biograph Theater, where Depression-era bank robber John Dillinger was gunned down by the FBI. Lincoln Park attracts local residents as well as tourists for its world-class restaurant scene, historical sites, and theater and live-music venues.

Photo courtesy of Martin Gonzalez

Transportation and Livability

Lincoln Park's boundaries are Diversey Parkway to the north, North Avenue to the south, Lake Michigan to the east and the Chicago River to the west. There are several sub-neighborhoods within Lincoln Park: Clybourn Corridor, DePaul, Mid North, Old Town Triangle, Park West, Ranch Triangle, Sheffield, West DePaul and Wrightwood. It's approximately 2.5 miles from downtown Chicago and is easily accessible from downtown via the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) on the 8-Halsted, 22-Clark, 132-Goose Island Express, 147-Outer Drive Express, 151-Sheridan and 156-LaSalle bus lines.

Livability

Lincoln Park is comprised of college students, single young professionals and families. There are many attractive parks for the stroller set and dog walking. While some areas are very residential and quiet, others are vibrant with lively restaurants and bars. Surrounding neighborhoods: Bucktown, Gold Coast, Lakeview, Roscoe Village, Wicker Park, Wrigleyville.

Photo courtesy of Steven Vance

Lincoln Park appeals to families for its stroller-friendly neighborhoods. Picturesque streets with historic homes, Lincoln Park Zoo, a number of city parks and North Avenue Beach are great places to walk. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes catering to families.

Demographics

Lincoln Park is a combination of married and single residents, with 91% of the population without kids. More than half of the population is single.

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Commutes

The commute from Lincoln Park is between 10 and 60 minutes for approximately 89% of residents, with 10% more than 60 minutes from home to work.

Lincoln Park is close to the John F. Kennedy Expressway (via Fullerton Street or North Avenue), which connects to I-94 and I-294. It is also accessible via Lake Shore Drive (via Fullerton Boulevard or North Avenue). The neighborhood is within walking distance to both METRA and CTA rapid transit stations. A public transportation commute to the Chicago Loop takes approximately 30 minutes. Downtown is only 2.5 miles away and easily accessible via the CTA Blue, Red and Brown lines. It's also accessible via the 8-Halsted, 22-Clark, 132-Goose Island Express, 147-Outer Drive Express, 151-Sheridan, 156-LaSalle bus lines. Lincoln Park is 2 miles away from Wrigleyville?home of the Chicago Cubs?which is easily accessible via the CTA Red Line.

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Neighborhood Life

The now-shuttered Charlie Trotter's put Chicago on the culinary map in the 1990s, but it was Grant Achatz's Alinea restaurant that has kept it there in recent years. Lincoln Park is also home to a number of trendy restaurants serving all sorts of cuisine, as well as brunch spots, sports bars and late-night establishments. Lincoln Avenue is a stretch in Lincoln Park that pulses with dining and drinking destinations, plus shops, thrift stores, boutiques and more. Street parking is challenging in most areas, so the majority of residents have garages or reserved parking spots.

Lincoln Park History

Established in the mid-1800s, the neighborhood now known as Lincoln Park first attracted affluent settlers because of its proximity to Lake Michigan. The main park, where Lincoln Park Zoo is now situated, was actually first named Lake Park until the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. The Great Fire of Chicago in 1871 also affected parts of Lincoln Park, forcing residents to rebuild even more lavish and architecturally aesthetic mansions, homes and brownstones. DePaul University was established in 1907.

The Great Depression affected Lincoln Park to the extent that housing stock deteriorated and homeowners neglected their properties. That led to the formation of the Old Town Triangle Association and Lincoln Park Conservation Association in the 1950s. These groups aggressively pursued public government funds to keep up the maintenance of the residences as well as property values. Today Lincoln Park maintains an affluent image as one of the most prosperous neighborhoods in the country.

Notable Addresses

816 W. Armitage Ave.-Charlie Trotter's (Now shuttered, Trotter's was considered Chicago's top fine-dining restaurant in its heyday)

1616 N. Wells St.-Second City (The sketch comedy institution that launched the careers of the likes of Jim Belushi, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, John Candy, Steve Carell and others)

1650 N. Halsted St.-Steppenwolf Theater (The award-winning theater was co-founded by famed actor Gary Sinise)

1723 N. Halsted St.-Alinea (Grant Achatz's world-class restaurant, which is the only Chicago restaurant with three Michelin stars)

2433 N. Lincoln Ave.-Biograph Theater (The notorious site where Depression-era bank robber John Dillinger was gunned down by the FBI)

635 W Deming Pl

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