With a rich history, architecture dating back to the 1850s, and a diverse, cosmopolitan vibe that residents have come to love, Lincoln Square is surprisingly cozy, despite the vastness of Chicago. An area on the city’s north side, Lincoln Square was annexed to Chicago in the 1920s due to its rapid population growth. Today, it is one of Chicago’s 77 main “community areas”—large neighborhoods or groups of neighborhoods—and home to approximately 44,000 residents. Lincoln Square’s stately buildings, many with courtyards, have helped it become one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Chicago.
Lincoln Square is reasonably diverse. Although its heritage is Western European, mainly German, a number of Latinos and Asians now call the neighborhood home. You'll find notable German businesses and historic buildings to explore, including Merz Apothocary, Chicago Brauhaus and DANK Haus German American Cultural Center. While the cost of living in this area is steeper than other Chicago neighborhoods, income is about
Lincoln Square's borders are Bryn Mawr and Peterson Avenues on the north, Montrose Avenue on the south, Ravenswood Avenue on the east (forming the eastern boundary of the mostly residential Ravenswood neighborhood) and the Chicago River on the west. While plenty of residents commute by car, public transit options exist. The greater Chicago area is accessible by the Brown Line of Chicago's L Train. Nearby neighborhoods include Edgewater, where residents enjoy lakefront beaches; Lincoln Park, home of Chicago's largest public park of the same name; and Uptown, a thriving entertainment district.
Living in Lincoln Square means there’s almost always an event or festival to keep you entertained. Outdoor gatherings, such as the Farmer's Market, Apple Fest Wine Fest and the Summer Concert Series keep residents engaged with local businesses and each other. Lincoln Square is also a great place to enjoy local artwork; many murals dot the neighborhood. The Berlin Wall Monument and the Chicago Lincoln Statue are also in the area.