Chicago may be a landlocked Midwestern city, but it has more than its fair share of waterfront property. The Chicago River cuts through the city, and the entire eastern border of Chicago is edged by the blue waters of Lake Michigan. The communities located on the lake are coveted for their ready access to beaches and waterfront views. Meet some of the city’s popular lakefront neighborhoods.

Edgewater

A home in the Edgewater community.
A home in the Edgewater community.

The North Side neighborhood of Edgewater has a magnificent stretch of lakefront that includes Kathy Osterman Beach (more commonly known as Hollywood Beach) and Foster Beach. In addition to prime lakefront access, Edgewater offers its residents plenty of places to eat and a thriving bar scene for those who live for going out at night. N. Broadway and Clark Street are two of the highest traffic areas for eateries and watering holes, not to mention plenty of shopping options.

The proliferation of high-rises in the neighborhood affords many residents sweeping views of the lake. Though access to the lake often means higher prices, Edgewater is largely affordable with a median sale price in the low $200s, according to Neighborhoods.com data. Prices can be as low as $85,000 and as high as $1.5 million, so there’s plenty of variety for homebuyers with different budgets. 

Hyde Park

The Museum of Science and Industry.
The Museum of Science and Industry.

Hyde Park is one of the neighborhoods that helps give Chicago its reputation for greenery among the urban concrete. The eponymous park includes pieces of Washington Park and Jackson Park, as well as a long stretch of lakefront. 

During the summer months, residents can be found lounging on the sands of 57th Street Beach. For one of the best views of the city skyline and the lake—in Hyde Park or in the whole city for that matter—head to Promontory Point. Hyde Park is also home to the University of Chicago campus and the Museum of Science and Industry.

This South Side neighborhood is mostly known for its attached homes, but homebuyers can still find single-family homes. If you are looking for something historic, Hyde Park is home to the Greenwood Row House District, which dates back to the late 1800s. If this lakeside neighborhood has caught your eye, expect to see a median home sale price in the low $200s. 

Lakeview

Traffic in Wrigleyville before a Cubs game.
Traffic in Wrigleyville before a Cubs game. Photo by Chris6d / CC BY-SA 4.0 

The name says it all. Lakeview is a quintessential Chicago waterfront neighborhood and also one of the city’s largest. Both Wrigleyville and Boystown are within its bounds, so there’s always something to do, whether it be a Cubs game or a street festival. Along Lakeview’s slice of Lake Michigan, you’ll find Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course, Belmont Harbor, Belmont Harbor Dog Beach, and Chicago Yacht Club.

Given its easy access to downtown and status as a city hotspot, home prices in Lakeview are on the higher end with a median sale price in the low $400s. Condos and townhomes are the most common options on the market, but given the sheer size of Lakeview, you can find nearly any type of home within your budget.

Lincoln Park

The Nature Boardwalk within the Lincoln Park Zoo
The Nature Boardwalk within the Lincoln Park Zoo

Lakeview’s southern neighbor, Lincoln Park has a reputation as a luxury neighborhood. The multimillion-dollar mansions and brand new condos contribute to the North Side neighborhood’s high median sale price in the mid $500s. If you’re in the market for something less pricey, current one-bedroom condos listed on Neighborhoods.com are as low as $136,900. 

The lake plays a central role in Lincoln Park leisure time. The neighborhood’s North Avenue Beach is one the city’s most crowded summertime spots, while a big section of the Lakefront Trail runs through the neighborhood. Lincoln Park is also home to Lincoln Park Zoo, the Chicago History Museum, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, and more restaurants and boutiques than you could dream of.

South Loop

People walking on the Adler Planetarium Skyline Walk.
People walking on the Adler Planetarium Skyline Walk.

The South Loop has the best of both worlds with the lake to the east and a stretch of the Chicago River running right through its western side. Compared to its counterparts, the Loop and the West Loop, this downtown neighborhood is more affordable with a median sale price in the mid $300s. Expect to find homes for sale primarily in high-rises, which means a room with a view can be high on your list of priorities.

Although still a part of downtown Chicago, the South Loop is a touch more residential than the Loop (the city’s primary business district) and the West Loop (one of the city’s favorite dining spots). Though skyscrapers crowd this neighborhood, you can find some open space along the lake. Much of the South Loop’s lakefront is occupied by the enviable architecture of Museum Campus. You can also enjoy walking along Northerly Island or lounging on 12th Street Beach, tucked away behind the Adler Planetarium. 

Woodlawn

Homes in the Woodlawn neighborhood.
Homes in the Woodlawn neighborhood. 

Just south of Hyde Park, Woodlawn is a lakeshore neighborhood with a big claim on Chicago history. This South Side spot hosted the 1893 World’s Fair at Jackson Park. The northernmost tip of the park may be in Hyde Park, but the lion’s share resides in Woodlawn.

In addition to the lagoons of the park, Woodlawn residents can get a waterfront view at 63rd Street Beach. The neighborhood is also home to its own golf course (Jackson Park Golf Course) and a collection of restaurants that span a wide variety of cuisines. 

Woodlawn is another beacon of affordability on the lake. The median home sale price in the neighborhood is in the low $200s. The neighborhood has a mix of attached homes (condos and townhomes) and single-family homes. Newer construction will be more expensive, but thankfully Woodlawn has a solid stable of both existing and newer homes.