BASICS:

Lincoln Park is one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Chicago. It boasts beautiful homes, a great location and plenty of entertainment, shopping and dining. Young singles, including a number of college students, populate much of the area. But there are also many young families and some established residents who have lived in Lincoln Park for years.

HOUSING:

The community contains diverse architecture from lakefront high rises and modern town homes, to frame and brick cottages, Victorian Red brick road houses and greystone three flats. And for the affluent, there are starter castles and mini-mansions.

The neighborhood population is primarily made up of young professionals, recent college graduates, and young families.

LOCATION:

The Lincoln Park neighborhood is bordered on the north by Diversey Parkway, on the west by Clybourn Avenue, on the south by North Avenue, and on the east by the public park of the same name.

HISTORY:

Lincoln Park's first wave of immigrants was German. At that time, agriculture was the primary industry in Chicago.

Inspired by Haussman's Park and Boulevard system in Paris, and the creation of Central Park in New York City, Chicago city leaders began plans for Lake Park in 1864. In 1868 Lincoln Park was built on what had been a cemetery, and it quickly became one of the city's most popular places to visit.

In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire burned for three days and nights, and stretched all the way up to Fullerton and Clark Streets. Post-fire reconstruction, coinciding with a land rush, resulted in a population increase of over 10,000 people in Lincoln Park.

As building continued, property values increased and home lots narrowed. Single-family homes competed for attention with attractive, decorative facades influenced by several architectural styles, including Queen Anne, Italianate, Baroque, Georgian, and Prairie School.

With a building and economic boom in full swing, Lincoln Park attracted many prestigious organizations and institutions. Nationally recognized Children's Memorial Hospital was founded in 1882. The Lincoln Park Zoo established itself in 1874 with the $10 purchase of a single bear cub - and acquired more animals in the late 1880's from the Barnum and Bailey Circus.

Thanks to several neighborhood organizations the neighborhood has retained its distinct 19th century character and architectural heritage. In the 1960's DePaul university began an expansion program in the area, which is still going on today.

DINING & SHOPPING:

Within Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, there is an abundance of bars, theaters and restaurants of all types. There is also a great deal of shopping available. The restaurants offer a wide variety of cuisine, in all price ranges. There are a number of places to spend time relaxing, including coffee shops and teahouses. Lincoln Park boasts the renowned Steppenwolf Theater, as well as Theater on the Lake, which presents performances during the summer.


EVENTS:

There are events happening year round in Chicago's Lincoln Park. Street & art fairs, free summer concerts, the Air and Water Show, Lincoln Park Fest, Kids & Kites, and the Spring Flower Show to name a few. There are continual special celebrations at the Lincoln Park Zoo as well. The Chicago Historical Society likes to hold many events, and joining into the festivities is the Notebaert Nature Museum located in Lincoln Park.

ZIP CODE

The zip code for Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood is part of 60614.