Spotlight on Lakeview

I am beginning a new series of posts that will highlight different neighborhoods each week (or that is my hope anyway). This week I am looking at Lakeview with just a few hotspots and area statistics.

If you missed the WOOGMS (Wellington, Oakdale, Old Glory, Marching Society) parade on Monday no worries there is another parade to celebrate Labor Day and plenty to do in Lakeview throughout the summer. The WOOGMS parade started over 40 years ago and has grow to be over a thousand people, mostly neighborhood kids.

Lakeview is bordered by Diversey to the south, Irving park to the North the Chicago River to the west and the Lake to the east. With those boundaries there are distinct neighborhoods, each with a personality, style and amenities all its own. South East Lakeview, Belmont Harbor, Southport corridor, Wrigleyville, Roscoe Village, St Bens and West Lakeview. It is characterized by tree lined neighborhood streets, a diverse population and an abundance of places to shop, eat and hang out.


Some of the best:

Wildes Restaurant – Pub food at its finest with bookshelf lined walls, a fireplace, a great bar. I recommend the Sheppard’s Pie, but my friends tell me the fish and chips and the chicken pot pie are works of art.

After dinner, stop at Bobtail for ice cream – named after the name for the classic soda fountain glass (a “bobtail”)

Lakeview is bordered by miles of lakefront biking, jogging, and walking trails in Lincoln Park. It even boast a lakefront driving range and a decent public golf course that borders the lake. Tee off heading north and end your round with the Chicago Skyline as a back drop.

 

The housing marketing in Lakview:

In the last quarter (Q1) units sales were up (24%) and average price was down an equal amount (-25%). The price decline in Lakeview may have been a mix toward first time home ownership. With tax credits as a powerful incentive, interest rates at historical lows and prices reflecting good value, it was a very tempting time for new buyers to jump in. Houses that are selling are selling a bit faster (199 days versus 238days last year) but it is all driven by knowledge of the market, and the market value of the home you are selling or looking to buy. We are still seeing more listings coming on the market than units being sold. With this build of inventory it will continue to be a buyers market.