Edgewater, Chicago: Neighborhood Guide

Living in Edgewater

Edgewater runs from Foster Avenue north to Devon Avenue, between the lake and Ravenswood Avenue. The east side, along Sheridan Road, is lined with lakefront towers; the west side is mostly single-family homes and two- to four-flats. The Red Line runs along Broadway with four stations.

Andersonville, centered on Clark Street, is known for independent shops and restaurants and for its Swedish roots; the Swedish American Museum is at 5211 N. Clark. The pink Edgewater Beach Apartments mark the north end of Lake Shore Drive. Along the lake are Foster Beach, Osterman (Hollywood) Beach, Berger Park and George Lane Park.

Homes in Edgewater

Buyers here choose between two very different housing stocks. Near the lake, most homes are condominiums in high-rise buildings, many built from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, often with lake views, doormen and garages. To the west, the Edgewater Glen and Lakewood Balmoral historic districts have single-family homes built mostly between 1900 and 1928, many in the American Foursquare style, along with classic Chicago two-flats.

• High-rise condos: review the association's reserves, planned projects and special assessments; older towers may face major repairs.
• Older homes: many houses are over 100 years old, so plan for a thorough inspection of the roof, masonry, electrical and plumbing.
• Two-flats: living in one unit and renting the other is a common way to buy in Edgewater; I can help you run the numbers.

Sources

• Wikipedia: Edgewater, Chicago