Uptown, Chicago: Neighborhood Guide

Living in Uptown

Uptown is one of Chicago's most diverse neighborhoods. It stretches from Foster Avenue south to Montrose and Irving Park Road, and from the lake west to Clark Street and Ravenswood Avenue. Lake Shore Drive, the Lakefront Trail and three Red Line stations make it easy to get downtown without a car.

The neighborhood is famous for entertainment: the Aragon Ballroom, the Riviera Theatre, the landmark Uptown Theatre and the Green Mill jazz lounge are all on or near Broadway and Lawrence. Argyle Street is known for Vietnamese and other Asian restaurants and shops. On the lake side, Montrose Beach, Montrose Harbor and the Montrose Beach Dunes natural area are part of Lincoln Park.

Homes in Uptown

Most homes for sale in Uptown are condominiums: units in vintage courtyard buildings and six-flats, and in high-rises along Marine Drive and Sheridan Road with lake views. Buena Park and Sheridan Park, both historic districts, also have single-family homes and two-flats on tree-lined streets. Margate Park, in the northeast corner, mixes older mansions with mid-rise buildings.

• Read the condo documents. Check the association's budget, reserves, assessments and rules before you commit.
• Ask about parking. Many vintage buildings have no garage; some have rented spaces or a waiting list.
• Compare buildings, not just units. Two similar units can carry very different monthly assessments.

Sources

• Wikipedia: Uptown, Chicago