Lincoln Square

Homes for Sale in Lincoln Square, Chicago

Lincoln Square is known for its affluent neighborhoods and family-oriented atmosphere. Living here, you can enjoy easy access to the best of Chicago’s North Side: a world-class food scene with a Michelin rated restaurant (Goosefoot), established arts and culture, retail options that run the gamut, and a solid public transportation system via Chicago’s train station, the L. 

All of this and more make homes for sale in Lincoln Square, Chicago some of the most prized in Chicagoland. Homebuyers looking for upscale homes will find the luxury market here to be especially appealing, with high value properties offering distinct architecture, amazing details, and even a slice of Chicago history.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF LINCOLN SQUARE

Lincoln Square traces its history to the mid-19th century, when agriculture was the biggest industry in the area. In 1836, Swiss immigrant Conrad Sulzer pioneered commercial agriculture in the area, and a growing population of German immigrants soon followed suit. These farmers cultivated the land for mass production of celery, pickles, and flowers, which they then transported to central Chicago. Eventually, celery became so widely distributed that the town was briefly known as the country’s celery capital.

In 1857, German-American brothers Lyman and Joseph Budlong began a commercial pickle and flower business and their success greatly contributed to the town’s prosperity. Today, three neighborhoods are named after them.

The arrival of electric street railways in the 1890s brought in new residents from across the region. Farmland was converted into single-story homes and small apartments, and small businesses began to emerge. An industrial corridor developed near the railway, and Lincoln Square began its journey to urbanization.

A strong Bavarian heritage

Lincoln Square today is a vibrant mix of various cultural influences – but its heart still beats Bavarian. Along Lincoln Avenue, the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare, you’ll find longstanding shops and restaurants that offer traditional German and European favorites from food to skincare, housed in vintage brick and stone buildings with a distinct Old World vibe. And each year, the community celebrates its German heritage with lively festivals and events, including one of Chicago’s grandest Oktoberfests.

WELCOME TO LINCOLN SQUARE!

Lincoln Square is an upscale, established neighborhood located in Chicago’s North Side. Part of the city’s 77 designated communities, Lincoln Square spans 2.57 square miles and is home to a growing population of nearly 40,400 residents.

The neighborhood is the largest of several communities that make up the Lincoln Square community area, which also encompasses Ravenswood, Ravenswood Gardens, Bowmanville, Budlong, and others. The area is surrounded by the neighborhoods of Uptown, Andersonville, Edgewater, North Center, and Albany Park.

Education 

Chicago is known for its quality education, and Lincoln Square is no exception. Parents can send their children to reputable schools in or near the neighborhood. Public schools include

Budlong Elementary School, Waters Elementary School, and Chappell Elementary School. Nearby private schools include St. Matthias IB Catholic School, North Park Elementary School, Lycée Français de Chicago, and Chicago Waldorf School.

There are also higher learning institutions nearby, including the Advantage Academy of DeVry University, North Park University, and Harry S. Truman College.

LINCOLN SQUARE, CHICAGO REAL ESTATE MARKET 

The luxury real estate market in Chicago is flourishing. Sales of properties priced over $1 million are up, and the ultra-luxury category is especially hot. Many buyers are moving back to the city, looking for homes that offer both urban amenities and suburban space.

Property types and architectural styles

If you’re looking for a neighborhood with a lot of charm and character, Lincoln Square is a great option. The mix of small apartment buildings, businesses, and residents gives the historic neighborhood a unique sense of place that’s hard to find elsewhere. 

Brick two flats and three flats, bungalows, and row homes are prevalent. They’re mixed in with newer single family homes, condos, and townhomes, most of which were built in the traditional Chicago style, preserving the city’s quintessential landscape.

The housing stock in Lincoln Square is dominated by three- to four-unit residences, with single-family homes coming in a close second. You’ll often find mixed-use establishments with apartments on upper floors and quaint storefronts below. If you’re someone who values walkability and wants to remain close to the action, then Lincoln Square is ideal.

Luxury market

Higher-end homes in Lincoln Square tell a slightly different story. Properties here are more spacious – families get to enjoy wider lots and backyards. Luxury homeowners can enjoy an enhanced sense of privacy while remaining close to the heart of the neighborhood.

Homes in the million-dollar range often come with no less than four bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, boasting over 3,000 square feet of space. Large and easy to customize, these properties are perfect for buyers who plan to live in the neighborhood long-term or wish to raise a family.

Open layouts, gleaming hardwood floors, and updated finishes are the hallmarks of high-end homes in the neighborhood. You’ll find gourmet and chef’s kitchens, multiple fireplaces, and large windows, as well as oversized garages. Other popular features include:

• Spa-like bathrooms with heated floors and steam showers
• Flexible spaces that can be converted to media rooms, art studios, fitness rooms, or home offices
• Custom lighting fixtures
• Outdoor living spaces
• Master suites with private balconies

Property age

More than 52% of homes in Lincoln Square were built prior to 1940, giving the neighborhood a well-established historic character. Only 8.4% of the total current housing stock – around 1,700 properties – were built in 2000 or later. 

That said, homes for sale in Lincoln Square, Chicago are still quite diverse. There are a few new construction properties on offer, and they’re typically high-end single-family homes with great amenities. 

Arts and culture

When it comes to cultural attractions, there’s plenty to do in Lincoln Square and the nearby communities:

Catch a movie at the historic Davis Theater

Lincoln Square has preserved many of its historic establishments, one of which is the longest operated movie theater in Chicago. The 552-seat theater was initially slated for demolition in 1999, but was saved and restored due to protest from the community. Today, the Art Deco theater stands as a pristine piece of history and architecture. It’s a must-visit for fans of history, cinema, or both.

Visit the Old Town School of Folk Music

The Old Town School of Folk Music is the largest non-profit community arts school in the United States. Known for its inclusive grassroots style, Old Town School has been teaching diverse folk music traditions to adults, kids, and everyone in between since 1957. It has produced many distinguished folk musicians in the 60s, including John Prine and Roger McGuinn.

Today, the school offers a wide variety of classes, including guitar, banjo, mandolin, and more. It also hosts concerts and events throughout the year, making it a great venue for discovering new music

Parks and nature

• Welles (Gideon) Park. This lively 15-acre park draws fitness enthusiasts, busking musicians, and families alike. Residents who want to stay in shape can visit the park’s fitness center, while those who prefer to swim can practice their technique at the indoor pool. There are also plenty of activities for children, including tot soccer, arts and crafts, and play groups. Additionally, Welles Parks offers therapeutic recreation programs for kids and adults with developmental disabilities.
• Gross (Theodore) Park. Covering just 1.56 acres, this local park is a great place for soccer players, basketball players, and children to engage in physical activity and enjoy the outdoors. The park offers afterschool programs for children during winter and a Play Camp for summer.
• Winnemac Park. This school park encompasses more than 22 acres and includes various facilities for children and families, such as a prairie garden, soccer field, and various walking and hiking trails.

Events and festivals

• One of the best places to experience the community vibe in Lincoln Square is Giddings Plaza. This iconic spot hosts many of the neighborhood’s festivals and community events, making it a great place to connect with neighbors, shop at local businesses, and admire public art.
• Maifest Chicago is a great way to experience Lincoln Square’s German heritage. Held every summer, this exciting festival combines good food, live music, and dancing, and draws in crowds of festival goers from across the city and beyond. Visitors can sample authentic German grub such as bratwurst and landjäger, as well as imported German beer Hofbräu München.
• Come fall, Lincoln Square celebrates harvest season with the annual Apple Fest, a joyous event where visitors can stock up on fresh produce, as well as try homemade apple cider and apple-inspired dishes. There are also arts and crafts vendors, live music, and children’s activities.
• The yearly Ravenswood on Tap lets visitors sample some of the best craft beers in Chicago. Bring your friends over to sample beers from over 50 local breweries, and enjoy food and live music along the way.
• Chicago’s Oktoberfest season kicks off in September with a grand event at Lincoln Square. Known as the German-American Oktoberfest, the event turns Lincoln Avenue and Western Avenue into street party venues, complete with music, dancing, a parade, and German food. 

LIVING IN LINCOLN SQUARE

Photo courtesy of Due Lire Vino and Cucina

Food and drink

One of the best ways to get to know Lincoln Square is by exploring the exciting array of restaurants in the community. From Thai food and Greek eateries to beloved establishments offering traditional Bavarian cuisine, the local dining scene is incredibly diverse. 

Here are some of the must-tries:

• Gather – This chic and cozy restaurant is a neighborhood staple. Established in 2012, Gather has been serving high-quality, creative, and locally-sourced food for Chicagoans for over a decade. Known for its warm hospitality and curated wine list, the dining spot serves New American fare, with crowd favorites such as whipped ricotta, crispy cauliflower, and steak tartare. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just going out for Sunday brunch, Gather is the place to be.
• Due Lire Vino and Cucina – A seasonal menu of authentic Italian cuisine greets guests at this vibrant, intimate neighborhood restaurant on Lincoln Avenue. Due Lire offers a dynamic take on Italian food, using local ingredients and adding a twist to traditional recipes. Highlights include the short rib ravioli, polenta, and pappardelle, as well as gelato for dessert. 
• Bistro Campagne – This upscale French bistro has been a part of Lincoln Avenue since it first opened in 2002. Bistro Campagne features a seasonal French menu that highlights locally-sourced ingredients as part of their commitment to the low-impact agriculture movement. Their must-tries include the steak tartare, steak frites, roast chicken, and trout. They also feature a variety of cocktails and wines.
• Goosefoot – At Goosefoot, chef/owners Chris and Nina Nugent serve up creative, visually appealing contemporary dishes using French-inspired techniques. Their multi-course menu includes high-quality seasonal ingredients sourced from small artisan farms, adding a homegrown touch to every meal. The restaurant has been awarded one Michelin star.
• Fork – Another Lincoln Square fixture, Fork is a contemporary restaurant where locals can enjoy brunch, lunch, or dinner. The kitchen serves up a variety of international and local cuisine, ranging from American, Italian, and French to Spanish. Guests rave about the citrus smoked salmon and farmhouse burger, and the bacon wrapped dates are equally mouthwatering.
• Rainbow Thai Cuisine – At Rainbow Thai Cuisine, Chef Wanpen Phosawang serves Thai staples like pad thai, spring rolls, and pad see ew, as well as a diverse and mouthwatering selection of curries, soups, and salads. 
• Himmel’s – Lincoln Square isn’t complete without German influences, and the schnitzels at Himmel’s Chicago are a must-try. USA Today named the restaurant’s wood-fired Roman pizzas one of the best in the city. Equally delicious are their steak tartare, German sausages, and homemade spaetzle.

Shopping

Lincoln Avenue, Lincoln Square’s main street, is worth exploring for its niche stores and fringe boutiques, many of which are paradise for hobbyists. 

Vintage toy and action figure collectors can spend hours digging through the diverse selection of old and new playthings at Quake Collectibles and Timeless Toys. Avid readers and coffee (or wine) enthusiasts will enjoy The Book Cellar, an independent and woman-owned bookstore and cafe. There’s also Merz Apothecary, a family-owned and operated pharmacy serving Chicago locals organic skincare, niche fragrances, and hard-to-find body care essentials since 1875. 

The Stanley Brown Jewelist is famed for their exquisite bespoke and ready-to-wear pieces. The Eco Flamingo, a zero-waste general store, allows residents to fill up their reusable containers with dry goods, cleaning supplies, and beauty products. For a glimpse of the local art scene, the all-woman shop Bon Femmes highlights art pieces and designs from local female artists.

FIND YOUR DREAM HOME IN LINCOLN SQUARE WITH THE CINDI SODOLSKI GROUP

When it comes to buying a home, the support of a real estate professional is invaluable. Let us guide you in finding the perfect property in Lincoln Square, Chicago and beyond. We will help you locate the best homes for sale in your dream neighborhood, all while ensuring your home buying experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Get in touch with our team of Chicago real estate experts today! Give us a call at 773.450.0820 or send an email. You can also leave us a message here.