Chicago’s North Side district is a sprawling conglomerate of neighborhoods and community areas, extending from Lincoln Park and its southern border with Old Town to Rogers Park and its northern border with Evanston. The North Side is the most densely populated section of the city and has a substantial middle and upper class demographic. In addition to the Polish, Irish, and German neighborhoods that have called the area home for over a century, there are many newer populaces of Greek, Vietnamese, and Hispanics that give the Region a beautiful variety of people. All along the eastern edge of the North Side, residential high-rises with luxury apartments can be found, taking advantage of beautiful city and waterfront views. When the city of Chicago’s Municipal flag was unveiled in 1917, the North Side was symbolized by one of its three white stripes, the others corresponding to the South and West Sides.

Much of Chicago’s North Side was wooded land, inhabited by Native Americans until the Northwest Indian War at the end of the 18th century. Individual townships and villages formed throughout the area, many remaining independent until the turn of the 20th century. As with the rest of Chicago at the time, the demographic was over 75% foreign born, with Germans, Irish, and Polish making up the majority stake. The construction and expansion of rail transportation made the North Side convenient and attractive, with developers choosing areas near existing lines, and in the case of Ravenswood, proposing new stops.

Much of Chicago’s North Side was wooded land, inhabited by Native Americans until the Northwest Indian War at the end of the 18th century. Individual townships and villages formed throughout the area, many remaining independent until the turn of the 20th century. As with the rest of Chicago at the time, the demographic was over 75% foreign born, with Germans, Irish, and Polish making up the majority stake. The construction and expansion of rail transportation made the North Side convenient and attractive, with developers choosing areas near existing lines, and in the case of Ravenswood, proposing new stops.

The North Side is such a large area that it has a variety of neighborhoods with distinctive vibes. There are notable large universities in the area, including Loyola University Chicago, a Jesuit university founded in 1870, is located in the Rogers Park and Edgewater neighborhoods. Lincoln Park has the DePaul University, beautiful tree-lined streets, and an amazing zoo. These areas have a high population of college students, recent graduates and young couples, as well as the businesses and nightlife to keep them entertained.

The closer to downtown you go, the higher the rent prices. Comfortable one-bedroom apartments can be found for around $1,000 in the far north, but that balloons to around $2,000 for luxury living just outside of downtown. Regardless of where in the North Side you choose to call home, there is easy access to downtown via Lake Shore Drive, the Dan Ryan Expressway, Metra commuter rail, and the ‘L’ train’s Red and Purple lines.

You’ll find many days’ worth of enjoyment in Lincoln Park, the city’s largest park, with its 7 miles of shoreline parks, numerous beaches and bike trails starting far north of Chicago and continuing past downtown. Be sure to catch a Chicago Cub’s game at Wrigley Field; we’ve heard this is the year they’re going to the World Series. For those with an appreciation for pristine gardens and mausoleums, the Rosehill Cemetery is the largest in the city, opened in 1859. Many of Illinois and Chicago’s most influential people make Rosehill their indefinite home. Ethnic food is plentiful, with great selections like Ba Le in Little Vietnam, and the Taste of Lebanon in Andersonville. Uptown’s entertainment district is a popular nightlife destination; the Aragon Ballroom and Riviera Theatre feature concerts, shows, and live theatre. Nearby jazz lounges film studios offer entertainment with historical value.