Neighborhood Match-Up: Streeterville vs. Lincoln Park

Two of our hottest neighborhoods in Chicago are Streeterville and Lincoln Park. Check out our comparison below, where we break down how these two neighborhoods shape up against one another.

Streeterville vs Lincoln Park

Streeterville

Streeterville is a neighborhood between the Lake and Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago. It has convenient access to the highway as well as various public transportation options. Filled with rich history, thriving restaurants, nightlife, as well as residential options, Streeterville is one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods!

Lincoln Park

Further north, Lincoln Park is nestled between Diversey Parkway and North Avenue, close to the Lake as well. It is home to restaurants and cafes, as well as multiple train and bus options. With amazing green space and a prime location, Lincoln Park is another one of our favorite Chicago neighborhoods.

History and Unique Attributes

Streeterville is home to The Chicago Water Tower, which currently serves as the Chicago office of Tourism Art gallery.

Lincoln Park is home to the Chicago History Museum as well as the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Work and Industries

Lincoln Park has plentiful jobs in retail and service, as well as employment at DePaul University.

Streeterville also has jobs in retail and service, as well as at NBC Tower, Northwestern Hospital, and Lurie Children’s Hospital.

Dining and Nightlife

Streeterville is home to restaurants such as Beatrix, Volare, Purple Pig, and Capital Grill. Additionally, some of their best late night spots include Billy Goat Tavern, Three Dots and a Dash, and The Signature Lounge at the 96th.

Lincoln Park has restaurants including Alinea and Cafe-Ba-Ba-Reeba, as well as late night spots like The J. Parker and Beermiscuous.

Education 

Streeterville is home to Northwestern University’s Downtown Campus as well as the University of Chicago Gleacher Center.

Lincoln Park is home to DePaul University’s undergraduate campus.

Both Streeterville and Lincoln Park have so much to offer for those looking for their next new home! Check out both of these neighborhoods and their available listings to find your next home in either Streeterville or Lincoln Park.

Interested in matching your goals to the right neighborhood? Luxury Living Chicago will help you get started right away.

Connect with a Luxury Living broker to start your search!

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7 Bars in Streeterville You Should Try

If you are looking for a spot with great drinks and equally enjoyable vibes, rest assured that Streeterville is your neighborhood. 

This vibrant area is scattered with some of the Windy City’s best bars.

Discover a few of the Luxury Living team’s favorite Streeterville bars.

Where to go in Streeterville

  1. Streeterville Social: Located on top of Loews Chicago Hotel, this brand new rooftop bar offers a stylish spot to spend a scenic happy hour this summer. Take advantage of the daily specials, crafty cocktails, and gourmet grub at the Bistro.
  2. Offshore Chicago: Advertised as one of the nation’s largest rooftop venues, this bar on Navy Pier has gained quite the attention. This 36,000 square feet space provides a chic vibe and gorgeous lakefront views all year round. It’s complete with a full-service bar, world-class kitchen, with a 20,000 square foot Terrace, along with seven cozy fire pits, an entertainment and gaming area, and multiple large gathering spaces perfect for events.
  3. The Hampton Social: If you’re looking to ‘rose all day’ check out the Hampton Social’s brand new third location in the heart of the Streeterville neighborhood, steps away from Michigan Avenue. Grab a hammock, order some oysters, sip on some frosé, and soak up everything this nautical-themed bar has to offer.
  4. Drumbar: This award-winning, speakeasy style, cocktail-driven bar sits atop the 18th floor of the Raffaello Hotel. Soak up the views and sip on libation on the outside terrace during the summer. Once the weather cools down, cozy up inside with a limited, one-of-a-kind glass of whiskey.
  5. Z- Bar: Since its recent debut, this exquisite bar has the neighbors talking. Located in the Peninsula Hotel, this classy lounge finds its inspiration from ‘the world’s cultural and culinary riches.’ Indulge in a hand-crafted cocktail amidst beautiful views, live music, and gorgeous artwork. 
  6. Lizzie McNeill’s Irish Pub: For a bit more casual setting, stop by Lizzie McNeil’s for some Irish fun. This tavern pub sits right along the river and features new drink specials monthly. The outdoor patios may be one of the most scenic in the city.
  7. Billy Goat Tavern: Since 1934 this classic landmark has kept the beer flowing and guests smiling. Stop by for a drink and check out this famous bar’s quirky history featuring a goat that fell off a passing truck and wandered inside.

Be sure to spend your next happy hour or evening out at one of these impressive Streeterville bars!

Streeterville Vs. Gold Coast — Where Should You Live?

When looking for a premier neighborhood in downtown Chicago, both Streeterville and Gold Coast offer promising options.

Each area boasts a phenomenal location and luxury living, which means deciding on the best neighborhood comes down to personal preference.

The Luxury Living team is here to help compare Streeterville vs. Gold Coast to help you determine the most suitable spot to call home.

Highlights of Each Neighborhood

Streeterville- Bounded by the Chicago River, the Magnificent Mile, and Lake Michigan, Streeterville finds itself smack dab in the middle of Chicago’s hottest landmarks. 

The neighborhood also houses many well-respected establishments, including Northwestern University Downtown Campus, University of Chicago Gleacher Center, NBC Tower, Northwestern Hospital, and Lurie Children’s Hospital.

With such a competitive location, it’s no surprise that Streeterville is a happening place. The neighborhood is full of working professionals, students, and visitors working, studying, and residing.

Gold Coast-  Located directly North of Streeterville along the lake, the Gold Coast neighborhood is a bit quieter and more residential.

Strolling through the charming and affluent neighborhood, you’ll find a great mix of historic mansions, modern high-rise apartments, upscale shopping, and exquisite dining.

What Makes Each Unique

The Streeterville neighborhood is unique for its surplus of notorious Windy City Attractions. 

Right Along the Lake, sits the infamous Navy Pier where you can find popular activities like the Centennial Wheel and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Boat tours and cruises also depart daily from the Pier during the suitable seasons.

With the Magnificent Mile located right along the West edge of the neighborhood, Streeterville offers some of the most high-end retail in the city, from Saks Fifth Avenue to Gucci.

Streeterville also offers an unrivaled and quirky history. The story of the neighborhood’s growth revolves all around Captain George Streeter’s attempt to claim, sell, and tax a sandbar off the Chicago Harbor. While his efforts were disrupted, his legacy remains.

While Streeterville provides its fair share of luxury living, Gold Coast is known for its affluence. It currently ranks as the seventh wealthiest urban areas in the country.

In 1978 the Gold Coast Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places to preserve the area’s notable history, dating back to the early 1800s. This historic district is bounded by North Avenue, Lake Shore Drive, Oak Street, and Lake Street. 

How to See Homes in Each Area

If you’re interested in checking out these vibrant neighborhoods, you can find updated available listings on the Luxury Living Site.

For in-person property visits, you can also connect with an experienced and licensed broker to arrange a tour.

The Streeterville vs.Gold Coast competition is one only you can judge. Determine which area wins your neighborhood needs today!

What You Should Know About Streeterville Safety

The Streeterville neighborhood, situated between Lake Michigan and the Magnificent Mile, boasts one of downtown Chicago’s premier locations.

With over 32,000 residents calling Streeterville home, it is no surprise that this vibrant area prioritizes keeping the entire area safe.

Learn how Streeterville safety remains a focus for the neighborhood.

What the Walkability is like in Streeterville

While Chicago as a whole ranks as the 6th most walkable large city in the United States, the Streeterville area reflects this incredible walkability.

One of the greatest perks of living in Streeterville is easy access to some of the Windy City’s best shopping, dining, at attractions.

Anywhere in Streeterville guarantees proximity to The Mag Mile, Chicago’s largest shopping district. Here you can find some of the best retail, restaurants, museums, and hotels in the city.

While Streeterville is extremely pedestrian friendly, there are other easily accessible modes of transportation.

Throughout the neighborhood, you can find multiple bus routes, taxis, and Divvy bike stations.

How People can Learn More About Crime Rates

Understanding the crime in your neighborhood may be important for heightened awareness and taking appropriate preventative measures.

Trulia provides an interactive map and updated list of current crime data and safety trends in Streeterville based on police crime reports.

Neighborhood Scouts also paints a broader picture of Streeterville safety and crime by looking at annual crime rates.

Crime trends can change quickly, so it is crucial to stay informed.

How to Feel Safer in the City

Streeterville safety is at the forefront of the neighborhood’s priorities.

Along with an increased police presence, a large part of the Streeterville community is also coming together to promote neighborhood safety.

Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR), diligently serves the community in various capacities, including the implementation of a Safety and Well-Being Task Force, which secures public safety for the entire neighborhood.

In addition to taking part in the community efforts, you can feel safer in the neighborhood by taking your own precautions.

Always stay aware and keep your belongings close to you.

When walking around the neighborhood after hours, it’s smart to stay on well-lit paths, remain attentive to your surroundings, and leave your earbuds at home.

You can also check out these apps designed to help keep you safe when walking home at night.

Whether you live in Streeterville or you are considering relocating to this vibrant neighborhood, rest assured that Streeterville safety remains a continual priority for the entire area.

All About Streeterville’s History

Along with its competitive waterfront location, breathtaking views, and unbeatable shopping, Streeterville, Chicago also boasts a unique and quirky past.

Discover the Streeterville history that transformed the neighborhood into what it is today.

How Streeterville Became a Neighborhood

Before Streeterville became a thriving place to reside and visit, the area was nothing more than water and sand.

Everything began to change when Captain George Streeter made his way up to Chicago with his wife Maria in the late 1800s.

While taking their boat out on Lake Michigan, a bad storm hit and drifted them to a sandbar off the Chicago harbor, where he decided to claim as his own.

Shortly after, as the area began to grow, Streeter found an unusual way to make a profit and began turning the sandbar into a public garbage disposal. This waste pile up led to the establishment of a shantytown leaving wealthy neighbors angry and concerned that their property values would decline.

Eventually, millionaire Kellogg Fairbank filed a suit against Streeter claiming he was the real owner of the area. Despite his legal obligation to leave the sandbar, the captain refused to relinquish the land and instead raised an army and set up a blockade in a final attempt to save what he believed was “his property.”

While Captain Streeter’s efforts were unsuccessful and quickly terminated by the police, his legacy remains in the neighborhood’s name.

How it Got to Where it is Today

Streeterville experienced its first significant growth spurt following the economic boom of the 1920s, which brought new wealth and development to the district.

The opening of the Michigan Avenue Bridge in 1921 elevated the neighborhood as the city’s prime real estate. Within a couple of years, Northwestern’s downtown campus was completed, a luxury shopping district was established on North Michigan Avenue, and investors introduced luxury hotels along Lake Shore Drive.

The second construction boom hit Streeterville following World War II. In a city-wide effort to pursue urban renewal, a local developer named Arthur Rubloff led the revitalization of North Michigan Avenue under the banner of “The Magnificent Mile.” This project’s success led to a reinvigorated investment in the neighborhood.

Streeterville has since continued to develop and attract more businesses, residents, and tourists.

Where You Can Find Historic Spots

You can get a taste of Streeterville’s history scattered throughout the neighborhood.

A few blocks from the Chicago River, on the corner of McClurg Court and Grand Avenue, you’ll find Captain George Streeter in the form of an eight-foot-tall bronze sculpture.

Along the Magnificent Mile, sits the iconic Chicago Water Tower, built in 1869, making it the second oldest water tower in the country. Initially constructed to house a water pump to draw water from Lake Michigan, the building now serves as a Chicago Office of Tourism art gallery.

These spots, along with many others, serve as a reminder of the unusual, yet remarkable Streeterville history that transformed the now flourishing neighborhood.

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