In the late 1800s, four miles north of the city lay farmland known for the celery crops harvested there every year. As the population spread out from the city center toward this area, celery crops decreased and development on the farmland increased. Lakeview with Lake Michigan running along its east end-is aptly named. Legend tells us it was named for the Lakeview Hotel, a hotel built in 1853 in the "country" just 4 miles north of downtown Chicago. In 1887 the area was incorporated into the city of Chicago and two years later experienced a real estate boom, resulting in 40 percent of the buildings which still stand at present. East along the Lake, you will find may high rises with one, two and three bedroom units, victorian greystones, large single family homes and lavish mansions, many of which date back to the 1800s. Further west, one will find many vintage walk-ups, loft conversions and pricey single family homes.

Today, Lakeview is one of the city's most livable and walkable areas and is home to many smaller communities branching west from Lake Shore Drive, bordered on the north by Addison Avenue and Diversey Avenue to the south. Because Lakeview is found on Lake Michigan's shoreline, it is one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city and attracts a predominantly mid-20's to early-30's crowd, both for its mix of housing and for its endless variety of stores, restaurants and nightlife. Locals explore trendy boutiques and vintage retail establishments, just part of Lakeview's more than 600 shops.

Restaurants range from late-night greasy-spoon diners to Mediterranean and Mexican specialty spots along Halsted, Broadway, Belmont and Southport. Neighbors gather at small cafes like Intelligentsia or sit outside at local bars during the warm summer months. Nightlife is never hard to come by, whether you want to kick back at a local sports bar or celebrate all night with friends at a trendy club. For cultural endeavors, you can walk to Lakeview's many small theaters, intimate concert venues, galleries and nightclubs. Lakeview also offers some of the most diverse shopping in the city.

For those who love the sporting life, there's a variety of ways to stay active, from jogging and biking along the lakefront to boating and fishing from one of the nearby harbors. And Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, is just a short walk away. For a quick trip into the city or destinations to the north, the Red, Brown, and Purple Lines all make stops in Lakeview, as do numerous CTA buses.