Uptown

Uptown, Chicago is located on the shores of Lake Michigan, 2.5 miles north of the Chicago Loop and less than a half mile from Wrigley Field. Originally developed as a summer resort in the late 19th century, Uptown is now amongst the hottest neighborhoods in Chicago, as in the past year the median home price increased from $190,000 to $215,000. Residents who bought homes there just 3 or 4 years ago are seeing their property values soar, because of the constant renovations, constructions, beautification projects and developments going on. It covers an area of 6.09 km² and has a population of about 63,000 people. Uptown has an interesting history; during the 1920’s and 1930’s it was the center of the nightlife in Chicago. In 1915, Charlie Chaplain shot his first films at a neighborhood studio. Uptown Theatre, The Riviera, and Aragon Ballroom are still in operation and represent the theatre history of Uptown.

Nowadays, Uptown is one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in town. Along Argyle Street, you will find bakeries, restaurants and import stores of Uptown's expansive Asian community. Housing in Uptown is also highly varied, ranging from mansions along Lake Michigan to moderately priced apartment buildings. There are also a lot single family homes and lakefront condominiums. Many new residential buildings have recently been completed or proposed, along with 3-flat buildings being renovated into affordable condominiums.

The official boundaries of Uptown are: Foster on the north, Lake Michigan on the east, Montrose and Irving Park on the south, and Ravenswood and Clark St. on the west. Uptown borders three community areas and Lake Michigan. To the north is Edgewater, to the west is Lincoln Square, and to the south is Lakeview.

A lot of renovation is taking place here, and a lot of new properties are being built. It's almost hard to believe that such a compact area contains so much variety; from stately, neatly kept mansions to mammoth high rises to vacated buildings whose boarded-up windows serve mainly to display posters for upcoming rock concerts.

A recent government decision may keep housing within reach for Uptown's low-income residents. Ten buildings housing about 11,000 people were given mortgages by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in the 1960s. After 20 years, building owners could prepay the balance of their low-interest mortgages, and end their obligation to provide subsidized housing and then raise rents to market rates.

Uptown Theatre is the major local landmark along with other high-interest buildings like the Aragon Ballroom, the Riviera Theater and the Green Mill Jazz Lounge, and the Hutchinson Street District, between Broadway and Clarendon avenues.

Located near the lake and public transportation, Uptown is a convenient and affordable neighborhood. Locals here have easy access to an elaborate expressway system – including I-90/94 and U.S. Route 14, which is the main thoroughfare for taxis, buses, as well as the subway and elevated trains historical to Chicago.

The expansive park system goes along Lake Michigan, making Uptown an exceptional area to enjoy outdoor activities. Miles of greenery line the lake providing residents and visitors access to biking and jogging paths, fishing, volleyball and a stunning view of the Chicago skyline. Golfers also have access to only golf course in downtown Chicago, Uptown’s Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course, located right on the lake. Lakefront condominiums and elegant high-rise buildings peacefully coexist alongside charming row houses throughout this Chicago neighborhood.