It has been over a year since I made the move to Lincoln Park, Chicago, and what a journey it has been. Nestled on the north side of the city, Lincoln Park is a vibrant neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets, historic architecture, and an array of dining and entertainment options. Over the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to explore and immerse myself in this dynamic community and appreciate the good and bad of different parts of Chicago. I’ve compiled a list of things I learned and conclusions I reached along the way.
I Have No Regrets Driving for the Dime and Walking to Dine
My commute to work in the Northwest suburban outskirts of Chicago isn’t great, but it also isn’t terrible—usually. As a Family Medicine resident, I have a decent work schedule and feel like I am able to spend a good chunk of time at home. My neighborhood doesn’t look like the neighborhood around my hospital, which helps me disengage from work mode. And when I’m home, several quick eats, bars, stores, and coffeeshops are a short stroll away. Heck, I can go see lion cubs tomorrow morning for free at the Lincoln Park Zoo.
There is Just Enough Drivability
This is at least Lincoln Park specific. If you’re a regular car commuter, be prepared to shell out for a parking spot to preserve your sanity; however, the streets of LP are just drivable enough to weave your way to where you need to go. You just have to get used to the bundle of pedestrians, narrow streets complicated by someone’s DoorDash driver double-parked, and bicyclists hanging out in your blind spots.
This Place Has Raised My Standards
There is something to be said about the cleanliness of Chicago. Intelligently utilizing an alleyway system, trash is kept off the streets. Chicago doesn’t smell bad (at least the parts that I’ve been to). I can’t say the same about New York. I’m not sure if I can accept less from a neighborhood in the future.
Deep Dish Didn’t Change My Life
Getting Chicago-style pizza was a priority when I first visited. Deep dish is more of a special occasion now. There are simply way too many barriers to making this a regular installment in your diet (nutritionists: shhh!). First, this pizza is seldom sold in slices. You almost always need to commit to expensive pies. Second, you wait a half hour for the pizza to be ready. Third: I don’t have a third reason, but the list can’t stop at two. Don’t get me wrong—I like the pizza. Lou Malnati’s is my go-to spot for deep dish, but if I need pizza in a pinch, I probably will just go to Bacci’s (which is not as good as New York slices).
Lake Michigan is a Huge Part of the Experience
I grew up on Long Island, so being near water was always a given; however, seeing the bright blue of Lake Michigan when you get on Lake Shore Drive is a different experience. My girlfriend and I recently got bikes and enjoy riding along the Lakefront Trail. If you visit, you can pick up a Divvy bike and enjoy the ride for a couple bucks. Party cruises and architecture tours are highly rated and are great ways to spend an afternoon.
Wrigley Field is Pretty Much Right on The Street
The iconic ballpark is unassumingly positioned in Wrigleyville. You can be driving and not even notice that you’re right next to it. Besides game times, there is not much pomp and circumstance leading up to the stadium.
O’Hare is Huge
I ain’t nevaaa seen anything like it.
I Feel Safe, but Then I Look at the News.
When I walk the streets of Lincoln Park, I almost always feel safe. There are usually lots of people on the streets, sprawling intersections, and plenty of businesses open. The pretty architecture also helps facilitate a feeling of decorum and order. What makes this place peaceful is seemingly also making this place vulnerable. Opportunity awaits when you can go down XYZ street and bet on finding a 20-something year old girl drinking coffee and looking at her phone. People are getting mugged at an alarming rate. Police presence in well-off neighborhoods is abysmal. And in the aftermath of the news regarding the suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer, I must mention the suspicious loss of 20-something white males who go missing and are found in Chicago waters days later.
Opportunity Awaits In the Dating Scene
I came to Chicago single. I was disappointed by the social landscapes of Upstate New York and wanted something different for myself. When I was fatigued beyond belief in my first month of residency, I would look out onto the streets and see droves of young people, reminding myself why I deliberately sought out a neighborhood like Lincoln Park. I was tired, but I was happy. If possible, young single people should set themselves up for success in large oceans rather than wade in small ponds.
Bro, Put on Your Shirt
I’m not sure if this is a thing in other neighborhoods, but when it’s warm out here, you see dudes running without their shirts. Last summer I even saw a shirtless dude in Chipotle. Straight up wack, man.
Public Transport for the Win
I don’t rely on public transportation regularly, but the CTA is fairly good. It’s not great. There should be better routes to get from Lincoln Park to Wicker Park. Sometimes buses don’t show up. Regardless, I find myself in a position of ease when I can hop off a train and be a few blocks from where I need to be without worrying about parking or some Lyft driver trying to cut me off.
We Walk Past History Everyday
The Navy Pier is cool, but did you know there was a college at the Navy Pier? You enjoy the Field Museum, but what if I told you a mogul tried his darnedest to prevent it from being built? Clark Street in Lincoln Park is nice for a walk, but believe it or not, it was nice enough at one point for the world’s first Ferris Wheel to be installed on it. I recommend Chicago Flashback: The People and Events That Shaped a City's History by the Chicago Tribune to learn more about Chicago's history.
All in all, I am enjoying my time.
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