Welcome to Edgewater
History
Located on Chicago’s North Side, Edgewater is bordered by Foster Avenue on the south, Devon Avenue on the north, Ravenswood on the west, and Lake Michigan on the east. The thriving community boasts a diverse and well-educated population (over 50% have achieved a Bachelor’s Degree or higher) as well as a multitude of opportunities for recreation and entertainment.
Edgewater was developed in the last decades of the 19th century to be the summer residence for the city’s elite. During that time, developers bought up farms and clear cut the forest in what was then Lake View Township. As a result, the population swelled from 2000 residents to over 45,000. To secure access to public services, this area was annexed by Chicago in 1889.
By the turn of the 20th century, Edgewater was one of Chicago’s most exclusive neighborhoods. The building boom reached its zenith in 1926 and the population grew to such an extent that developers continued to expand the neighborhood and renamed a portion of it Uptown (which still exists today.)
As the suburbs became more appealing in the 1950s, the affluence of the area decreased as middle and upper class families left the city: disrepair and crime soon followed. Simultaneously, Lake Shore Drive was extended to Hollywood Avenue and highrise development along the lakefront continued almost unabated into the 1970s.
In 1980, the Chicago City Council and local business owners planned a revival for the community. Edgewater was officially separated from Uptown and businesses returned to the community. Older buildings and homes were refurbished in an attempt to regain some of their past charm. Since 2000, there have been several new additions to the neighborhood including: The Clarovista, Edgewater Glen, and Catalpa Gardens condominium developments.
Worth Seeing / Things to Do
According to the Chicago Park District, “Edgewater contains several beaches that residents enjoy during the late spring, summer, and early autumn. Chicago's largest park, Lincoln Park, stretches south from Edgewater for seven miles along the waterfront, almost to downtown.”
Andersonville, which is a part of Edgewater, was settled in large part by Swedish immigrants and is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. The contributions of these Swedish immigrants is reflected in the large number of Swedish businesses peppered throughout the neighborhood. The Swedish American Museum gives visitors a chance to fully explore how this group of immigrants contributed to the development of the area. The area features a thriving theater scene - the City Lit Theater and the Red Twist Theater are just a few worth mentioning.
As far as gastronomic choices are concerned, visitors and residents are spoiled for choice. Whether a delicious slice at Callos Pizzeria, some delectable huaraches at Huaraches Dona Chio, or the delicacies at Ethiopian Diamond, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Schools
Four of the neighborhood’s elementary schools: Hayt, Swift, Peirce and Goudy, are noteworthy for their top ranking by Chicago Public Schools. Secondary education is provided by Senn High School which, according to US News and World Report, is “... is ranked 144th within Illinois. Students have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement® coursework and exams. The AP® participation rate at Senn High School is 53%.”
Several Catholic schools also in the neighborhood include Northside Catholic Academy's primary school campus at St. Gertrude church.
Transportation
The Chicago Transit Authority fulfills most of the transportation needs of Edgewater residents with the Red Line (which is part of the CTA’s rail network). The neighborhood has four stations: Berwyn, Bryn Mawr, Thorndale, and Granville.
The Chicago Transit Authority also operates numerous bus routes which connect the neighborhood to downtown Chicago via North Michigan Avenue.
From Redfin:
- Walk Score® 91 / 100 : Walker’s Paradise
- Transit Score® 73 / 100: Excellent Transit
- Bike Score® 84 / 100: Very Bikeable
Real Estate
Prices in Edgewater can range from $100,000 for a studio condominium to $1.6 million for a 5 bedroom mansion. With prices constantly changing, it is best to call an SGR agent for pricing guidance.
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