Welcome to Edgewater, Chicago
Lakeside living with a diverse population.
As the name implies, Edgewater lies right up against the shores of Lake Michigan and has miles of beaches to explore. Alongside these natural delights, you’ll find all the amenities of a dense urban neighborhood and access to all that Chicago has to offer.
Visitors to this charming part of Chicago should take time out for a stroll under the old-fashioned green lanterns and lamp posts of the Bryn Mawr Historic District, which features a plethora of historic locations and transports you back to the Chicago of the 1920s.
What to Love
- Diverse population with a great sense of community
- A mix of beach-front greenspaces and urban amenities
- Highly walkable and pet friendly
Local Lifestyle
This community is known for being quite diverse, and that diversity comes with perks like a variety of shopping choices and dining, including cuisines from all over the world. Perhaps because of its diversity in population, this neighborhood is also known for being very welcoming and inclusive.
Edgewater has a real sense of community, thanks to the many available social activities and events. Besides the miles of beachfront property, the area has lots of parks and green spaces, which provide even more opportunities for meeting and greeting neighbors.
Residents here report an excellent quality of life, and it’s not hard to see why. From the comfort to the amenities to the community, Edgewater is a great place to call home.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
There are so many restaurants that typify the variety of cuisines you will find throughout Edgewater.
If you’re looking for a taste of the South on a cold Chicago day, look no further than local favorite Pearl’s Southern Comfort, named after the owner’s great-grandmother. This gem’s homestyle approach to Southern cuisine is a can’t-miss treat.
If a taste of Rome and the surrounding areas of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio are what you’re craving, Francesca’s Bryn Mawr is for you. Located in the Bryn Mawr Historic District, this restaurant can be found in the circa-1927 Bryn Mawr Apartment Hotel building and features a casual yet sophisticated ambiance and rustic cooking.
For breakfast, brunch, or lunch, you can’t go wrong with a visit to the whimsical and delicious Sauce and Bread Kitchen. They have magic on the menu — you’ll see why once you taste their bread and pastries.
It may not be very exotic, but you can’t go wrong with the best burger in Chicago. And Chicago's best burger, according to the Tribune, Sun-Times, Chicago Magazine, and Citysearch.com, can be found in the cozy lodge atmosphere of Moody’s Pub.
Things to Do
Edgewater is a close-knit community, which is apparent from the many community events held here throughout the year.
The Edgewater Arts Festival, brought to the community by Edgewater’s Artists in Motion, is truly a family affair, with live music, food and drink, local artists, and an interactive kids’ area that features performances by young artists.
Another spectacular arts and community festival, EdgeFest, is all about living on the edge. As residents know, living on the edge of Lake Michigan is a beautiful thing, and living on the edge of what's up and coming in the local arts scene is pretty special too.
The Edgewater Farmers Market is open Monday evenings throughout the summer, offering the finest meats, fruits, vegetables, fresh baked goods, and prepared foods from 16 local vendors.
Community is not limited to humans in Edgewater. Widely acknowledged as the most pet-friendly neighborhood in Chicago, Edgewater lives up to its reputation with an annual Pet Parade. This event features pets taking their owners for a walk around several city blocks and a contest with kooky categories including best costume, best tricks, and pets who look most like their owners.Schools
Edgewater has many wonderful public schools, including the top two public high schools in the state of Illinois, according to Niche.com. The area is home to well-regarded private schools as well, including the Chicago Waldorf School.
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Payton College Preparatory High School, rated #1 high school in Illinois by Niche.com
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Northside College Preparatory High School, rated #2 high school in Illinois by Niche.com
