Community Information
Chicago is home to a bevy of unique shops, good restaurants, and friendly communities to get acquainted with. No matter where you are in the city, there’s always something to do!
Chicago Public Schools-Follow this link to learn more about schools in your area to find the best fit for your child.
GreatSchools.Org- GreatSchools is the leading national nonprofit empowering parents to unlock educational opportunities for their children. Providing school information and parenting resources to help millions of American families choose the right school, support learning at home, and guide their children to great futures.
Chicago Transit Authority – Follow this link to find Information about CTA bus and train service in and around Chicago. Find maps, schedules, service alerts, plan a trip, jobs, news and more!
Chicago Public Library- Follow this link to find the nearest library. Chicago has a great desire to learn and the Chicago Public libraries will help you achieve your academic growth.
Chicago Beaches- Follow this link to find the nearest beach! You won’t want to miss out on the beautiful sunsets over the beautiful Lake Michigan.
Chicago Parks- Follow this link to find the nearest Park. Chicago is filled with playgrounds, dog parks, and greenery to enjoy!
Theatre in Chicago- Follow this link to see what shows are going on in the Chicago area. Chicago is filled with a vibrant theatrical scene! From professional touring companies in massive auditoriums to an intimate theatrical experience; Chicago has it all!
Chicago Events and Festivals- Chicago is filled with fun events full of great music, drinks, and food! Follow this link to see what Festivals and Events are happening all around the Chicago area!
“Located just two miles North of the Magnificent Mile and downtown’s many hotels and attractions, Lincoln Park, Chicago is home to a variety of destinations – ranging from artistic to active – that are unmatched. Whether you want to immerse yourself in arts and culture, dine on award-winning cuisine or enjoy first-class shopping, Lincoln Park offers an inspired experience – for both visitors and residents alike.”10 minutes to Michigan ave, 10 minutes to Wrigley, home of some of the best ranked public schools including Lincoln Elementary which has the top rankings in the city great schools, pretty tree lined streets, amazing architecture, and popular Oz Park, East Lincoln Park has bus stop pick up for Elysse' Francais, British School, Oscar Mayer, and Hyde Park Day.
Home to DePaul University, museums, theaters, and historic homes, Lincoln Park welcomes students, young professionals, families and even celebrities to its bustling, tree-lined streets. It’s a friendly (and family-friendly) urban environment with convenient public transportation, skyline views and ample open space coming together to create an experience you won’t find anywhere else.”
Lincoln Park Zoo - This free wildlife park is located in the northern side of the city. Take your family and friends to view the polar bears, zebras, penguins, and more. While it’s enjoyable in the nice summer weather, there’s also a reason to brave the cold winter air to witness the festive annual ZooLights show.
North Pond Restaurant - You don’t have to go far to find something to eat after walking around Lincoln Park’s North Pond Restaurant. A fine dining restaurant, aptly named after the adjacent body of water, is close by. Order from a seasonal menu using locally-sourced ingredients and while enjoying the view of the city.
North Avenue Beach - Living in the Lincoln Park area means having quick access to the North Avenue Beach. Take a dip in the beautiful Lake Michigan and sunbathe on the sandy shores. If you are feeling adventurous, you can take a jet ski out and ride the waves, or for something more relaxing, take a boat out and calmly sail with the breeze.
“Lakeview is one of the most sought-after communities in the Chicago region. Just minutes north of downtown, Lakeview’s vibrant streets are home to some of Chicago’s best culture, shopping, and dining. Here you’ll find an eclectic mix of “off-Loop” theaters in the Belmont Theater District and an incredible variety of indie businesses on Lincoln Avenue. Join us spring through fall as we celebrate our community at our outdoor festivals, farmers markets, summer concerts, and other community events. Embrace the winter months as we gather in warm theaters and restaurants with friends and neighbors. Or, turn down our side streets to stroll tree-lined residential blocks with lush parkway gardens, home to many families attracted to our neighborhood’s outstanding schools. Whether you’re a local, a regular visitor, or someone discovering Lakeview for the first time, there are plenty of experiences to enjoy time and time again.” With the convenience of the Red and Brown line running through the middle of Lakeview you can travel just about anywhere else in the city. Close to many amazing schools such as Chicago Montessori, Lake View High School, Nettelhorst, and Chicago City Day School.
Sydney R. Marovitz – Nestled between Lake Shore Drive and the shores of Lake Michigan lies Sydney Marovitz Golf Course. Offering unparalleled views of Lake Michigan, Montrose Harbor, and the city skyline, the course’s mature trees and undulating greens offer an impressive challenge to all.
Schubas Tavern- Housed in an old Schlitz brewery, this bar showcases a diverse lineup of bands, from indie to jazz. A fun local hangout with diverse music, dancing, and food.
Music Box Theatre- Turn onto Southport Avenue and it’s hard to resist the neon beacon that lures cinephiles from across Chicagoland with eight flickering letters—Music Box. It’s a promise of more than just entertainment, but a total experience. It’s a community of strangers coming together over the anticipation of that familiar red velvet curtain rising toward the twinkling, star-covered ceiling. It’s a symbol of Chicago’s go-to venue for independent, foreign, cult, and classic films.
Wrigley Field- Wrigley Field, which was built in 1914, is the second-oldest ballpark in the majors behind Boston's Fenway Park (1912).
“The Gold Coast Neighborhood is one of Chicago's most treasured residential areas with its quiet, tree-lined streets, stately homes and connections to the city's past. First known as the Astor Street District, in the late 1800's, it started at North Avenue and ran south along Astor to Division Street, then called Bishop's Street. Today, the Astor Street District is within the larger neighborhood of the Gold Coast which extends from North Avenue south to Oak Street and from the lake as far west as Clark Street.” Just steps to Michigan Avenue and some of the most amazing mansions and Oak Street Beach. Convenient to Catherine Cook School, Immaculate Conception St. Joseph School, and Walter Payton College Prep which was voted #1 in Illinois in 2018.
Oak Street Beach Food and Drink- This iconic beachside destination for food, fun and summer sunning calls to neighbors and visitors alike. Whether you are up for a quick snack, a beach-front meal or a couple chilled cocktails and some games at the beachside bar. Your summer taste cravings will be satisfied.
3rd Coast Café—This Chicago Gold Coast American Restaurant is nestled in the heart of the Gold Coast at the corner of Dearborn and Goethe. Our vintage location has been a site for famous restaurants since the 1920’s and the Coast continues that heritage today.
Goudy Playground- Goudy Square Playground Park is located in the Near North community. The 0.6 acre park features a soft surface playground that was renovated in Fall 2014 as part of Mayor Emanuel’s Chicago Plays! Program. It is an active community park.
“As one of Chicago’s most successful urban areas, Streeterville is synonymous with all that makes Chicago great. Visitors stay in some of the most luxurious hotels in the city and dine in the “neighborhood” restaurants, which are among the town’s finest. The premier selection of professional office centers, residential high rises, world-renowned universities, medical facilities, and cultural opportunities make the area a truly unique place to work and live.” Hop on the bus on Michigan Ave to take you to Millennium Park or Find a trolley to enjoy your views of the city or stop by Ohio Street Beach.
Navy Pier- Navy Pier is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation established in 2011 to maintain Navy Pier and oversee the redevelopment of one of the most important civic landmarks in the United States and one of the top-visited leisure and cultural destinations in the world.
The Purple Pig- known for adventurous small plates plus house-cured meats & a lengthy wine list in small, lively quarters. Since opening in 2009, under the leadership of Jimmy Bannos Jr., The Purple Pig has received numerous accolades, including being named one of 2010’s “10 Best New Restaurants in America” by Bon Appétit magazine; and a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand recipient since 2011.
The Magnificent Mile- North Michigan Avenue really is magnificent, boasting the very latest in fashions, accessories, and all manner of exquisite merchandise. Blocks of well-known department stores led to one-of-a-kind boutiques, providing unmatchable shopping all year long. A very upscale district, the retail area continues to grow, and includes Water Tower Place Mall and the 900 North Michigan Shops.
Museum of Contemporary Art- The MCA's mission is to bring artists and audiences together, presenting contemporary art and culture in ways that illuminate what it means to be a citizen of both Chicago and the world.
“Chicago’s official downtown. From shopping on State Street – “that great street” – to wandering one of the country's largest art museums, the Loop has something for everyone. Start exploring everything the Loop has to offer.” From the Loop you can hop onto any of the CTA lines, Enjoy some of the most beautiful theatrical venues, visit the famous ‘Bean,’ go to the Skydeck at the Willis Tower to see the view of the city, and stop by the glorious Buckingham Fountain. With two great connections to Universities such as Roosevelt University and Columbia College Chicago”
Millennium Park- Discover a state-of-the-art collection of architecture, landscape design and art that provide the backdrop for hundreds of free cultural programs including concerts, exhibitions, tours, and family activities. In Millennium Park, you’ll find a new kind of town square – a lively, spectacular gathering spot located in the heart of the city and a destination for Chicagoans and visitors alike.
Lyric Opera of Chicago- Lyric Opera of Chicago is one of the world’s great opera companies. It is renowned internationally for its artistic excellence and financial strength. Founded in 1954, Lyric has always distinguished itself by presenting the finest international singers, conductors, directors, and designers in classic and less-familiar operatic repertoire and in world-premiere productions.
The Art Institute of Chicago- The Art Institute of Chicago collects, preserves, and interprets works of art of the highest quality, representing the world’s diverse artistic traditions, for the inspiration and education of the public and in accordance with our profession’s highest ethical standards and practices.
Harold Washington Library Center- Come visit the largest library in the city. Filled with books suited for anyone and community events to help the community grow! In 1987, Mayor Harold Washington ordered a design/build competition for a new central library in the South Loop. The City Council authorized the competition and the $144 million bond issue to finance the project on July 29, 1987.
Christkindlmarket Chicago- The Christkindlmarket Chicago brings a cherished German and European tradition with international flair and local charm to Chicago. Chicago's largest open-air Christmas festival is an enchanting and inviting holiday village nestled in the center of the city’s downtown. Inspired by the 16th century Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, one of the first holiday markets of its kind, the Christkindlmarket is well-known for its vendors’ high quality gifts and food, holiday cheer, and for being the ideal place for families to create their own holiday traditions.
"Much of its eastern edge is encompassed by the Museum Campus, an impressive collection of cultural treasures that includes the Field Museum, Adler Planetarium and Shedd Aquarium. This campus sits on scenic lakefront parklands that are an extension of Grant Park. With 319 acres of green space and recreational fields, Grant Park is known as "Chicago's front yard" to locals and plays host to major city events such as Taste of Chicago, Chicago Blues Festival and Lollapalooza. With the Convenience of the Red, Green, and Orange line you can quickly make it downtown, out to Oak Park, or to visit the culturally engaging Chinatown. There are an abundant of educational opportunities including Jones College Prep, South Loop Montessori, and British International School "
12th Street Beach- 12th Street Beach is located at 1200 S. Linn White Drive (12th Street at Lake Michigan on Northerly Island) and is nestled just south of Adler Planetarium on Chicago’s Museum Campus in Burnham Park. Beach goers can enjoy food and beverages from Del Campos - offering a Mexican menu along with hot dogs. The beach house offers restrooms. There is a non-motorized boat launch available at the beach and distance swimming is located parallel to shore at boat line. Paid parking lot along with limited street parking is available. This beach has an accessible beach walk.
Soldier Field- Lakeside home to the Chicago Bears, the former South Park Commission (the Commission merged with 22 other park systems to establish the Chicago Park District in 1934) hired Chicago architects Holibird and Roche in 1919 to design a stadium that would serve as a showcase “for events and a playground for the people.” On October 9, 1924, the Grant Park Municipal Stadium premiered and one year later, at the request of the Chicago Gold Star Mothers, the stadium was renamed Soldier Field.
Field Museum- Located on Chicago’s iconic Lake Michigan shore, the Field Museum opened its current building to the public in 1921.
"Stroll through our tree lined streets, window shop along our sidewalks filled with families at play and you will quickly see why Roscoe Village is considered a “Village within the City”. It’s a destination offering small town charm within an urban environment. For commuting Roscoe Village is convenient to the Belmont or Addison Bus but is also in relation to the Brown line which gives easy access to the plentiful schools located in the area such as Lane Tech College Prep, Audubon Elementary, Hamilton Elementary, and Jahn School. Part of our charm is not only the ability to stroll the streets with safety and ease but also the unique personalities of each independently-owned business. From boutique clothing stores to funky gift shops to diverse restaurants and taverns, we literally have it all!
Blue Light Chicago- The city's marquee late-night meeting place, BlueLight Chicago. BlueLight keeps the light on 'til 4am for a discerning clientele of knowledgeable night owls and industry insiders who understand the fine art of socializing. Bluelight Bar is located at 3251 N Western in Chicago's Roscoe village neighborhood. Bluelight has been a Roscoe Village staple since the early ‘70s and has adapted well through the passage of time. Mixing modern nightlife ambience with rustic décor and detail, BlueLight has created a unique environment where there's always something going on, from dusk 'til dawn.
Richard Clark Park- Richard Clark Park comprises nearly 19 acres of greenspace along the east bank of the Chicago River in the North Center neighborhood. The park's soccer fields and bike trails sit on land once occupied by the fondly-remembered Riverview Amusement Park. Riverview, created in 1904 on the site of a former German hunting preserve, was for a time the world's largest amusement park. Great for rowing, biking, and sports.
Bartoli’s Pizzeria- People say that Chicago is “my kind of town”, and our customers feel the same about Bartoli’s Chicago-style pizzas! Because for all the buzz about our famous deep dish, we’re equally beloved for a unique Chicago-style THIN pizza that neighbors call party-cut: a cracker-like crust sliced into delicious little squares that’s built-to-share with family & friends. So no matter what mood you’re in, or what the occasion is, there’s a kind of Bartoli’s Chicago-style that everyone can call their own.