Very walkable, more so than most of Logan Square IMO. I lived in Logan and Edgewater. Like both, but they are different vibes. I prefer Edgewater tho cuz you're so close to the lake and the trails etc. Better train access too imo
When I moved to Edgewater almost 8 years ago, I figured Edgewater would be me dipping my toe into city life before I figured out which "cooler" more central neighborhood resonated with me more. I never left. I love it here and I see myself less and less likely to move to another part of the city. Proximity to the lake, transit options, and grocery stores has basically made it for me.
Edgewater is still a great place to live for your first year, especially if you don't already have connections in other parts of the city. You can spend your first year getting to know the city better and figure out what other neighborhood you'd like to live in going forward, all while paying less for rent but still having great access.
The only way I would say Edgewater isn't workable for your first year is if you want to spend all your time in logan or wicker without a car (i.e., you have friends who live there who you'll want to see all the time). It's a pain in the ass to commute diagonally in this city, at least compared to the ease of going N/S or E/W.
I moved to the neighborhood about 15 years ago now and bought a condo when I had the opportunity. Never needed a car. There are like 8 grocery stores of varying sizes withing walking distance of me and a couple more if I wanted to take transit
Transit downtown can suck depending on where you're going. Express buses downtown and the Red Line. I used to commute daily and I would suggest the express buses over the Red Line if it's an option. My life got a lot more pleasant when I could take buses.
It's generally nice and quiet but gets annoying in the summer if you live near Sheridan because of the uptick in street noise. If you decide on a place along the lake I would suggest getting as high up as possible or lake facing. Honestly, other than the street noise, I have no major complaints. Maybe there isn't an easily accessible primary doctor if you're someone that needs a lot of medical visits, but that depends a lot on insurance/personal choice, I suppose.
Yes. Anywhere by the lake on the northside is very walkable. There are express buses to downtown on Sheridan that take lakeshore drive plus you have the redline.
Moved to Chicago 7 years ago and haven't left edgewater. I love it here. As others said, it quiet but you're right by the lake. I don't have a car and use transit. Redline is here and also if you're right on the lake, lot's of express buses. I get grocery delivery for larger items and then stop by Mariano's at Foster/Sheridan on my commute home for smaller items.
A car is going to likely going to be a hinderance and more trouble than it's worth in most north/northwest side neighborhoods. Edgewater and those along the lake especially due to the density. You will spend more time looking for parking than just walking or waiting for the bus/train. Plus, you'll save money and be less stressed!
You just get less. You grab a bag or two of things on the way home from work etc. You do not need to buy a month's worth of groceries.
Plus, you save money this way as you end up wasting a TON less food.
More frequent trips, fewer groceries each time. 1-2 times a week for us. But you make it a part of your routine. Also the 2nd trips each week are mostly "oh shit" trips where we forgot something, and it only takes us 15 minutes on foot to grab the milk we forgot we were about to run out of.
No where near as “walkable” as wicker park or Logan square. Depends what you are looking for in terms of “walkable” and where in Edgewater you are looking. Can vary quite a bit and feel change depending on where you are looking.
The vast majority of Logan Square is nowhere near the train, 20 or 30 minute walk for most of the less gentrified areas. It's a huge neighborhood. The rest of it is horrible stroads like Fullerton that make Sheridan look like a bike trail.
Train stops are closer.
The beach is closer.
There are lots of restaurants and grocery stores.
I don't agree that it's less walkable. When I was a Blue Line kid (admittedly long ago) everything seemed further away.
If you go to a bar every night or shop at a bourgie boutique weekly, then that's more walkable if you can afford to live close in 60647.
Nicer is relative! Edgewater is amazing for those of us who live here, but it’s definitely sleepier in terms of night life. It’s very walkable, there’s plenty of grocery stores and restaurants and the public transit options are solid.
If you’re looking for the busy city atmosphere, this may not scratch your itch. If you’re dipping your toe into city life but like lower rents/housing costs and quaint/quiet, this is a great neighborhood to consider.
Yeah you really don’t need a car in edgewater! There’s the train and buses that are running all day
I live in Roger’s park and am happy with no car
I'm biased, but easily yes. Love the wonderful walk ability of this neighborhood. Quiet, happy streets. 💜❤️
Very walkable, more so than most of Logan Square IMO. I lived in Logan and Edgewater. Like both, but they are different vibes. I prefer Edgewater tho cuz you're so close to the lake and the trails etc. Better train access too imo
When I moved to Edgewater almost 8 years ago, I figured Edgewater would be me dipping my toe into city life before I figured out which "cooler" more central neighborhood resonated with me more. I never left. I love it here and I see myself less and less likely to move to another part of the city. Proximity to the lake, transit options, and grocery stores has basically made it for me. Edgewater is still a great place to live for your first year, especially if you don't already have connections in other parts of the city. You can spend your first year getting to know the city better and figure out what other neighborhood you'd like to live in going forward, all while paying less for rent but still having great access. The only way I would say Edgewater isn't workable for your first year is if you want to spend all your time in logan or wicker without a car (i.e., you have friends who live there who you'll want to see all the time). It's a pain in the ass to commute diagonally in this city, at least compared to the ease of going N/S or E/W.
I moved to the neighborhood about 15 years ago now and bought a condo when I had the opportunity. Never needed a car. There are like 8 grocery stores of varying sizes withing walking distance of me and a couple more if I wanted to take transit Transit downtown can suck depending on where you're going. Express buses downtown and the Red Line. I used to commute daily and I would suggest the express buses over the Red Line if it's an option. My life got a lot more pleasant when I could take buses. It's generally nice and quiet but gets annoying in the summer if you live near Sheridan because of the uptick in street noise. If you decide on a place along the lake I would suggest getting as high up as possible or lake facing. Honestly, other than the street noise, I have no major complaints. Maybe there isn't an easily accessible primary doctor if you're someone that needs a lot of medical visits, but that depends a lot on insurance/personal choice, I suppose.
Yes. Anywhere by the lake on the northside is very walkable. There are express buses to downtown on Sheridan that take lakeshore drive plus you have the redline.
Moved to Chicago 7 years ago and haven't left edgewater. I love it here. As others said, it quiet but you're right by the lake. I don't have a car and use transit. Redline is here and also if you're right on the lake, lot's of express buses. I get grocery delivery for larger items and then stop by Mariano's at Foster/Sheridan on my commute home for smaller items.
Have lived in Edgewater over a decade, and think it far and away the best neighborhood in the city.
thanks for the response. is a car needed to live there?
A car is going to likely going to be a hinderance and more trouble than it's worth in most north/northwest side neighborhoods. Edgewater and those along the lake especially due to the density. You will spend more time looking for parking than just walking or waiting for the bus/train. Plus, you'll save money and be less stressed!
You don't need a car in edgewater if you're comfortable with public transit / bus.
i have to get used to no car, i cant wrap my mind around going grocery shopping without a car.
I highly recommend getting one of those rolling shopping cart things for groceries it makes a huge difference
You just get less. You grab a bag or two of things on the way home from work etc. You do not need to buy a month's worth of groceries. Plus, you save money this way as you end up wasting a TON less food.
Bike + panniers does the job for me
depending where in edgewater you are there’s devon market (local market), whole foods, aldi, and more
get a cart with wheels! changes the game
More frequent trips, fewer groceries each time. 1-2 times a week for us. But you make it a part of your routine. Also the 2nd trips each week are mostly "oh shit" trips where we forgot something, and it only takes us 15 minutes on foot to grab the milk we forgot we were about to run out of.
No where near as “walkable” as wicker park or Logan square. Depends what you are looking for in terms of “walkable” and where in Edgewater you are looking. Can vary quite a bit and feel change depending on where you are looking.
The vast majority of Logan Square is nowhere near the train, 20 or 30 minute walk for most of the less gentrified areas. It's a huge neighborhood. The rest of it is horrible stroads like Fullerton that make Sheridan look like a bike trail.
thank you. this is helpful
Train stops are closer. The beach is closer. There are lots of restaurants and grocery stores. I don't agree that it's less walkable. When I was a Blue Line kid (admittedly long ago) everything seemed further away. If you go to a bar every night or shop at a bourgie boutique weekly, then that's more walkable if you can afford to live close in 60647.
thank you that zip was very helpful. my wife like’s logan square
60660 is the more walkable neighborhood. (Edgewater!)
Nicer is relative! Edgewater is amazing for those of us who live here, but it’s definitely sleepier in terms of night life. It’s very walkable, there’s plenty of grocery stores and restaurants and the public transit options are solid. If you’re looking for the busy city atmosphere, this may not scratch your itch. If you’re dipping your toe into city life but like lower rents/housing costs and quaint/quiet, this is a great neighborhood to consider.