Edgewater, Andersonville, and Lakewood-Balmoral

The Chicago neighborhood of Edgewater, boasting a sizeable population of around 62,000, in truth, is actually three neighborhoods in one. Included in Edgewater are the distinct neighborhoods of Edgewater Glen, Andersonville, and Lakewood-Balmoral. The neighborhoods feature many residential areas, including a mix of high rises, single family condos, and traditional apartment buildings. The entire area faces Lake Michigan, and offers easy access to Hollywood Beach, as well as, more than 18 area beaches and parks.

In the past, Edgewater has had its problems not the least of which was a struggle with poverty. However, the Edgewater Community Council has worked tirelessly to improve the community and, in large part, has met with astounding success. The residents, businesses, and buildings of Edgewater and its neighborhoods are now operating robustly and are anticipated to continue on steady growth trek during the coming years.

In the southwest corner of Edgewater, you can find the neighborhood of Andersonville. Named for, and influenced heavily by, Swedish culture, Andersonville is home to the Swedish American Heritage Museum, the Swedish Bakery, and acclaimed local Swedish restaurant Ann Sather. Many businesses and shops owned by females can be found in Andersonville, including the well-known independent bookstore catering to females and children, aptly named Women and Children First.

The true heart of Andersonville is located on the stretch of Clark Street bordered on the north and south by Bryn Mawr and Lawrence Avenue. This area features a large selection of eclectic shops, restaurants, cafés, health clubs, and boutiques, featuring items and cuisine emanating from a staggering array of cultures. When in Andersonville, also make sure to check out the local Neo-Futurist theater group, and their long-running, much-acclaimed production entitled, “Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind.”

Journeying further into Edgewater, you’ll come across Argyle Street, where Chicago’s new Chinatown, or “Little Saigon”, is located. Many popular and highly authentic restaurants are located on Argyle Street, often owned and operated by native Cambodians, Vietnamese, and Southeast Asians.

Also defined by a population that can only be called progressive, Edgewater also features a winning combination of diversity and stability. Edgewater offers opportunities for excitement and adventure, as well as, a strong, supportive community and a neighborhood which residents can easily call home. With the Lakewood-Balmoral neighborhood on the eastern fringe providing vintage homes and quite residential streets, Edgewater truly is diverse in almost every way imaginable.

Along with these features, Edgewater is highly accessible by car via Lakeshore Drive. Even if you don’t drive, public transportation is plentiful with Red Line stops at Loyola, Granville, Thorndale, Bryn Mawr and Berwyn, and two Metra stops a few blocks west of the area.