Lincoln Square

Chicago, IL

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$561,000 (June 2025, up 24.3% YoY)
Median Home Price
87 (Very Walkable)
Walkability Score
Public schools generally rated 7–9/10; strong parent involvement and enrichment programs.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Foster Ave (north), Montrose Ave (south), the Chicago River (west), and Ravenswood Ave (east).

Zip Codes

6062560640

Market Data Summary

Price RangeTypical range: $400,000–$1,200,000+ (single-family, condos, 2-4 flats); luxury homes above $1.2M are rare but present.
Price per Sq Ft$328 (June 2025)
Inventory LevelsHistorically low (1.4–1.8 months supply); seller’s market persists[3].

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homes2-4 flat buildingsCondominiumsTownhomes

Architectural Styles

Chicago bungalowVictorianCraftsmanGreystoneContemporary infill

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes25x125 ft standard city lots; some larger lots for single-family homes.
Home Age RangeEarly 1900s–1930s (historic), with scattered new construction and gut rehabs from 2000s–2020s.
Construction QualityMix of historic masonry (brick/stone) and modern high-end renovations; quality varies by age and rehab.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with strong German, Eastern European, and growing Latino and Asian communities. Median age mid-30s; mix of families, young professionals, and long-term residents.

Community Vibe

Tight-knit, walkable, and vibrant; strong local pride and active neighborhood associations.

Typical Residents

  • Families
  • Young professionals
  • Retirees
  • Multi-generational households

Family Friendly

Very family-friendly; excellent parks, libraries, and community events.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Welles Park
  • River Park
  • Winnemac Park
  • Sulzer Regional Library

Dining Options

  • Café Selmarie
  • Luella’s Southern Kitchen
  • Gather
  • Artango Bar & Steakhouse

Shopping Centers

  • Lincoln Square Mall
  • Ravenswood corridor shops
  • Local farmers markets

Local Businesses

  • Gene’s Sausage Shop
  • The Chopping Block
  • Laurie’s Planet of Sound
  • Local breweries and boutiques

Education & Schools

Public schools generally rated 7–9/10; strong parent involvement and enrichment programs.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Waters Elementary
  • Chappell Elementary
  • McPherson Elementary

Middle Schools

  • Amundsen High School (serves as middle/high)
  • Private/charter options nearby

High Schools

  • Amundsen High School
  • Northside College Prep (selective enrollment nearby)

Private Schools

  • Queen of Angels
  • Lycee Francais de Chicago (nearby)

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • CTA Brown Line (Western, Rockwell stations)
  • Multiple CTA bus routes

Major Roads

  • Western Ave
  • Lawrence Ave
  • Lincoln Ave

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times20–35 minutes to downtown by train; 25–45 minutes by car depending on traffic.
WalkabilityExcellent; errands, dining, and recreation accessible on foot.
ParkingStreet parking can be challenging near the Square; permit zones and some garages available.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Move-up buyers
  • Young families
  • Dual-income professionals
  • Investors (2-4 flats, condos)

Key Selling Points

  • Historic charm with modern updates
  • Walkable lifestyle
  • Top-rated schools
  • Vibrant dining and shopping

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively; overpricing leads to extended DOM even in low-inventory market[3].

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: High prices and bidding wars

Response Strategy:

Emphasize long-term appreciation, low inventory, and community stability; suggest creative offer strategies (escalation clauses, flexible closing).

Objection: Older homes may need updates

Response Strategy:

Highlight quality of historic construction, recent renovations, and potential for value-add improvements.

Objection: Parking challenges

Response Strategy:

Point out proximity to transit, walkability, and available permit parking/garages.

Objection: Property taxes

Response Strategy:

Compare to other desirable Chicago neighborhoods; note strong public services and amenities.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

High; 24.3% YoY median price growth in 2025, driven by low inventory and strong demand[4].

Rental Demand

Strong; proximity to transit, amenities, and schools attracts renters.

Buyer Competition

Intense; multiple offers common, especially for updated single-family homes and 2-4 flats[2][3].

Best For

  • Long-term homeowners
  • Buy-and-hold investors
  • Families seeking community amenities

Potential Concerns

  • High entry prices
  • Limited inventory
  • Rising property taxes
  • Interest rate sensitivity

Professional Recommendations

1

Leverage hyperlocal data and recent sales to set realistic pricing expectations.

2

Educate buyers on offer strategies to compete in multiple-offer scenarios.

3

Highlight community events, schools, and local businesses in marketing.

4

Network with local agents for early access to off-market listings.

5

Advise sellers on the benefits of pre-listing inspections and staging.

6

Stay updated on local development and policy changes impacting taxes or zoning.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Lakeview
  • North Center
  • Andersonville
  • Logan Square

Market Positioning

Premium, family-friendly, historic neighborhood with strong appreciation and lifestyle appeal.

Competitive Advantages

  • Lower median price than Lakeview/North Center
  • Stronger community vibe than Logan Square
  • Better walkability and amenities than many North Side peers

Price Comparison

Median price below Lakeview ($650K+) and North Center ($700K+), but above Andersonville ($525K) and Logan Square ($500K).

Investment Metrics

3.5%–4.5% for 2-4 flats (2025 est.)
Cap Rates
4%–5% gross yield on condos, 2-4 flats
Rental Yields
19–22 (reflects strong owner-occupant demand)
Price-to-Rent
Positive for well-bought 2-4 flats; condos typically break-even or modest cash flow.
Cash Flow
Continued above-average appreciation expected if inventory remains tight and demand strong.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Challenging due to high prices and competition; best positioned with strong financing and flexibility.

Move-Up Buyers

Ideal market for those leveraging equity from prior sales; can secure larger homes with community amenities.

Downsizers

Limited condo/townhome inventory, but walkability and amenities appeal to this group.

Investors

Attractive for long-term hold, especially 2-4 flats; short-term flips less common due to high entry costs.

Relocators

Strong appeal for those seeking urban-suburban blend, transit access, and vibrant community.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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