Known for its lovely, affordable homes, excellent schools, and extensive parks system — Lincolnwood is a cozy place to put down roots!
Along quiet, tree-lined streets, buyers and renters enjoy a variety of housing options. Lincolnwood homes range from mid-century split levels and townhomes to historic mansions.
While Chicago’s attractions are well within reach, Lincolnwood residents have plenty to enjoy in their own backyard. A vibrant business community serves the village–complete with great restaurants, top shopping centers, and other attractions. All through the year the welcoming community gathers at community events, including the fun-filled Lincolnwood Fest (complete with carnival rides and games!).
Just 10 miles from the Loop, a nearby Metra station and the CTA Yellow Line provides residents easy access to downtown Chicago!
Lincolnwood Village Guide
Lincolnwood offers great schools, lovely homes, and safe neighborhoods. From their cozy homes and quiet neighborhoods, residents enjoy a vibrant business and cultural scene. More than 500 businesses operate in the community including great restaurants and shopping.
Shopping and Dining
Lincolnwood host a number of Chicagoland’s most beloved restaurants. Local favorites include L. Woods Tap, serving great American cuisine in a Northwoods Supper Club interior, and Psistaria Greek Restaurant, with classic Greek dishes. Just across the Chicago border, Superdawg Drive-In is one of Chicago’s most famous fast-food joints. You can’t beat a Superdawg and a chocolate shake!
Lincolnwood’s main shopping attraction is the Lincolnwood Town Center, a large indoor mall offering over 100 shops including Kohl’s, Gap, and Old Navy. Other shopping in the community is located along the main stretches of Lincoln, Devon, and Touhy Avenues. If that’s not enough, Westfield Old Orchard, Golf Mill Shopping Center and Village Crossing Center are just a short drive away.
Local Culture and Attractions
All year long, the Lincolnwood community comes together for village events. These include the summer Family Fun Fest (September), the Summer Concert Series in Proesel Park (June-July), and the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony. The crown jewel is the summer Lincolnwood Fest, features local food, carnival games and rides, live music, and a classic car show.
The community also has a strong commitment to the arts. The community has its own Lincolnwood Chamber Orchestra and an ongoing visual art exhibit by area artists in the village hall.
Parks and Recreation
Lincolnwood residents enjoy their village’s great parks and facilities. The Parks Department maintains 13 public parks scattered about the village offering several playgrounds, basketball/tennis courts, and sports fields. The area also offers in-line skating rink, volleyball courts, outdoor ice skating, and an extensive aquatic facility and community center. Residents have ample access to nature with acres of forest preserve in the area.
Schools
Lincolnwood children attend some of the best schools in the state including the highly-acclaimed Niles West High School. These schools offer top athletic and extracurricular programs including renowned robotics and engineering programs. Niles West High School consistently produced strong test results and sends students to colleges and universities across the country.
Lincolnwood History
Early Settlers and Tessville
Lincolnwood was first settled by Euro-Americans in 1856. The first commercial establishment, the Halfway House Saloon, served travelers on the then-treacherous journey from Chicago to Milwaukee. The Chicago and North Western Railway, built in 1891, led to greater population growth. The community was incorporated in 1911 as Tessville, named after the early resident Johann Tess.
Becoming Lincolnwood
After the North Shore Channel was built in 1909, the farming population grew as the easily flooded prairie land became manageable. Along Lincoln and Crawford Avenues, more saloons and taverns appeared. During Prohibition, Tessville earned a reputation for its speakeasies and gambling houses.
The village looked to change this reputation by renaming itself Lincolnwood in 1936. In these years, a beautification project made possible through the Works Progress Administration involved planting 10,000 elm trees in the community. Many of these trees continue to grace village streets.
A Modern Suburb
The opening in 1951 of the Edens Expressway led to significant growth. Offering easy access to Chicago, the highway led the population to grow from 3,072 in 1950 to more than 12,000 in 1970. A building boom occurred and more than half of all houses standing today were constructed between 1940 and 1959. By 1990, the community had been fully built out. The Lincolnwood Town Center, a 100-store regional mall, opened in 1991.
Today, Lincolnwood is a family-oriented, business-friendly community, providing quality schools, civic services and recreational opportunities.
Lincolnwood Homes
Lincolnwood offers renters and buyers a variety of homes in several styles and price ranges. In addition to a staple of lovely single-family homes built in the 50s and 60s — condominiums, classic bungalows, and new construction single-family homes are also available. Architectural styles range from mid-century split-levels and modest ranches to English cottages and extravagant Spanish-style mansions. Lincolnwood townhouses include options in gated communities and complexes with outdoor pools and other amenities. Throughout the community, residents enjoy quiet tree-lined neighborhoods with well-maintained lawns and gardens.
With great schools, homes, and a vibrant business community, Lincolnwood is a great suburban community to set down roots. Come check it out!
