Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Why Lakeview East Is Considered To Be A Prime Neighborhood In Chicago

By Anita Ortega


With almost ten million citizens, Chicago is the third largest city in the United States. Situated between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River Watershed, it is blessed with spectacular natural surroundings and a mild climate. It also boasts the second busiest airport in the world, O Hare International, and it is an international hub for commerce, technology and finance. Lakeview East is just one of the many communities that form part of this giant metropolis.

This populous and popular neighborhood is noted for its many religious structures. Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the Lake View Presbyterian Church, for example, is the two oldest churches in the city and popular with tourists. The area is home to a vibrant and large Jewish population, reflected by the fact that the three biggest synagogues in the city are located there.

This area can be found north of the city of Chicago. It consists of four informal neighborhoods. The other three are Wrigleyville, West Lake View and Halstead. The first settlers, Swiss immigrants, settled there as long ago as 1837. Before that the area was used as a camp by Native American Indians. As the name of the neighborhood implies, it is bordered by the magnificent Lake Michigan.

As far as accommodation goes this area is classified as upscale. There are many upmarket apartments and condominiums that are considered to be affordable only by those professionals that earn much better than average incomes. Even the exclusive shops and restaurants cater mainly for wealthy clients. Most residents shop in the nearby Halstead. The nightlife is active and there are numerous bars and nightclubs.

Culturally, this area is probably best known for its giant Gay Pride Parade which is held on the last Sunday every June. It attracts many thousands of visitors and the entire area becomes a massive street fair, with major avenues blocked to traffic. The Matthew Shepard vigil is also held here every year. Shepard is well known for his efforts to stop gay hate and to educate the public on gay issues.

Another major cultural event offered by this neighborhood is the annual Festival of the Arts. It is truly a world class arts festival and normally offers the works of more than a hundred and seventy juried artists from all over the world. Artists from every imaginable medium are showcased and celebrated musicians take to the stage. Visitors can even enroll for classes.

A large proportion of the population is health conscious and participates in various sports. It is not surprising, then, to learn that the area boasts many excellent sporting facilities that cater for every possible need. There are also many state of the art gymnasiums. The Chicago Marathon, one of the biggest in the world, is also contested here. Lake Michigan offers enthusiasts of water sports many delightful options.

It seems as if this neighborhood is indeed one of the jewels in the crown of Chicago. It is a modern community but its roots are firmly entrenched in history and culture. It is home to a population that is diverse yet similar in the sense that they all enjoy the finer things in life.




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