#1: 429 W. Melrose Apartments

Community: 429 W. Melrose Apartments offers spacious two and three-bedroom apartment homes just across the street from Belmont Harbor. Residents can take advantage of all there is to offer, like nearby coffee shops and boutiques, as well as jogging/bike paths. 

Neighborhood: With Lake Michigan located on its east, Lakeview is a bustling, accessible neighborhood that offers both waterfront and transit access. Lakeview is famous for its annual pride parade, as well as having over 1,000 restaurants and a 1,200 acre outdoor oasis (think golfing, boating, tennis, and picnics!). Lakeview East Festival of the Arts is always a crowd pleaser, and the historic Music Box Theatre is a popular spot for movie buffs. 

Fun Fact: The Belmont Theater District features over 20 theaters and performance venues, making it one of the largest theater districts in the United States outside of New York City.

Things to Do: Take advantage of Happy Hour at some of the area’s trendiest locales, take an official Wrigley Field tour, peruse boutique shops at Southport Corridor, and listen to the latest tunes at Lincoln Hall.

#2: Park Fullerton by Reside

Community: Situated in a vintage setting, Park Fullerton by Reside has renovated one, two, and three-bedroom apartments with stunning skyline views of Lake Michigan. Located in a masterfully preserved 20th century building, these apartment homes are just one mile north of Downtown Chicago, and are surrounded by dining, entertainment, and recreation. 

Neighborhood: Lincoln Park is truly a nature-lovers paradise. Gardens, the Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool, a historic indoor botanical garden, and one of the country’s oldest free zoos - if you love the outdoors, this is the place for you. Home to DePaul University, this historic neighborhood is a cultural powerhouse, full of charming rowhomes, and the stunning North Avenue and Fullerton beaches. 

Fun Fact: The South Pond Pavilion (Honeycomb) near the Nature Boardwalk is one of the most photographed locations in Chicago - featured in TV shows, commercials, and countless travel blogs!

Things to Do: Blues lovers can relish the live music to be heard at Kingston Mines, and have a one-of-a-kind culinary experience at Theatre on the Lake. For history lovers, there’s always the Chicago History Museum (spanning from the Great Fire to modern-day) and foodies can brag about having dined at Alinea (a three-Michelin star restaurant).

#3: Reside on Clarendon

Community: At Reside on Clarendon, you’re close to everything, but secluded in a “peaceful pocket” of the North Side. With a variety of newly-renovated floor plans, this pet-friendly community offers 24/7 concierge services, and the area boasts a strong community feel, with events like Porchfest, movie nights, and neighborhood cleanup days. 

Neighborhood: A quaint lakefront community, Buena Park is a prime location with a distinct charm all its own. Once a gilded-age mansion district, this neighborhood is full of unique gems like Hutchinson Street, Uptown’s entertainment district, and Wrigleyville. Pet lovers can take their dog to Montrose Dog Beach, fans of the snow can sled on Cricket Hill, and if you’re an early riser, head to Downstate Donuts for a delicious treat!

Fun Fact: The Hutchinson Street district gained landmark status in 1977 because of its unique early 20th-century architecture and historic significance.

Things to Do: In Buena Park, you can travel back in time at Green Mill - a 100-year-old jazz club brimming with personality. You can also absorb the art, architecture, and landscape design at Graceland Cemetery, delight your tastebuds at Demera Ethiopian Restaurant, or take in a drag show at the iconic The Baton Show Lounge.

#4: State and Chestnut

Community: Offering pet-friendly studio, one, and two-bredroom apartments in the highly sought after Gold Coast neighborhood, State & Chestnut is a community situated in a prime location. Public transport and highways are nearby, you’re close to River North, Old Town, and Streeterville, and there are plenty of onsite amenities, including a fitness center, screening room, and skydeck. 

Neighborhood: Settled on the shoreline of Lake Michigan, Gold Coast is delightfully designed to draw people in. Visitors love touring the historic mansions in the Astor Street District and dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, and residents can’t get enough of the area’s charming boutiques and the endless shopping to be found on Oak Street. 

Fun Fact: Gold Coast was built by one of Chicago’s first millionaires. After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, Potter Palmer rebuilt the area, constructing his iconic mansion on Lake Shore Drive.

Things to Do: Experience something out of the ordinary at the International Museum of Surgical Science. See a show at the award-winning Porchlight Music Theatre. Discover a feast for the eyes and your stomach at The 3 Arts Club Cafe. Engage your mind and be inspired by the collections, programs, and exhibitions at The Newberry.

#5: Reside on North Park

Community: Reside on North Park offers newly-renovated studio, one, and two-bedroom apartment homes in Chicago’s Old Town neighborhood. Situated near the lake and downtown, this highly sought after residential area is a paradise for fans of Victorian-era buildings and 21st century comforts.

Neighborhood: Also known as the Old Town Triangle Historic District, this area is brimming with tree-lined streets and historic frame residents. The Second City comedy club introduced the world to dozens of comedic stars (e.g. Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Key and Peele, Tina Fey, Steve Carell, etc.), and 200 nationally acclaimed artists attend the Old Town Art Fair every year.

Fun Fact: Twin Anchors isn’t just a fantastic barbecue joint - it’s actually a former speakeasy where Frank Sinatra was a regular.

Things to Do: If you're a connoisseur, you won’t want to skip The House of Glunz, the oldest wine merchant in Chicago. Enjoy decadent desserts? Stop by The Fudge Pot, where they’ve made everything in-store since 1963. All along Wells Street, you’ll find an endless array of places to eat and drink, but you just might run into a Second City cast alum at Old Town Ale House (a favorite spot of the late Anthony Bourdain). 

Living in iconic Chicago neighborhoods like Old Town, Gold Coast, Buena Park, Lincoln Park, and Lakeview means embracing a lifestyle that blends energy, ease, and unbeatable access to the city’s best amenities. 

And with apartment communities designed to support your routine, (think fitness centers, modern layouts, and pet-friendly perks) your home becomes an extension of this effortless lifestyle. When you choose to live near the lake, you’re choosing comfort, convenience, and a daily dose of inspiration. 

Come reside with us and experience lakeside living for yourself. Visit our website to explore our recommendations and learn more about our communities.