Find Edgewater: Chicago's Lakefront Gem
Edgewater Chicago homes offer an exceptional blend of affordability, charm, and lakefront access that's increasingly rare in the city. Located 7 miles north of downtown Chicago, this historic beachside neighborhood provides diverse housing options with easy access to downtown via public transit.
For those exploring homes in this area, here's what you need to know:
- Location: Between Foster Avenue and Devon Avenue, bordered by Lake Michigan and Ravenswood Avenue
- Property Types: High-rise condos, vintage courtyard buildings, single-family homes, two-flats, and modern mid-rises
- Neighborhood Feel: Down-to-earth attitude with diverse population and unpretentious vibe
- Transportation: CTA Red Line, Lake Shore Drive express buses, and Metra North Line nearby
- Unique Appeal: Lake views, beaches, theater scene, restaurants, and proximity to Andersonville
Edgewater combines historic charm with modern convenience, making it increasingly popular among homebuyers seeking value without sacrificing location. The neighborhood's appeal lies in its diversity, affordability, and easy access to both urban amenities and natural lakefront beauty.
"Lakeside living never goes out of style in Edgewater," as locals often say, pointing to the neighborhood's enduring appeal despite changing city dynamics. With a mix of high-rise condos offering breathtaking views and century-old cottages providing character-filled alternatives to condo living, Edgewater truly offers something for every homebuyer.
Edgewater at a Glance: Location, Lifestyle & Transit
Nestled along Chicago's northern shoreline, Edgewater offers that perfect sweet spot between peaceful lakefront living and vibrant city energy. This charming neighborhood stretches from Foster Avenue up to Devon Avenue, with the sparkling waters of Lake Michigan creating a stunning eastern border and Ravenswood Avenue marking its western edge.
Home to about 45,131 residents, Edgewater boasts a well-educated community where nearly 60% of neighbors hold college degrees. With a median household income around $53,365, the neighborhood maintains a wonderful balance between homeowners (35%) and renters (65%), creating that friendly, everybody-knows-somebody vibe.
What truly makes Edgewater Chicago homes stand out is their incredible accessibility. Morning coffee runs become delightful strolls when everything you need sits within walking distance. Dog owners particularly love the pedestrian-friendly streets, while cyclists appreciate the neighborhood's excellent bike paths.
Edgewater isn't just one neighborhood but a mix of distinct areas, each with its own personality. Andersonville charms with its Swedish heritage and indie shops, while Edgewater Glen offers quiet, tree-lined streets perfect for families. Broadway buzzes with diverse restaurants, and the Sheridan Road corridor showcases those stunning high-rises with breathtaking lake views.
The neighborhood's fascinating history dates back to 1885 when developer John Lewis Cochran envisioned a lakeside retreat modeled after Philadelphia's neat Main Line suburbs. His influence lives on in the neighborhood's graceful streets, architectural details, and even place names like Bryn Mawr.
More info about Edgewater Chicago Neighborhood
Commute & Connectivity Highlights
Ask any Edgewater resident about their commute, and you'll likely get a smile. The CTA Red Line serves as the neighborhood's transit backbone with four convenient stations at Thorndale, Bryn Mawr, Berwyn, and Granville. Downtown trips take just 20 minutes, making those morning commutes remarkably painless.
Bus riders have plenty of options too. Several routes cruise through the neighborhood, including those coveted express buses along Lake Shore Drive that zip downtown with minimal stops. For those traveling further north or south, the Metra North Line runs along Edgewater's western edge with nearby stations in Rogers Park and Ravenswood.
This transit-rich environment contributes to Edgewater's impressive walkability score of 72 ("Very Walkable"), decent transit score of 44, and excellent bike score of 70. Cyclists particularly love the Sheridan Road bike path, which offers gorgeous lakefront views while connecting riders to downtown and northern suburbs.
Edgewater Chicago Homes Market Snapshot 2025
The Edgewater Chicago homes market is showing impressive strength in 2025, with a healthy blend of growth and stability that makes this lakefront neighborhood increasingly attractive to buyers. Looking at the current numbers tells a compelling story:
Homes in Edgewater now command a median sale price of $322,500 – an impressive 11.7% jump from last year. The average sale price sits slightly higher at $362,984, reflecting the diverse mix of property types in the neighborhood. When a home hits the market here, it typically finds a buyer within 37 days, and sellers are getting remarkably close to their asking prices with a 99% list-to-sale ratio.
Activity remains steady too, with 16 homes sold in the past month in the 60660 zip code alone, while 41 new listings have entered the market – creating a balanced environment that serves both buyers and sellers well.
What's particularly interesting is how Edgewater Chicago homes compare to the broader city market:
| Metric | Edgewater | Chicago Citywide |
|---|---|---|
| Median Sale Price | $322,500 | $370,000 |
| Year-over-Year Change | +11.7% | +8.2% |
| Average Days on Market | 37 | 45 |
| List-to-Sale Price Ratio | 99% | 97% |
The story these numbers tell is compelling – while Edgewater offers more affordable entry points than the city average, properties here are appreciating faster and selling more quickly. This suggests the neighborhood still has room to grow while maintaining its value proposition.
Edgewater Chicago Homes with Lake Views
The crown jewels of Edgewater real estate are undoubtedly the properties offering those coveted Lake Michigan views. These homes – primarily high-rise condos lining Sheridan Road – deliver a daily dose of natural beauty that never gets old.
Two-bedroom lake view condos typically range from $229,000 to $475,000, offering between 1,000 and 1,600 square feet of living space. For those seeking more room with their view, three-bedroom condos and townhomes with premium vistas range from $347,500 to $899,000.
What makes these properties particularly remarkable is their value proposition. Similar lake views in neighborhoods like Lake View or Gold Coast would command significantly higher prices – in Edgewater, you get the same stunning panoramas without the premium price tag.
Affordable Entry-Level Edgewater Chicago Homes
One of Edgewater's greatest strengths is its range of entry points for homeownership. Studios and one-bedroom condos start as low as $73,800 and range up to $325,000, with sizes from cozy 450-square-foot units to more generous 1,100-square-foot spaces.
These entry-level Edgewater Chicago homes typically fall into two distinct categories:
Co-ops offer a unique value proposition. Rather than purchasing a specific unit, buyers acquire shares in the corporation that owns the building. Monthly assessments typically include property taxes, simplifying budgeting for new homeowners. The historic Edgewater Beach Apartments is perhaps the most famous co-op in the neighborhood, offering vintage charm with modern convenience.
Vintage walk-ups represent classic Chicago architecture at its finest. These 3-4 story buildings without elevators often feature hardwood floors, crown molding, and surprisingly spacious floor plans. Built primarily in the 1920s and 1930s, they provide an affordable way to own a piece of Chicago's architectural heritage.
7 Home Styles You'll Find in Edgewater
The architectural mix of Edgewater Chicago homes tells the story of a neighborhood that's evolved over generations while preserving its unique character. Walking these streets reveals everything from century-old buildings with intricate detailing to sleek glass-and-steel modern developments – truly something for every taste and lifestyle.
Lakefront High-Rise Condos
The stunning silhouette of high-rises along Sheridan Road offers some of Chicago's most breathtaking lake views. These buildings range from beloved mid-century gems of the 1950s to contemporary luxury towers that shape the neighborhood skyline.
What makes these homes special isn't just the panoramic lake views through floor-to-ceiling windows – it's the complete lifestyle package. Many buildings offer that perfect blend of security and convenience with 24-hour door staff, deeded indoor parking, and amenities that feel like an extension of your home.
Vintage Courtyard Co-ops
There's something magical about Edgewater's 1920s courtyard buildings, with their U-shaped designs embracing lush landscaped courtyards. Many operate as co-ops, offering a unique ownership approach that's become part of the neighborhood's character.
Step inside these homes and you'll find the craftsmanship of a bygone era – rich hardwood floors that have welcomed generations, decorative moldings that frame rooms with character, and vintage bathroom tile that contemporary designers now try to replicate. Many units feature charming built-in bookcases and china cabinets, along with formal dining rooms that harken back to a different era of entertaining.
Modern Mid-Rise Condos
For those who prefer contemporary living with clean lines and the latest features, Edgewater's mid-rise condo buildings (typically 4-7 stories) deliver modern comfort while maintaining the neighborhood's human scale.
These newer buildings speak the language of today's urban living – open-concept floor plans that maximize natural light, stainless steel appliances anchoring designer kitchens, and the convenience of in-unit laundry that residents quickly consider essential. Most units feature private outdoor space through balconies or terraces, perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation.
Brick Two-Flats & Multi-Family
Edgewater's classic two-flats and small multi-family buildings represent the backbone of Chicago's housing heritage. Built primarily between 1900 and 1930, these solid brick buildings have weathered a century of Chicago seasons while maintaining their appeal and functionality.
For savvy buyers, these properties offer compelling investment potential with approximately 6.5% cap rates in today's market. The "house hacking" approach – living in one unit while renting others to offset mortgage costs – has helped countless Chicagoans build equity while reducing their housing expenses.
Classic Chicago Bungalows
In Edgewater Glen and western portions of the neighborhood, you'll find the quintessential Chicago bungalow – those distinctive single-story or 1½-story homes that helped house the city's growing middle class in the early 20th century.
These architectural treasures typically offer 3-4 bedrooms wrapped in brick exteriors with characteristic front porches and Arts and Crafts influences. Inside, you'll find the warmth of hardwood floors, clever built-in cabinetry, and the versatility of full basements that current owners often finish as additional living space.
Edgewater vs. Nearby Neighborhoods: Price & Value Check
Looking at Edgewater Chicago homes compared to surrounding neighborhoods reveals why so many savvy buyers are flocking to this lakefront community. Edgewater consistently delivers more bang for your buck while offering the same great amenities you'd find in pricier nearby areas.
Take a look at current median home prices in the surrounding neighborhoods:
- Andersonville: $630,000
- Lake View: $574,500
- Uptown: $390,000
- West Rogers Park: $311,000
- East Rogers Park: $259,000
- Lincoln Square: $492,000
- North Center: $925,000
- Irving Park: $565,000
With Edgewater sitting at a median price of $322,500, it hits that sweet spot between affordability and desirability. The neighborhood offers remarkable value that becomes even more apparent when you compare similar properties across these areas.
The difference can be striking – a 2-bedroom condo with comparable square footage and amenities might cost you $100,000-$150,000 more in Lake View than in Edgewater, despite being just a few quick Red Line stops apart. Similarly, those charming single-family homes in Edgewater Glen typically sell for substantially less than you'd pay for similar properties in North Center or Lincoln Square.
This value advantage extends to investment properties too. Investors who purchase multi-family buildings in Edgewater often enjoy better cap rates than they would in pricier neighborhoods, while still benefiting from strong rental demand and solid appreciation potential.
What's particularly interesting is that the price gap between Edgewater and its more expensive neighbors has been gradually narrowing in recent years. This trend suggests there's still room for continued appreciation as more homebuyers find this hidden gem along the lakefront.
Insider Tips for Buying & Selling in 2024-25
Looking to make a move in Edgewater's dynamic real estate market? Whether you're buying your dream lakefront condo or selling your vintage courtyard unit, understanding the neighborhood's unique rhythms can save you thousands. Here's what savvy locals know about navigating Edgewater Chicago homes in today's market:
For Buyers:
The early bird catches the worm in Edgewater's competitive market. With homes typically selling in just 37 days, having your financing pre-approved before you start shopping isn't just helpful—it's essential for making competitive offers that sellers will take seriously.
Winter house-hunting might have you bundling up, but it could warm your wallet. The seasonal slowdown between November and February means fewer competing buyers and often more motivated sellers. That lakefront condo might be more attainable when there's snow on the ground!
Look beyond the lakefront for hidden gems. While Sheridan Road properties command premium prices, western Edgewater and Andersonville often offer similar convenience at more attractive price points. Sometimes walking an extra five minutes to the lake saves you $50,000 or more.
When considering condos or co-ops, inspect those HOA financial statements carefully. Healthy reserve funds protect you from surprise special assessments when the roof inevitably needs replacing. A building with low monthly fees might seem attractive until you're hit with a five-figure special assessment for deferred maintenance.
For Sellers:
In Edgewater's condo-heavy market, staging makes a significant difference. Professional staging helps buyers visualize the functionality of compact spaces—making that 700-square-foot one-bedroom feel surprisingly spacious.
Highlight transit proximity in your marketing materials, especially if you're within walking distance of a Red Line station. Commute times matter enormously to Chicago buyers, and Edgewater's exceptional connectivity is a major selling point.
Don't hide those vintage features! Original woodwork, built-ins, and period details are coveted by many Edgewater buyers seeking character and charm. That 1920s bathroom tile you considered updating might actually be a selling point.
Strategic pricing remains the most powerful tool in your arsenal. Homes priced within 3-5% of true market value typically sell faster and for more than those requiring price reductions. The first two weeks on market are critical—price it right from the start.
Timing matters in Edgewater's seasonal market. Spring (April-June) typically brings the most buyers and highest prices, though well-presented homes can command strong offers year-round.
Frequently Asked Questions about Edgewater Real Estate
How long do homes stay on the market?
If you're wondering about timing, Edgewater Chicago homes typically spend about 37 days on the market before going under contract in 2025. This timeline varies quite a bit depending on what you're looking at:
Smaller condos under $300,000 tend to move quickest, often snatched up within 25-35 days. Mid-range condos between $300,000-$500,000 usually need about 35-45 days to find their new owners. Single-family homes typically require a bit more patience at 40-60 days, while multi-family buildings generally take the longest at 45-75 days.
Don't mistake this steady pace for a slow market, though. Well-priced homes in good condition often receive offers within their first two weeks on the market. The neighborhood enjoys healthy demand without the frantic bidding wars that exhaust buyers in some other Chicago areas.
What's the average price per square foot?
When it comes to value, Edgewater Chicago homes offer quite a range depending on location, style, and condition. Those stunning lakefront high-rises command premium prices between $300-$500 per square foot, while charming vintage condos and co-ops typically range from $200-$350 per square foot.
Modern mid-rise condos generally fall between $275-$425 per square foot, with single-family homes averaging $250-$400 per square foot. Investors looking at multi-family buildings can expect to pay around $175-$275 per square foot.
Overall, most Edgewater properties average between $250-$300 per square foot – representing remarkable value compared to similar homes in Lake View or Lincoln Park, where prices often soar beyond $500 per square foot for comparable properties.
Are there historic landmark properties?
Absolutely! Edgewater boasts a rich architectural heritage with several historic landmarks and districts. The Bryn Mawr Historic District, designated in 1996, showcases stunning commercial and residential buildings constructed during the neighborhood's golden era between 1908 and 1937.
History buffs will appreciate iconic properties like the "Pink Palace" (Edgewater Beach Apartments) built in 1928, which graces the National Register of Historic Places. The distinctive Manor House on Bryn Mawr Avenue features unique 1908 architectural elements, while the Prairie School-designed Colvin House from 1909 has been beautifully repurposed as a coworking space.
Conclusion
Edgewater Chicago homes truly represent one of Chicago's hidden treasures. This lakefront neighborhood delivers that rare combination of affordability, character, and convenience that so many homebuyers search for but seldom find. Throughout our exploration, we've seen how Edgewater seamlessly blends historic architecture with modern living, natural beauty with urban energy.
The neighborhood's strong market performance speaks volumes—median sale prices reaching $322,500 with an impressive 11.7% year-over-year growth. This steady appreciation reflects growing recognition of Edgewater's unique appeal without reaching the overheated prices of neighboring communities.
What makes Edgewater special isn't just the diverse housing options—though they're certainly impressive. From stunning lakefront high-rises to charming brick bungalows, the neighborhood offers something for virtually every lifestyle and budget. But the true magic of Edgewater lies in its authentic community spirit.
Unlike areas that have lost their character to rapid gentrification, Edgewater maintains its unpretentious, welcoming atmosphere. You'll find genuine cultural diversity, family-owned businesses, and neighbors who actually know each other's names. All this while enjoying easy access to beaches, parks, an amazing theater scene, diverse restaurants, and excellent public transportation.
For those ready to experience Edgewater's charm firsthand, The Heron Apartments by Flats® offers the perfect introduction to neighborhood living. Our luxury apartments combine the best of modern design with Edgewater's community-focused lifestyle. With thoughtful amenities like in-unit laundry, innovative Ori units that maximize space, pet-friendly policies, and a stunning rooftop lounge, The Heron puts you steps away from everything that makes Edgewater special.
