Lake View is Community Area #6 on Chicago’s North Side, on the lakefront north of Lincoln Park. It is home to Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs, the Northalsted (Boystown) LGBTQ district and Belmont Harbor. The 2020 Census counted 103,050 residents, the second-most of any community area.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Community area number | 6 |
| Side of the city | North Side |
| Population (2020 Census) | 103,050 |
| Neighborhoods within | Lakeview East, West Lakeview, Wrigleyville, Northalsted (Boystown), Graceland West, South East Ravenswood |
| Main L and Metra stations | Red Line: Addison, Belmont, Sheridan; Brown Line: Belmont, Southport, Paulina, Wellington (Purple Line Express also stops at Belmont and Wellington) |
| Major parks and open space | Lincoln Park lakefront (Belmont Harbor), Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary |
Where Lake View is and its boundaries
Lake View stretches from Lake Michigan west to Ravenswood Avenue on the North Side.
Its northern edge follows Irving Park Road and Montrose Avenue, and Diversey Parkway marks the south. The lakefront is the eastern edge and Ravenswood Avenue the western edge.
Neighborhoods within Lake View
The official name is two words, Lake View, but most people write Lakeview. The area includes Lakeview East, West Lakeview, Wrigleyville around the ballpark and Northalsted, long known as Boystown.
Smaller areas include Graceland West, South East Ravenswood and the Southport Corridor. Boystown is recognized as the nation’s first gay village to be officially recognized by a big-city government.
A short history
- Conrad Sulzer, from Switzerland, became the first known European settler in 1837.
- The Hotel Lakeview, built in 1853, gave the area its name for its view of the lake.
- Lake View Township held its first election in 1857 and stayed independent of Chicago for three decades.
- Chicago absorbed Lake View in 1889, setting off a building boom; more than 40 percent of today’s buildings date from that period.
- Lake View hosted the Gay Games VII in 2006, with closing ceremonies at Wrigley Field.
Landmarks and parks
- Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs
- Belmont Harbor and the Belmont Yacht Club
- Music Box Theatre, just north of West Lakeview
- The Kwanusila totem pole near Lake Shore Drive and Addison
- Lakeview Historic District, listed on the National Register
- Chicago Pride Parade each June and Northalsted Market Days each August
Getting there
The Red Line stops at Addison (for Wrigley Field), Sheridan and Belmont. The Brown Line serves Belmont, Southport, Paulina and Wellington, and Purple Line Express trains stop at Belmont and Wellington at rush hour.
CTA buses also serve the area’s main streets.
Frequently asked questions
Is it Lake View or Lakeview?
Both. Lake View is the official community area name; Lakeview is the everyday spelling used by most residents and businesses.
What community area is Wrigley Field in?
Wrigley Field is in Lake View, Community Area #6, in the Wrigleyville neighborhood.
When did Lake View become part of Chicago?
Chicago annexed Lake View in 1889.
Which L stop is closest to Wrigley Field?
Addison on the Red Line.
Related guides
- Best of Lakeview
- Best of Wrigleyville
- Uptown (Community Area #3)
- North Center (Community Area #5)
- Lincoln Park (Community Area #7)
- Chicago’s 77 community areas, explained
- Chicago neighborhoods hub
- Red Line guide
- Brown Line guide
- Chicago sports teams
Sources
Last updated: October 31, 2026