Lakewood Balmoral Chicago Apartments

Overview

Lakewood Balmoral is a tiny historic district with beautiful rentals, perfect for those seeking a quiet reprieve from the hectic city. This pocket neighborhood sits between Foster, Bryn Mawr, Broadway, and Magnolia and is within walking distance to some great beaches and the Lakefront Trail.

Demographics of Lakewood Balmoral 

Lakewood Balmoral has quite the mix of residents, from folks who've seen the area evolve over decades to young families who've fallen for the charming rentals and peaceful evenings. The LGBTQ+ community has a strong presence, which adds to the neighborhood's welcoming vibe, and while historically the area's been predominantly white, diversity is on the rise.

With nearly 5,000 residents, about 75% of whom own their homes, the rental scene is a bit tight. The median household income sits around $110k, but don’t let that dissuade you if you’re apartment hunting on a budget. The rental market offers options across various price points, and if you sign up for Domu’s alerts, you’ll be the first to know about anything that hits the market within your price point.

Weather in Lakewood Balmoral 

The weather here is classic Chicago. Summers are hot, but that's when the neighborhood really shines with its shady streets and nearby beaches. Winters are brutal (as you’d expect in Chicago), so expect to see your neighbors in full Arctic explorer gear from November to March. Spring and fall are gorgeous, but blink and you might miss them.

Location of Lakewood Balmoral 

Distance to Downtown and Other Notable Locations 

Lakewood Balmoral sits about 7 miles north of the Loop. It's close enough to downtown that you won't feel like you're in the suburbs, but far enough that you can actually see stars at night. Wrigley Field is a quick 10-minute drive south, and the lakefront's just a mile east, perfect for those "I should really start jogging" moments.

Transportation in Lakewood Balmoral 

• Access to Highways: Highway access isn't this neighborhood's strong suit. Lake Shore Drive is your best bet, about a mile east. It'll get you downtown or up north without too much hassle, traffic willing. For I-90/94, you're looking at a bit of a hike west. But let's be real, if you're living here, you're probably not itching to hit the highways every day.
• CTA Bus Routes in Lakewood Balmoral: Buses here are like loyal friends - not always on time, but they show up eventually. The #22 Clark Street bus runs north-south along the neighborhood's western edge, and for east-west trips, you’ll take the #92 Foster. Fortunately, the #22 runs 24/7, so a 2 AM taco run is always an option.
• Metra Train Stops in Lakewood Balmoral: Metra? In Lakewood Balmoral? Nice try. The closest you'll get is the Ravenswood stop on the UP-N line, and that's a good hike west. It's about a 30-minute walk or a quick Uber ride. It's not ideal for daily commutes, but hey, at least you'll get your steps in.
• Parking Options and Availability: Parking isn't the nightmare you'll find closer to downtown, but it's no cakewalk either. Most streets have residential permit parking, so make sure you have the right sticker, or you'll be funding the city's pothole repair program. Visitors might circle the block a few times, especially on weekends when Andersonville gets busy. But compared to Lakeview or Lincoln Park, it's practically a parking paradise.

What to Do in Lakewood Balmoral 

Local Shopping in Lakewood Balmoral 

Lakewood Balmoral might be primarily residential, but there are a few places that will help with your everyday needs and even some unique finds.

For the mystically inclined, Alchemy Arts Occult Supply is a witch’s dream come true. They have an eclectic mix of metaphysical books, crystals, and spiritual supplies - it's like stepping into a magical realm steps from your door. When it comes to your daily essentials, there’s a Walgreens on the corner for those late-night aspirins or last-minute birthday cards. For your grocery needs, Jewel-Osco stocks everything from fresh produce to that pint of ice cream you definitely deserve. And if you're team CVS, don't worry - there's one of those nearby, too, ready to fill your prescriptions or satisfy your snack cravings. While these might not be the trendiest boutiques, they're the reliable standbys that keep the neighborhood ticking.

Restaurants in Lakewood Balmoral 

If you're craving some Thai flavors, Jin Thai is where it’s at. This family-owned restaurant might be small, but their dishes pack a serious (and spicy) punch. From creamy curries to stir-fries that'll make you sweat on a frigid winter day, Jin Thai has something for everyone (even you, veggie lovers!). If the mood for Mexican strikes, Taqueria Uptown is the neighborhood's no-frills eatery that serves up tacos, burritos, and other classic dishes. Their food is so authentic you'll feel like you've been transported to the streets of Mexico City.

Since we’re on this global tour, if you're feeling extra adventurous, why not try something a little different? Tesfa Ethiopian Cuisine is a tiny, unassuming spot that serves up big flavors. With spicy stews, simmered veggies, and spongy injera bread that doubles as your utensil, it’s a culinary adventure.

Coffee Shops in Lakewood Balmoral 

For many of us, a good cup of joe is essential to starting your day off right (or, let's be real, surviving past 2 pm). Luckily, Lakewood Balmoral has a few cafés that'll keep you caffeinated and content.

If you're a coffee connoisseur, The Lost Hours won’t disappoint. This quirky little café takes its beans seriously, with a rotating selection of specialty brews. Coupled with its cozy atmosphere and tasty pastries, it's the perfect place to get some WFH hours in. For a more low-key vibe, check out Mella Café. They have classic coffee drinks, teas, and light bites. They also play great music and have comfy seating, so plan on staying for a bit.

Of course, sometimes you just need a familiar fix, and that's where Starbucks comes in. Sure, it may not be as charming as the local spots, but there's something comforting about knowing exactly what you're going to get (and that you can always count on a Pumpkin Spice Latte in the fall, am I right?).

Nightlife in Lakewood Balmoral 

If you're looking for a wild and crazy night out on the town, Lakewood Balmoral might not be your first choice. But hey, who needs flashing lights and thumping bass when you've got a friendly neighborhood pub like Burke's Public House?

This cozy little spot is perfect for unwinding after a long day with a pint of your favorite brew and some classic pub grub. And if you're lucky, you might even catch a live music performance or a trivia night. Just don't expect any bottle service or VIP lounges - this is a place where everyone's a regular.

Parks in Lakewood Balmoral 

Lakewood Balmoral is home to two small parks that offer a bit of green space for residents to enjoy. While these parks may not be huge, they provide a comfortable spot to set up a picnic blanket or take the dog out to roll in the grass.

Cochran Park is a compact neighborhood park with a small playground and a basketball court. It's a popular spot for families with young children to spend some time outdoors and for locals to take a quick break from their daily routines.

Bromann Park, slightly larger than Cochran Park, has a baseball field, tennis courts, and walking paths. Although not an extensive park by any means, it does provide some space for sports and recreation and a place for residents to take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a picnic on a nice day.

Real Estate In Lakewood Balmoral 

Overview of the Real Estate Market in Lakewood Balmoral 

Lakewood Balmoral's real estate market is like a fancy cheese shop - small, exclusive, and pricey. This historic district is known for its well-preserved homes, many dating back to the late 1800s. The market here moves slower than in trendier parts of Chicago, with homes often passed down through families or snapped up by buyers eyeing the neighborhood for years. When properties do hit the market, they tend to command premium prices due to their historical value and the area's desirability.

Rental Rates in Lakewood Balmoral 

In Lakewood Balmoral, you’re paying for location, charm, and bragging rights, and those perks don’t come cheap! While it’s more affordable than the Gold Coast (what isn’t?!), you’ll need to keep your eye on those search results if you plan on moving to this desirable neighborhood.

If you're flying solo, a cozy one-bedroom will set you back anywhere from $1,300 to $1,800 per month. Grabbing a roomie? A two-bedroom pad typically ranges from $1,800 to $2,500. And if you're looking for a three-bedroom abode fit for a small army (or just a couple of kids and a dog), be prepared to shell out $2,500 to $3,500+ each month. But hey, that's the price you pay for living in one of Chicago's most sought-after neighborhoods!

Finding your perfect rental in Lakewood Balmoral gets a little easier with our handy rent calculator and no-nonsense renter's resources. We'll help you determine your budget, dial in your credit score, understand security deposits and moving fees, and discover why renters insurance is a smart move.

Popular Housing Styles in Lakewood Balmoral 

Ah, Lakewood Balmoral – where the streets are lined with architectural eye candy that'll make you want to ditch your sweatpants and don a top hat and monocle. On most streets you’ll find classic Chicago bungalows. These charming, single-family homes are quintessential Chicago. With brick facades, cozy front porches, and stained-glass windows, these beauties perfectly blend vintage charm and modern livability.

You’ll also come across stately Victorian homes, where charm and character are soaked into the drywall. Living in one of these is like being transported back to a more genteel era – minus the corsets and chamber pots, of course. American Foursquare homes are the boxy beauties poppin’ up in your search results. Their simple, symmetrical designs and spacious interiors make them perfect for families or anyone who appreciates a home that's as practical as it is pretty.

Schools and Higher Learning Institutions

When it comes to schools, Lakewood Balmoral has a few tricks up its sleeve. Whether you're looking for a faith-based education or a more traditional public school experience, you have options.

Public, Private, and Charter School Options 

If you're a fan of the whole "school uniforms and daily mass" thing, you'll be thrilled to know that Lakewood Balmoral is home to not one, but two private Catholic schools. St. Thomas of Canterbury School and Saint Ita School both offer a rigorous academic curriculum mixed with a healthy dose of religious education for students from preschool through 8th grade. Just don't be surprised if your kid starts genuflecting before dinner.

For those who prefer a more diverse educational experience, Lakewood Balmoral is surrounded by a variety of public and charter schools that are so close, you could practically hit them with a well-aimed spitball.

Peirce Elementary School is just a brisk walk away, providing a quality education to a melting pot of students from kindergarten through 8th grade. If you're looking for a school with a more global perspective, Helen C. Peirce School of International Studies will welcome you in with open arms. Goudy Public School serves students from pre-K through 8th grade, while AHS Passages Charter School goes all the way up to 12th grade, so your kid can stay in the neighborhood until they're ready to leave the nest (or at least until they're old enough to vote). And if you're not into the whole "Catholic school" thing but still want to go the private route, fear not! The Chicago Waldorf School offers a unique, arts-based approach to education.

University, College, and Others Higher Learning Institution Options 

While Lakewood Balmoral may not have any colleges or universities within its borders (hey, we can't have everything), there are plenty of options just a short bus or train ride away.

Loyola University Chicago, a private Jesuit university known for its stunning campus along the shores of Lake Michigan, is a local favorite. It's like going to school in a postcard (minus the exorbitant tuition fees). With a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, you could be rubbing elbows with future CEOs and world leaders.

If you're more into the whole "artsy" scene, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is just a quick jaunt down the Red Line. For those who prefer a more traditional college experience, North Park University and Northeastern Illinois University offer a quality education without the hefty price tag of some of the more well-known universities.

History In Lakewood Balmoral 

You know, there's something special about walking down the streets of Lakewood Balmoral. It's like stepping into your grandma's photo album, but everything's in living color. This neighborhood started way back in the 1890s when some guy named John Lewis Cochran decided he'd had enough of selling tobacco and wanted to try his hand at real estate. He must've had a good eye, because he picked a pretty sweet spot.

Cochran wasn't messing around. He rolled up his sleeves, laid out streets, and even planted a bunch of elm trees. Then he started sweet-talking well-off Chicagoans into moving to his "suburban paradise" by the lake. Guess it worked, because people started building houses like crazy. From about 1896 to 1929, Lakewood Balmoral turned into a mishmash of architectural styles. There’s fancy Queen Annes rubbing elbows with no-nonsense Foursquares and cozy bungalows. It's like every family that moved in wanted to one-up their neighbors with a cooler house.

Now, a lot of old neighborhoods went downhill over the years, but not Lakewood Balmoral. The folks here are stubborn in the best way possible. They've always looked out for each other and their homes. It's the kind of place where you might find your neighbor up on a ladder, touching up some century-old gingerbread trim just because it needed doing. In 1999, some bigwigs finally noticed what everyone here already knew - this place is special. So they slapped Lakewood Balmoral on the National Register of Historic Places. It's nice and all, but ask any local and they'll tell you they didn't need a plaque to know their neighborhood was something to be proud of.

These days, Lakewood Balmoral is this weird mix of old and new. There’s trendy cafes and young families with tattoos, but also creaky staircases and stained-glass windows that have seen more Chicago winters than most of us have had hot meals. It's not perfect - old houses are a pain to maintain, but there's just something about this place that draws you in and then locks its arms around you.

Every summer, the block parties start springing up. There’s kids running around, old-timers swapping stories, and everyone stuffing their faces with potluck goodies. It's at times like these you can almost imagine old Cochran looking down with a big grin, thinking, "Yep, this is exactly what I had in mind."

Find Your Lakewood Balmoral Apartment with Domu

Ready to call this charming neighborhood home? Domu is your key to unlocking Lakewood Balmoral's rental treasures. Whether you're dreaming of a cozy vintage apartment or a spacious family home, we’re ready to offer up your new lease on a silver platter.

Because Lakewood Balmoral is such a hot neighborhood, it’s best to set up personalized alerts. This way, you can be the first to know when your perfect pad hits the market. Don’t wait too long! Your slice of Chicago history is out there - let Domu help you find it!