Lincoln Square

Welcome to Lincoln Square

Farming began here in the 1840s, worked by English and German American settlers. The Budlong brothers arrived in 1857 and built a commercial pickling operation, later expanding into greenhouses that supplied flowers to nearby Rosehill Cemetery. The Chicago City Council officially named the area Lincoln Square in 1925 to honor Abraham Lincoln, and a statue of him was erected at the corner of Western, Lawrence, and Lincoln in 1956.

The neighborhood's German heritage runs deep and is still visible today. DANK Haus, the German American National Congress's cultural center, Merz Apothecary, and Lutz Café & Bakery all trace back to that history. A section of the Berlin Wall stands as a monument at the Western Avenue Brown Line station, installed in 2008. Lincoln Square has diversified over the decades, and Thai restaurants now sit alongside the traditional German businesses.

The Old Town School of Folk Music, one of the country's oldest music schools, has anchored the neighborhood's cultural life for decades.

Living in Lincoln Square

Housing here runs from single-family homes and vintage two-flats to small apartment buildings and newer condo developments, giving buyers a real choice between a detached home and a condo without leaving the neighborhood.

The Brown Line runs directly through Lincoln Square, giving residents a direct rail connection into the Loop without needing a car for the daily commute.

Ask Michael for current inventory and pricing by block. Lincoln Square covers a fair amount of ground, and prices shift noticeably depending on proximity to Giddings Plaza and the Western Avenue corridor.

Businesses and Local Life

Giddings Plaza sits at the heart of the neighborhood, a pedestrian square surrounded by restaurants, cafes, and shops. The Old Town School of Folk Music draws visitors from across the city for concerts and classes. Conrad Sulzer Regional Library, one of the Chicago Public Library's largest branch locations, anchors the neighborhood's north end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lincoln Square mostly condos, or are there single-family homes for sale too?

Both. The neighborhood has a genuine mix, vintage single-family homes and two-flats alongside condo buildings and newer construction. Michael can walk you through what's available in each style.

What is Lincoln Square known for?

Its German heritage, anchored by DANK Haus and Giddings Plaza, plus direct Brown Line access to downtown and a walkable commercial strip along Western and Lincoln Avenues.