Old Town

Old Town, a charming tree-lined neighborhood located on Chicago’s north side, is bounded by Division St (1200 N) on the south, North Ave (1600 N) on the north, Clark St (100 W) on the east and Clybourn Ave and Larrabee St (600 W) on the west.

Old Town is often confused with its more affluent and settled northern neighbor, the Old Town Triangle, which is actually a part of Lincoln Park.

The great majority of the housing stock in Old Town consists of owner-occupied homes and condos, primarily in low-rise buildings. Rental housing is limited, although you can find the occasional home or condo available for rent, and a few apartments in smaller buildings. The historic residential blocks are beautifully lined with restored homes, small cottages, converted townhomes, and new single family homes.

Along Wells Street, the specialty boutiques offering eclectic and designer clothing and handmade crafts from awning-covered storefronts define the Old Town neighborhood.  Restaurants and bars of all manner round out the scene.

The Old Town Triangle has been the venue for the Old Town Art Fair since 1949. Each year in June it draws more than 250 accomplished artists and an estimated 50,000 visitors.

The Wells Street Art Festival, which also takes place in June, attracts a less well-known group of artists but has typically served up better music and food from Wells Street’s many restaurants.

Old Town residents don’t have to venture far to reach two of the city’s best farmers markets: Lincoln Park’s Green City Market and the Division Street Farmers Market.

If you’re a beer aficionado, the 3-day Craft Beer Festival at St Michael’s is a must-attend event.