Nestled 9 miles north of the Loop on the city’s far north side, Rogers Park and Edgewater are quietly taking the title as two of Chicago’s most diverse, affordable, and eccentric neighborhoods. Some attribute the charm of both neighborhoods to their distance from the hustle and bustle of the city center, while others say it's their proximity to the calm of the lake and their wide, almost suburban, streets; dotted with charming single-family homes. My opinion? A little bit of both. Whether you’re checking out one of its many parks or beaches, eating on Devon Ave, or just taking a stroll through the beautiful campus of Loyola University Chicago, you’ll be sure to find a sense of calm you didn’t know existed in Chicago.
Traversing almost all of Chicago's eastern border with Lake Michigan, the Lakefront Bike trail cuts and winds from north to south through Lincoln Park and many others. But far north, near Ardmore ave. sits the entrance to the path, and it's worth the trip. Surrounded by wide open beaches on one end, and the tree-lined park on the other, this section of the trail is best experienced at a slow coast. Take a moment to stop and watch kid playing basketball at the nearby court, or lock up and walk out to the waterfront. Even just using it for your commute is great. No stop signs or pesky cars to deal with. Just wide open road between you and the city. Not bad right?
