Raleigh and Cary area of North Carolina have trails all through the cities. These trails run through lake areas, river and stream area, open and wooded areas. There are 2 major parks and numerous smaller parks with trails and lakes that are scattered around the cities, and the trails mostly all connect to these areas. A great trail system for running, walking, bicycling and pet walking. The coast is 2 hours away and the mountains are 4 hours away offering an even more varied opportunity

Thu May 8 2008, 18:13

Andersonville (and the Lakewood Balmoral area) are very desirable areas for families. Its proximity to the lake, the train, buses, and an amazing commercial district with many restaurants and shops has made it a very popular location. There are also several private schools within only a couple miles too. Depending if you are seeking a single family home or a condo, you can expect to pay ~$300k (2BR/2BTH) or over $500k to over $1m for a single family home. Good luck!

Wed Apr 9 2008, 07:46

If you're thinking about going north of Irving Park, you should check the crime stats.

Tue Apr 8 2008, 21:19

I second the Edgewater neighborhood. It's a lively mix of multi-families, single family homes, and a vibrant community. I currently have a 3 bed town home literally steps from the lake and Loyola park for sale. Since this was a short sale, it is well below market value.

Tue Dec 4 2007, 07:02

Most of the prior answers here are north side focused. If you are willing to look at the south side, Hyde Park has many affordable homes right along the lake. It's very family friendly, lots of park space (and the park is MUCH less crowded then on the north side), good cultural amenities. I think it's worth a look.

Fri Nov 30 2007, 21:18

Hi Matt,

My wife and I have two young sons. Earlier this year we moved to Edgewater from Old Town, two northside neighborhoods that are within one mile of the lake. We love both areas. The primary difference between the two is that Edgewater is primarily single family home while Old Town is saturated with condos.

This raises the first question - do you want a single family home or a condo? And this in turn raises the second question of what is your price range. In addition to Edgewater and Old Town, other northside neighborhoods that meet your one mile rule are Andersonville, Uptown, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Gold Coast and Streeterville.

I work extensively in this geographic swath. Either shoot me an email or phone me at 773.848.9241 to talk a bit more about what you seek and what is available.

Talk with you soon.

Tom

Wed Nov 28 2007, 00:44

Obviously a lot depends on more specific information like price range, desired bedroom count, schools, etc. But nice neighborhoods exist all over the lake front, and certainly more than just Lincoln Park or Lakeview. In fact both neighborhoods, even with a lot of great attributes, actually have higher crime rates then many of the neighborhoods further north. Just check the statistics...I certainly wouldn't rule out any areas based on an outsiders bad stigma.
There are a lot of benefits to looking further north including more space for the money, lower taxes, parking, diversity, less crowded parks and beaches, and in some cases higher forecasted growth. I personally think Evanston, Rogers Park, Andersonville, Edgewater, and Buena Park all have great opportunities. (But even these are just the Northside!)
Roscoe Village, Lincoln Square, and West Lakeview have had a lot of family growth, but are a little bit further from the lake.
Best of Luck!

Tue Nov 13 2007, 15:05

winnetka. Great schools. Homes that hold their value. Close to Lake. Best schools bar none. Family community

Thu Nov 1 2007, 00:31

If you have kids, move out of the city and into the north shore. schools, schools, schools.
wilmette and the like.

Wed Oct 31 2007, 06:54

I agree Lincoln Park. Be careful going to Rogers Park, and Wrigleyville. Both are less expensive, meet your criteria, but have more dangerous elements near by...Many incidents...

Old Town may work too. Wells and east (small area) is good. We love Lincoln Park...especially around OZ park.

Thu Oct 25 2007, 12:48

So much depends on what you're willing to pay!

If price is virtually no object, then Lincoln Park within walking distance to the park and zoo simply can't be beat for kids. When my kids were small we spent a ton of time at the zoo. The area also has lots of other kid-oriented activities and a ton of small kids. The DePaul area is another great option.

In a somewhat lower price range you might want to check out Roscoe Village, where there are frequent sidewalk traffic jams from strollers and a great, usually crowded playlot at the corner of Belmont and Damen.

Tue Jun 26 2007, 18:02

You might take a look at the south-eastern end of Lincoln Park, around Clark and Armitage. It's near the lake, zoo, park, and is very kid friendly. If that is too pricey, you might consider Buena Park. Buena Park is along the lake front just north of Irving Park Rd. You get a little more for your money up there, and you can still be close to the lake, park and golf course. It's a little quieter of an area too, if that appeals to you. See the Wikipedia link below for more info, or contact me and I'll be happy to help you out. Thanks.

Wed May 23 2007, 10:36

Navy Pier, with the Children's Museum. Lots of great things to do for and with them.

Sat May 19 2007, 19:43

My name is Tom Janociakand I work with Coldwell Banker real esate. I can email you some family friendly neighborhoods near the lake. My phone number is 708-539-1438.

Tue May 15 2007, 12:53