Suburbs have long been the answer to the wish of American families who dream of having safe streets, sprawling backyards, and easy access to the closest city.
However, a neighborhood in Chicago takes this aspiration a step further.
On the North side of Chicago, just seven miles from the city's downtown, lies Lincoln Square.
It may be situated mere miles from the hustle and bustle of one of the country's biggest metropolises, but it still has the space and infrastructure to offer families multi-car garages and ginormous gardens, something almost unheard of in most major cities.
This is why, over the past three years, house prices have soared a staggering 38 percent.
And indeed, an idyllic neighborhood with a suburban vibe just a stone's throw away from central Chicago comes at a cost.
According to Juliana Yeager, a Chicago real estate agent and co-leader of the Yeager Team, luxury homes in Lincoln Square sold for a median price of nearly $2.3 million over the 12 months ending in October, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Chicago residents Carolyn and Chris Ohlgart weren't ready to leave the city, but with a 4-year-old and another child on the way, they were eager for more outdoor space.
Their solution: a 3,800-square-foot, classic Chicago-style two-flat with a grassy yard on the outskirts of Lincoln Square. The couple, both 37, purchased the 1912 property -- already converted into a single-family home -- in May for $1.87 million.
'We didn't want to be in the suburbs, but liked some aspects of suburban life,' Carolyn told the WSJ.
Their home now accommodates a gym and two offices, providing a comfortable setup for working from home, while Chris, a lawyer, enjoys a quick commute downtown.
From Lincoln Square, the train ride takes just 18 minutes with two stops.
Lincoln Square has a village-like, walkable vibe with tree-lined streets, local shops, and a mix of families, professionals, and longtime residents.
Its German-American roots remain visible through bakeries, beer halls, and cultural institutions, though the neighborhood has grown more diverse over time.
Originally farmland in the mid-1800s, the area developed as transit improved, including streetcars and the elevated Brown Line, which made commuting downtown easy.
The neighborhood's architecture ranges from historic masonry two- and three-bed apartments to renovated single-family homes, blending charm with modern updates.
Green spaces like Welles and Winnemac Parks provide family-friendly outdoor areas, while cultural hubs like the Old Town School of Folk Music contribute to a lively arts scene.
The housing market is competitive: renovated and larger homes command premiums, with median prices rising steadily over the years, reflecting the strong demand for city living with extra space.
Susan Aurinko, 74, an artist and designer, and her 70-year-old husband, Gary Mostow, left the bustling West Loop near downtown in search of a friendlier, more community-oriented neighborhood.
Since moving, Aurinko has become active locally, helping run the annual block party and joining her street's book club.
'It's like a small town in the middle of the city,' she told the WSJ.
The couple purchased their 8,850-square-foot lot in 2017 for $1.2 million, demolished the old house, and spent another $1.2 million building a new home, moving in by 2020.
Their house includes an elevator, golf simulator, gym, screening room, and a prep kitchen for entertaining. The property also features a backyard garden and a landscaped front yard. 'I wanted trees, I wanted birds and I wanted the sound of children,' says Aurinko.
A standout feature is the detached three-car garage, which lets Mostow rotate his car collection and protect the vehicles from harsh Chicago winters.
An idyllic neighborhood with a suburban vibe just a stone's throw away from central Chicago, like Lincoln Square, comes at a cost
Luxury homes in Lincoln Square sold for a median price of nearly $2.3 million over the 12 months (pictured: a luxury neighborhood in Chicago)
Since the pandemic, Lincoln Square has grown in popularity thanks to its larger lots that can accommodate yards and three-car garages -- features harder to find in denser areas like Lincoln Park, says local agent Yeager.
The neighborhood offers spacious, modern single-family homes with front porches, cozy stoops, and many built within the last 20 years.
Luxury homes on Chicago's north side are in high demand, and Lincoln Square has seen the fastest price growth; though Lincoln Park remains pricier.
Many new homes here exceed 5,000 square feet; with two floors; a basement; lots around 5,000 square feet; often selling for over $2.5 million.