Although boundaries are precisely defined in the city’s list of official neighborhoods, the Lincoln Park neighborhood in popular thought has somewhat variable boundaries; it is generally considered to be bordered on the north by Diversey Parkway, on the west by Clybourn Avenue, on the south by North Avenue, and on the east by the public park of the same name.

Lincoln Park is home to Lincoln Park High School, Francis W. Parker School, and DePaul University, which bought out the McCormick Seminary buildings in 1975, when the seminary moved to Hyde Park. Many students who attend these schools now live in this neighborhood.

Lincoln Park is also home to two architecturally significant churches: St. Vincent De Paul and St. Josaphat’s, one of the many so-called ‘Polish Cathedrals’ in Chicago. Visible from throughout the neighborhood, these monumental edifices tower over the neighborhood lending the area much of its charm.

There are many boutiques,retail stores, restaurants and coffee shops. There are also many bars and clubs in the area, especially along Lincoln Avenue between Diversey and Armitage.

In 2007, Forbes Magazine named the area between Armitage St, Willow St, Burling St, and Orchard St as the most expensive block in Chicago.