Lakeview or Lake View, as it is spelled historically and as used today on signage, is a North side neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois in the United States. It is designated as Community Area 6 of 77 well-defined Chicago community areas. It is bordered by Diversey Parkway in the south, Irving Park Road in the north, Ravenswood Avenue in the west, bound by the shores of Lake Michigan in the east. The Uptown community area is to Lakeview's north, Lincoln Square to its northwest, North Center to its west and Lincoln Park to its south. The 2000 population of Lakeview was 94,817 residents, making it the second largest of the Chicago community areas, following Austin which has 117,527 residents.
While actual territorial limits and colloquial names are not definite depending on local sources and usage, Lakeview is divided into smaller neighborhood enclaves: Lake View East, Northalsted (a name used by North Halsted businesses), West Lakeview and Wrigleyville. Lake View East and Northalsted altogether form the area popularly known as Boystown. It holds the distinction of being the nation's first officially recognized gay village in the United States [1] by a civic body. New Town is a former community centered at the intersection of N. Clark Street and Diversey Parkway.
Lakeview is most recognized nationwide as home to Wrigley Field and its Chicago Cubs. One Neighborhood over is one of the most famous gay villages in North America. Held each June, the Chicago Pride Parade, one of the largest gay pride parades in the nation, takes place in Lakeview. The community area has also been host to several other major events: In 2006 it played host to an international sports and cultural festival, Gay Games VII with its closing ceremonies held at Wrigley Field headlined by Cyndi Lauper. Several Major League Baseball events have been held in Lakeview, as well.
