Car-Free Living in Lakeview & Wrigleyville: Why You Don’t Need to Drive

Lakeview and Wrigleyville are two vibrant neighborhoods on Chicago’s gorgeous North Side. Both areas offer an urban lifestyle where there are plenty of easily accessible grocery stores, restaurants, bars, and green spaces. But how do residents of these neighborhoods commute or run their daily errands?

Unlike some other cities in the United States, owning a car in Chicago is not entirely necessary, especially in Lakeview or Wrigleyville. With excellent public transportation, walkable streets, and strong biking infrastructure, these neighborhoods provide everything needed to live comfortably without a personal car.

A Neighborhood Built for Transit and Walking

One of the most compelling reasons to live car-free in Lakeview or Wrigleyville is the abundance of public transportation options. Multiple CTA train lines, including the Red, Brown, and Purple Lines, have stops in these neighborhoods, making getting around the city easy and accessible. Key stations, such as Belmont, Addison, and Wellington, are centrally located, offering quick and reliable connections to downtown Chicago or northern suburbs. 

In addition to the train stops, numerous bus routes move horizontally and vertically throughout the area, including central lines along Belmont, Clark, Broadway, Ashland, and Diversey. Whether you’re commuting to work or heading out for a night on the town, it’s easy to get where you need to go without needing a car to get to your destination. 

Beyond public transit, these neighborhoods are known for being exceptionally walkable. Northsiders often view Lakeview as one of Chicago’s best neighborhoods for walking, with many grocery stores, shops, and pharmacies within a short stroll from residential areas. Sidewalks are wide and well-maintained, and the vibrant street life makes walking not only practical but enjoyable.

Biking in Lakeview & Wrigleyville

For those who prefer to travel by bike, Lakeview and Wrigleyville has excellent biking infrastructure. The Chicago Lakefront Trail, an 18-mile path along the illustrious Lake Michigan, runs along the eastern side of both neighborhoods, providing a beautiful, car-free route for both commuters and recreational bikers. In recent years, bike lanes have been expanded throughout the neighborhood, making two-wheel transportation more accessible for daily activities and errands. 

If you don’t own a personal bike, the city’s bike-sharing system, Divvy, has numerous stations in Lakeview and Wrigleyville. This has added extra help for residents wanting to rent bikes for recreational or important uses easily. Whether you’re biking to the office, running errands, or meeting friends at the lakefront, there’s rarely a need to drive.

Daily Life Without a Car in Lakeview

Living without a car in these neighborhoods is not just possible, but it can often be more convenient. Parking in Lakeview and Wrigleyville can be a constant source of frustration, with residential permit zones, limited street parking, and expensive garages. Choosing a car-free lifestyle eliminates the stress of parallel parking, meter fees, and the constant search for free parking spaces.

If you’re moving to the area without a vehicle, it can help to be strategic. Choosing a home near a CTA station or Divvy hub can make sure that commuting around the city is quick and easy. For larger errands, such as a grocery run or moving furniture, you may be able to rent a vehicle through Zipcar, schedule delivery services, or use ride-sharing apps as needed. Most residents often choose walking to fulfill their daily errands, since it can be faster and more practical than driving a few blocks and spending time searching for parking. 

Weather, Errands, and Planning in Lakeview & Wrigleyville

While living without a vehicle in Lakeview and Wrigleyville has many advantages, it does come with a few trade-offs. Cold and snowy winters can make walking or biking more difficult, although CTA trains run efficiently year-round. If you’re an avid walker, investing in warm, waterproof clothing and boots makes a big difference during the colder months.

While most errands can be done on foot, carrying large loads without a car requires more planning. Some residents use bike trailers, while others simply spread their shopping out over multiple smaller trips. Delivery services or asking a friend to borrow their vehicle can also solve the problem, especially for larger or heavier purchases. 

By planning ahead and thinking pragmatically, you often can resolve errand issues that may occur in Lakeview or Wrigleyville. 

Lakeview & Wrigleyville: A Walkable Lifestyle 

For many, the benefits of car-free living in these northside neighborhoods can far outweigh the inconveniences. It’s not just about saving money on gas, insurance, and parking, but about the ease of stepping out of your home or apartment and being immersed in a neighborhood full of energy and convenience.

As cities continue to prioritize walkability, bike infrastructure, and public transportation, neighborhoods like Lakeview and Wrigleyville are proving that living without a vehicle isn’t just for the most urban of downtown dwellers. In these lively neighborhoods, adapting to a car-free lifestyle can be a smart, sustainable, and ultimately more enjoyable choice.