Living on Lake Shore

One of the greatest experiences that I have ever had was when I lived on Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. My husband and I lived in the New York Building at Lake Shore and Addison, in East Lakeview. Living on the 36th floor of a high rise with sweeping views of the Chicago skyline is enough to spoil anyone. The view is just one of the many perks of living on Lake Shore, another is the accessibility to the lake front path. Along the lake front path there is a great little dog beach, which is close to Belmont Avenue. Playing there was a wonderful treat for Butch, but of course I would have to get in the water first in order to coerce him into taking the cold plunge! When running along the lake front, we would often run to and through Lincoln Park Zoo, parks, and other attractions. There are so many wonderful aspects of living on Lake Michigan that everyone should try it if they get the chance!

Unfortunately, luxury living often comes at a price. Of course, the rents and home prices are higher than in some areas, but there are also other negative points to living in a very congested area. Firstly, Wrigley Field is just 4 blocks away from Lake Shore Drive on Addison Street. Along with this historic ballpark comes the often wild and intoxicated fans, which can be easily spotted on the el train, in Starbucks, stumbling through the streets, pretty much everywhere, and sometimes even as early as 11 a.m.

Then there is the parking, which is definitely the worst on game days. If you don't pay for a parking spot, then you will end up driving around for a good 20-30 minutes every time you come home in search of a space. This can be extremely frustrating at then end of a long work day.

There is even the occasional stuck-up, casually rude individual present in this neighborhood, (hard to believe, I know). One of my favorite examples occurred in the elevator of our building, which is compromised of about half owners and half renters. One night a resident of The New York Building came home with a bag from McDonald's. He was riding up in the elevator with his dinner when another resident boldly stated, "I didn't know that McDonald's delivered." My husband and I stood at the back of the elevator awaiting a reply from the unamused man, who came back with, "You have got to be kidding me, like you never eat McDonald's you ****." On the way out of the elevator the accusing party shot back by saying, "He must be a renter."

Overall, the pros of living on Lake Shore Drive far outweigh the cons. After all, it is hard to go wrong with a beautiful like right outside your front door.