Moving to Edgewater, Chicago: Your Complete 2025 Guide

Edgewater offers a quieter, more residential alternative to nearby Uptown and Andersonville while providing the same lakefront access and diverse community atmosphere. The neighborhood stretches along Lake Michigan’s shore giving residents beautiful beaches, parks, and miles of Lakefront Trail for walking, running, and cycling. Historic buildings dominate residential streets with stunning vintage courtyard apartments and elegant mid-century high-rises offering spacious units at more affordable prices than many North Side neighborhoods. The architectural variety and quality of vintage buildings make Edgewater particularly attractive to renters seeking character and space.


Commercial corridors along Broadway, Clark Street, and Devon Avenue feature diverse international restaurants, neighborhood shops, and local businesses serving the area’s remarkably diverse population. Edgewater attracts families, young professionals, immigrants, and retirees drawn to the lakefront location, good schools, and strong sense of community. Multiple CTA options including the Red Line provide downtown access while express buses make commuting convenient. The neighborhood maintains a residential, somewhat suburban feel despite its urban location with tree-lined streets, neighborhood parks, and active community organizations working to preserve the area’s diverse character and affordable housing options.

Why move to Edgewater? Whether you’re drawn to the neighborhood’s cultural attractions, excellent dining scene, or strong sense of community, Edgewater offers an authentic Chicago living experience with easy access to downtown and all that the city has to offer.

🎓 Schools & Education

Families moving to Edgewater have access to quality educational options:

Swift Elementary School, 5900 N Winthrop Ave | Hayt Elementary School, 1518 W Granville Ave | Senn High School, 5900 N Glenwood Ave

Learn more about school options and enrollment at Chicago Public Schools.

☕ Best Coffee Shops

Start your mornings at these excellent Edgewater coffee shops:

The Coffee Studio, 5628 N Clark St | Metropolis Coffee, 1039 W Granville Ave | The Grind Cafe, 1200 W Granville Ave

🍽️ Top Restaurants

Discover the diverse dining scene in Edgewater:

Andie’s Restaurant, 5253 N Clark St | Panes Bread Cafe, 5001 N Clark St | Pauline’s, 1754 W Balmoral Ave

🍺 Bars & Nightlife

Experience Edgewater’s vibrant nightlife at these popular spots:

Granville Anvil, 1137 W Granville Ave | Andies Restaurant, 5253 N Clark St | The Moody Tongue, 2136 S Peoria St

🐕 Dog Parks & Pet-Friendly Spaces

If you’re moving to Edgewater with a furry friend, check out these dog-friendly areas:

Puptown Dog Park, 4901 N Sheridan Rd

Find more Chicago parks and recreation areas at the Chicago Park District.

💪 Gyms & Fitness Centers

Stay active at these Edgewater fitness facilities:

LA Fitness Edgewater, Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness Edgewater

🚗 Parking & Street Access in Edgewater

Successfully moving to Edgewater requires careful planning for Chicago’s parking regulations and street access requirements:

• Parking Permits: Most Edgewater buildings sometimes require temporary no-parking signs posted 48 hours in advance. Contact your Chicago alderman’s office and pick them up in person.
• Parking Zone: Edgewater is located in Zone 1, which affects residential parking permit eligibility.
• Best Moving Times: Year-round offers the most flexibility. Avoid moving on the last three days of the month when rates are 20-30% higher.
• Street Restrictions: Check for street cleaning schedules, rush hour restrictions, and neighborhood-specific regulations in Edgewater.

🏢 Building Requirements in Edgewater

Common building and condo requirements when moving to Edgewater:

• Elevator Access: Sometimes buildings in Edgewater have elevator access. Reserve elevators 1-2 weeks in advance and confirm padding requirements.
• Loading Dock Availability: Rare availability in Edgewater. Coordinate with building management for dock schedules.
• Certificate of Insurance (COI): Yes – Most Edgewater buildings require proof of insurance with $1M+ general liability coverage from your moving company.
• Move-In Reservation: Book your move-in date with Edgewater building management 2-3 weeks ahead. Some buildings restrict moves to weekdays only.
• Building Protection: Movers must use floor runners, door jamb protectors, and elevator padding to prevent damage to Edgewater properties.

💡 Pro Tips for Moving to Edgewater

• Communicate with Edgewater neighbors about your move-in date
• Take photos of hallways and common areas before moving
• Keep building management contact info readily available
• Tip your movers – the standard is 15-20% for excellent service
• Research specific blocks and streets within Edgewater for safety and parking considerations

💡 Cost-Saving Tip: Moving to Edgewater mid-week or mid-month can save 15-25% compared to weekend or month-end moves. Ask local moving companies about discounts for flexible scheduling!

How much does it cost to move to Edgewater, Chicago?

The average cost for a Edgewater move ranges from $650-900, depending on apartment size and specific requirements. Studio apartments typically cost $450-700, 1BR apartments range $600-900, 2BR apartments cost $900-1,500, and 3BR+ apartments range $1,500-3,500. Factors affecting Edgewater moving costs include building access (elevator vs. walk-up), parking availability, distance traveled, time of month, and additional services like packing. Get multiple quotes from licensed Chicago moving companies to compare rates.

Do I need a parking permit to move in Edgewater?

Yes, most moves in Edgewater require temporary no-parking signs posted 48 hours in advance and loading zone reservations through the City of Chicago. Contact 311 (dial 311 or visit 311.chicago.gov) to reserve loading zones. Your moving company can often help coordinate Chicago parking permits for Edgewater relocations. Failure to secure proper permits can result in parking tickets and delays.

When is the best time to move to Edgewater?

Year-round is typically the best time to move to Edgewater. Mid-week and mid-month moves offer the best rates and availability. Avoid the last three days of the month when demand is highest and prices increase 20-30%. Summer months (June-August) are the busiest moving season in Chicago, so book Edgewater movers 4-6 weeks in advance during peak season.

Is Edgewater a safe neighborhood?

Safe – Generally safe, some property crime. As with any Chicago neighborhood, safety can vary by specific blocks and streets. We recommend researching crime statistics for your exact address, visiting the area at different times of day, and talking to current residents before moving to Edgewater.

Check the Chicago Police Department’s crime map and community resources for the most current safety information in Edgewater.

Do Edgewater buildings require insurance from movers?

Yes, most Edgewater buildings and condo associations require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) with at least $1 million in general liability coverage from your moving company. All reputable Chicago movers carry proper insurance and can provide COI documentation immediately upon request. This protects both you and the Edgewater building from potential damages during the move. Always verify your mover is properly licensed and insured.

How far in advance should I book movers for Edgewater?

We recommend booking Edgewater movers 3-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak moving season (May-September). For month-end moves or summer relocations, book 6-8 weeks ahead to ensure availability. Same-day and next-day moving services are often available for urgent Edgewater moves, though rates may be higher. Early booking guarantees better rates and your preferred moving date. Many Edgewater Movers recommend booking 4-6 weeks in advance during peak moving season to ensure availability and optimal pricing.

What should I look for in a Edgewater moving company?

When choosing movers for Edgewater, verify they are licensed with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), carry proper insurance, have positive online reviews, offer transparent pricing, and are familiar with Chicago building requirements. Ask about experience with Edgewater properties, elevator reservations, parking permits, and whether they provide COI documentation. Get written estimates from at least 3 companies before deciding.

Are there good schools in Edgewater?

Yes, Edgewater is served by several quality schools including Swift Elementary School, 5900 N Winthrop Ave | Hayt Elementary School, 1518 W Granville Ave | Senn High School, 5900 N Glenwood Ave. When moving to Edgewater with children, research individual schools’ performance ratings, visit in person if possible, and consider proximity to your new home. Chicago Public Schools offers school choice options, allowing families to apply to schools outside their attendance area.

What’s the best way to explore Edgewater before moving?

Before moving to Edgewater, spend time walking the streets at different times of day, visit local coffee shops like The Coffee Studio, 5628 N Clark St | Metropolis Coffee, 1039 W Granville Ave | The Grind Cafe, 1200 W Granville Ave, dine at neighborhood restaurants, and talk to residents. Check out Puptown Dog Park, 4901 N Sheridan Rd if you have pets, and explore nearby gyms and fitness centers. This hands-on research will help you understand the neighborhood’s character and determine if it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.