It is famous for its large LGBT population and holds a pride parade each June and Northalsted Market Days.

[2] In 2013, Money Magazine named Lakeview number three in its top ten big-city neighborhoods in its Best Places to Live rankings.

The early settlement continued to grow amongst the English settlers, assisted by increased immigration of farming families from Germany, Luxembourg, and Sweden.

With infrastructure and a growing population, residents realized it was time to organize formal governance to provide essential public services.

The main building was Town Hall at the intersection of present-day West Addison and North Halsted streets.

According to the Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce, over forty percent of the neighborhood's present-day buildings were constructed during that time.

Lakeview, especially along the Lake Shore Drive and Broadway corridors, consists of upscale condominiums and higher-rent mid-rise apartments and lofts.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church is the residence of an episcopal vicar and auxiliary bishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago.

[28] It is also the mother church of the local vicariate and the Archdiocesan Gay and Lesbian Outreach, controversially created by Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, which is one of the largest of the few gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Catholic welcoming congregations created and authorized by a diocese in the United States.

Wrigleyville features low-rise brick buildings and houses, some with rooftop bleachers colloquially called Wrigley Rooftops where people can purchase seats to watch baseball games or concerts that, while generally more expensive than tickets for seats within the park itself, come with all you can eat and drink service.

In 1998, then Mayor Richard M. Daley endeavored to create a $3.2 million restoration of the North Halsted Street corridor, and the city erected rainbow pylon landmarks along the route.

In 2012, the Legacy Project began the ongoing process of installing plaques on the pylons that commemorate important people and milestones in LGBT history.

[34][35] The area caters to Chicago nightlife, featuring more than 60 gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

The area also holds the Northalsted Market Days, an annual two-day festival event geared toward the LGBT community.

Northalsted also includes some of Chicago's off-Loop theater, specialty restaurants, greystone and brownstone walk-up buildings and other historic architecture, trendy fashion outlets, wine boutiques, chain stores, and independent shops.

In November 2020, the Chicago Reader, an alternative newspaper, published an article criticizing the area for focusing on "gay men."

[37] Some residents have voiced concern that the name change will dilute the neighborhood's history as a haven for the gay community.

[39] Affordable real estate and popular culture, such as that found along busy Southport Avenue, draws young adults from all over the city for quiet living or casual dining.

Despite the comparative affluence of the community area, Lakeview social services are also geared toward those needing affordable care, such as displaced youth living on the streets.

Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center[54] and Saint Joseph Hospital[55] of Resurrection Health Care[56] serve residents throughout Chicago and its suburbs.

The Illinois Department of Public Health contracts the services of Center on Halsted for a telephone hotline for HIV, AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

[58] Automobile parking is at a premium in Lakeview, especially during special events such as Chicago Cubs home games at Wrigley Field.

[66] Zoned K-8 schools serving the area include Agassiz, Greeley, Hamilton, Ravenswood, Nettelhorst, Blaine, and Burley.

The Chicago Public Library classifies Merlo's Drama and Theatre Collection as very large in size compared to other branches.

[73] In the Lakeview section of Lincoln Park, overlooking the intersection of North Lake Shore Drive, and West Addison Street is a totem pole of Kwanusila, the Thunderbird of the Kwagu'ł Native American tribe.

The crests carved upon the totem pole represent Kwanusila the Thunderbird, a whale with a man on its back, and a sea monster.

A request was made and approved by the Chicago Park District for the original totem pole which existed here to be presented back to British Columbia.

Lakeview hosts a solemn vigil and march each October, gathering at the intersection of West Roscoe and North Halsted streets, in honor of Matthew Shepard.

In the past, they have marched against hate crimes and anti-gay social policy or have offered support for gay youth.

Halloween is also the time for a major costume competition that takes place on North Halsted, from Belmont to Cornelia, with an annual theme and categories from children and pets to adult groups from humorous to scary.