Edgewater, Residential neighborhood and gay village in north Chicago, United States
Edgewater is a residential neighborhood in northern Chicago that stretches from Ravenswood Avenue to Lake Michigan's shore. The area is lined with apartment buildings of varying heights and offers direct access to public beaches along the water.
The neighborhood was established in 1885 as the first electric-illuminated residential subdivision in the Chicago area, representing an important development milestone. This early adoption of electric street lighting made it a model community for its era.
The neighborhood is home to LGBTQ+-friendly businesses and communities that have shaped it for decades. Walking through today, you notice diverse residents and gathering spaces where people openly celebrate their identities.
Multiple Chicago Transit Authority stations serve the neighborhood, including Berwyn, Bryn Mawr, Thorndale, and Granville. These stops make it easy to reach the area and connect to other parts of the city.
Since the 1990s, the area has attracted lesbian couples and feminist business owners who shaped its identity. This community's influence remains visible in how the neighborhood welcomes diverse residents and visitors today.
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