Lakeview, Chicago

Drawing its name from its location on the shores of Lake Michigan, this harbourside neighbourhood is frequently voted as one of the best big city suburbs to live within the United States. Despite being a few stops on the L north of The Loop, the city’s downtown area, you never feel as if you’ve left Chicago, with the population nudging 100,000 – the largest of the city’s neighbourhoods. LGBT travellers will feel right at home, with the Boystown enclave a noted “gaybourhood”, and the site of a pride parade each June. Lakeview is also home to the city’s most

It seems like whichever time of year you go, the United States is always crowded, be it from tourists or the locals. Modern travellers demand the places to avoid the crowds while still experiencing the city, so here are four of the best, according to Myles Stedman.

popular sports team, the Chicago Cubs, who play at Wrigley Field in the Wrigleyville neighbourhood – a place you need not like baseball to enjoy, thanks to its bars on every corner. Watch them fill up on game day, as locals from the north side of town turn out to cheer on their team.

Belmont Harbour can also be found on the neighbourhood’s eastern shore – a popular destination due to its summertime boating and beach activities. If the outdoors is not your bag, the Belmont Theatre District features over 30 theatres and live performance venues, all located within walking distance of the Belmont L station.