Most of Chicago is laid out like a grid with streets running directly north to south or east to west. North Clark is one of the few diagonal streets, so as you travel north on the street, you also travel west. It has many different personalities depending on where you are in the city. My favorite part is in the Lakeview neighborhood near Diversey. There are great restaurants including a gem of a Thai place, Bamee Noodles. There's also great shopping, a gym, and a movie theater in the Century Shopping Center. Travelling a little farther north as you approach N Halstead you'll get into "Boys Town" which provides some more great shopping and eating. Almost all the residences in this area are rented apartments, and those facing the street will be loud at night and when the bus comes by. This part of North Clark is great place to live near or to visit, but I imagine you can find more pieceful apartment on a side street.