IRVING PARK
Irving Park is a neighborhood on Chicago's northwest side with an incredibly rich history that can still be seen today. The land was purchased from a farmer by New York developers who allowed the Northwestern Railroad to stop within their suburb. With the railroad came more activity: large housing developments sprang up, and, of course, people moved in. Irving Park has evolved into a genuine Chicago neighborhood, shedding its suburban roots while combining the best of city and family life.
Commute Times
The Loop by train, by car
Merchandise Mart by train, by car
Union Station by train, by car
Millennium Park by train, by car
43m
12m
34m
10m
29m
10m
45m
10m
Boundaries
Montrose to the north, Addison to its south, Pulaski Road to the east and Cicero to the west
Closed Prices:
$95,000 to $2,500,000
Median Sale Price:
$379,499
Average $ per sq ft:
$245
Association Fee Ranges:
$30 to $1350, $0 to $485/mo, $0 to $243
Square Footage:
600 to 7900 Sq. Ft.
Type:
Attached Home (Condo, Townhouse, Loft, etc.), Single-Family Home
Year Built:
Current Prices:
$129,900 to $1,899,500
Quick Facts
Bedrooms:
Bathrooms:
0 to 7 Bedrooms
1 to 6 Bathrooms
1886 to 2022
THE NEIGHBORS
Irving Park is a long way from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Because of the distance, as well as the abundance of green space and single-family homes, you're likely to see a lot of families, young and old, in this neighborhood. The lower cost appeals to young residents and students as well.
WHAT TO EXPECT
College students and young professionals as well as families.
Peaceful, private streets with a plentiful of parks.
Everyone tends to convene in Irving Park's many parks; Independence and Homer Parks are two of the most popular spots for walking, exercising, or picnicking.
THE LIFESTYLE
A quieter, family neighborhood but by no means a boring place to live.
Irving Park will lack the vibrant nightlife scene found in youth-oriented or downtown areas. However, you can see a play at one of the few neighborhood theaters or listen to live music at a neighborhood lounge. There will also be a variety of neighborhood bars and pubs; the busiest will be on streets such as Irving Park, Pulaski, Kedzie, and Milwaukee.
UNEXPECTED APPEAL
An iconic Chicago architecture.
Ranging from Victorian mansions to turn-of-the-century bungalows — some of which predate the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
THE MARKET
Housing revolves around, well, houses, as opposed to the high-rise buildings of downtown.
Many historic homes are still standing, either restored to their former glory or with only a hint of the original design. There are still a lot of houses that need to be renovated if you want to get your hands dirty. To accommodate more residents' lifestyles and budgets, many single-family homes in the area have been converted into duplexes and apartments.
YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH
Strolling around to admire historic homes.
The Irving Park Historical Society has done an excellent job of preserving the homes and areas that best represent the neighborhood's early years. Check out the Villa District, which was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural style. On your walk, you'll see some beautiful Craftsman and Prairie-style homes.
TRANSPORTATION
Irving Park is served by two Blue Line stations: Addison and Irving Park. You can take either of these to O'Hare or the Loop. Grayland Metra station connects directly to Union Station in the Loop. Milwaukee Avenue, Irving Park Road, Montrose Avenue, and Addison Street all have east/west bus routes, while Kimball Avenue has a north/south bus route. The Kennedy Expressway also runs through this area, providing direct access to Downtown. While the majority of the neighborhood is spread out, Horner Park has running and biking trails, and Old Irving Park has clusters of bars and restaurants along Milwaukee Avenue that are easily navigated on foot.
ANNUAL FESTIVAL
Old Irving Park Beer & BBQ Challenge
Local breweries collaborate with barbecue experts to pair a beer with a delectable dish, ensuring that there will be plenty to eat (and drink) at this Irving Park feast. Try beers from Mikerphone, Alarmist, Pipeworks, Marz, and Off Color, as well as barbecue from ManBQue, Limp Brisket, Up in Smoke, Pig Floyd, and others. In addition, each brewery is bringing an extra beer.