NORTH PARK
North Park is a stable, quiet, tree-shaded, middle-income neighborhood where the majority of homes are owner-occupied. The presence of the two streams creates a charming and unique atmosphere in the area. The North Branch of the Chicago River falls into the North Shore Channel, creating Chicago's only waterfall (about four feet high).
North Park got its start in 1855, when a village was laid out in the newly formed Jefferson Township. The first residents were German and Swedish farmers who grew vegetables in fields along the south bank of the Chicago River's North Branch. After the Bohemian National Cemetery opened in 1877, Czechs moved into the area's northwest corner. They only stayed for a short time before leaving the area around 1900.
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
30m
42m
26m
45m
27m
41m
31m
Boundaries
East to West - North Shore Channel to Cicero Avenue
North to South - Devon Avenue to Chicago River's North Branch and Foster Avenue
Nearby Neighborhoods - Albany Park, Little India, Lincoln Square, and West Ridge
Closed Prices:
$100,000 to $790,000
Median Sale Price:
$360,000
Average $ per sq ft:
$222
Association Fee Ranges:
$150, $135 to $472/mo, $0
Square Footage:
700 to 5700 Sq. Ft.
Type:
Attached Home (Condo, Townhouse, Loft, etc.), Single-Family Home
Year Built:
Current Prices:
$129,900 to $715,000
Quick Facts
Bedrooms:
Bathrooms:
1 to 6 Bedrooms
1 to 5 Bathrooms
1903 to 2021
THE NEIGHBORS
The neighborhood is affordable for students of the National Park University but also has real estate ideal for singles and families.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Collegiate, affluent, fashionable, and family-friendly.
A cultural melting pot of European, Asian, and Hispanic influences.
Influences seen in the area’s architecture and cuisine is due to its long history. North Park appeals to those looking for a quiet lifestyle within the city limits. While the neighborhood is relatively far from the Loop, many residents choose to work in the area and take a personal interest in maintaining the community as a result. Students at North Park University and Northeastern Illinois University also bring a youthful energy to the locale.
THE LIFESTYLE
North Park brings a taste of Sweden to Chicago.
Originally populated by Swedish immigrants, the neighborhood is a blend of cultures and generations today. But you can still find traces of its Swedish roots.
UNEXPECTED APPEAL
Sports fans can watch an evening game at one of the local colleges before continuing the night with pint glasses full of imported ales.
The bars in this area are very community-oriented, so don't be surprised if the staff and patrons know each other by first name. Literary types who have had their fill of European brew may want to attend a poetry reading at one of the local schools or clubs.
THE MARKET
A European aesthetic brought by the neighborhood’s early residents.
The eastern half of North Park is mostly residential, as is Pulaski Park, a pocket neighborhood on the north end. To the west, the neighborhood's parks, nature preserves, and cemeteries take up much of the area, though a few homeowners are fortunate enough to live right next to these green spaces. Many homes in the area reflect a European aesthetic brought by the neighborhood's early residents, and the area as a whole offers a more peaceful way of life than the city's more densely populated areas.
YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH
A diverse natural landscape will appeal to outdoor enthusiasts.
Numerous groves, picnic areas, and green spaces are busy in the summer and peaceful in the winter. The North Park Nature Center, the crown jewel of the area's reserves, offers plenty of opportunities for Chicagoans to explore the woods, attend educational talks, or volunteer their time.
TRANSPORTATION
The Kimball Brown Line terminal is the nearest CTA 'L' station. The Good Counsel Province of the Polish Felician Sisters, as well as Chicago's PBS station, WTTW, are headquartered in this neighborhood. North Park University and Northeastern Illinois University, as well as a Yeshiva, provide concentrated educational resources.
ANNUAL FESTIVAL
Winter Solstice Festival
The 25th annual Winter Solstice Festival will commemorate the longest night of the year. Stargaze with The Chicago Astronomer from 5-7:30pm to welcome winter with fun free activities. From 6pm to 7pm, Pyrotechniq, Inc will put on a fire show. Warm up with hot beverages and an outdoor fire. Take in the beauty of the night by walking along trails illuminated by luminaries. All ages are welcome. Parking and admission are both free!