OLD TOWN
Old Town is where Chicago's soul lives. Victorian brownstones, comedy legends, and a Wells Street dining scene that punches well above its weight — this is the neighborhood that feels genuinely local in a city full of polished destinations.
Settled in the 1850s and a National Historic District today, Old Town sits just north of the Loop with direct access to Lincoln Park, the lakefront, and the CTA Brown and Purple Lines at Sedgwick station.
THE NEIGHBORS
A creative, eclectic mix of young professionals, families, and longtime locals who value character over gloss.
$545K
Median sale price — up 4% year over year
26 Days
Avg. days on market — vs. 53 day national avg.
Since 1977
National Historic District designation
Est. 1851
One of Chicago's oldest neighborhoods
WHAT TO EXPECT
Historic architecture, walkable streets, and a neighborhood energy that balances quiet residential charm with one of Chicago's most lively entertainment corridors.
Victorian-era homes line the side streets while Wells Street buzzes with comedy clubs, craft bars, and local restaurants. Lincoln Park is steps away to the east, and the CTA makes getting downtown effortless.
THE LIFESTYLE
Comedy shows, craft cocktails, and farmers markets — all within a short walk of home.
From catching a show at The Second City (the launch pad for Tina Fey, Bill Murray, and Chris Farley) to weekend mornings at The Spice House and evenings at Twin Anchors or Fireplace Inn, Old Town offers a lifestyle that's as layered as its history. In June 2026, the neighborhood hosts two back-to-back festivals: the Old Town Art Fair (June 13–14) and the Wells Street Art Festival (June 13–14) — transforming the streets into one of Chicago's best outdoor celebrations.
UNEXPECTED APPEAL
A National Historic District that still feels like a real neighborhood — not a museum.
St. Michael's Church, one of only seven buildings to survive the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, anchors a streetscape of preserved Victorian homes that look almost unchanged from 150 years ago. Yet the coffee is great, the comedy is world-class, and Old Town Oktoberfest (Sept. 18–20, 2026) turns the whole neighborhood into a Bavarian block party every fall.
THE MARKET
A mix of vintage condos, newer luxury high-rises, and classic greystone two-flats — with a median sale price trending upward.
Old Town homes sell in an average of 26 days — well below the national average of 53 days. The median sale price over the last 12 months is $545,000, up 4% year-over-year. New luxury buildings like 1225 N Wells and The Scott Residences on Wells Street bring modern amenities to a neighborhood defined by historic character.
YOU'LL FALL IN LOVE WITH
Tree-lined streets, timeless architecture, and an unmatched elegance that whispers old-world charm with every step. The Gold Coast offers a refined lifestyle where historic mansions meet modern luxury high-rises—just moments from Lake Michigan, Oak Street Beach, and Chicago’s finest boutiques and restaurants. It's a neighborhood where classic sophistication and urban convenience live side by side.
