Looking to buy a home in Chicago? America’s third-largest city has a competitive real estate market with homes often selling below listing price, making it an ideal spot for first-time home buyers and families looking to upgrade to a new space. Check out these five best Chicago neighborhoods for buying a home!
Beverly
Photo via @meghanhealyrealtor
- Home Price: $289,660 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 90% of Chicago neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
The South Side neighborhood of Beverly is one of the best places to buy a home in the Chicago area! With housing options from traditional brick bungalows to large Craftsman-style houses, top-rated local schools like Sutherland Elementary and Kellogg Elementary, and plenty of green space, Beverly is an ideal spot for families and people looking to settle down in their golden years. In addition, this Chicago neighborhood is known for its Irish roots, offering a great selection of Irish pubs and events like the South Side Irish Parade.
Things to Do in Beverly
See a rotating art exhibit, catch the latest theatre production, or enroll kids in an arts camp at Beverly Arts Center. Head to Dan Ryan Woods, where you can walk on the trail loop, have a picnic, or go sledding in the winter. Visit Givins Beverly Castle—deemed Chicago’s only castle—to learn about its history dating back to 1886. Enjoy Cajun seafood dishes like Blue Crab and Fried Catfish at The Crazy Crab Chicago. Cool off in the summer with a cone of Mint Flake, Bubblegum, or the signature rainbow flavor at The Original Rainbow Cone. Sip on craft brews like Cherry Rogue Wheat Trade or Speculator Cream Ale at Open Outcry Brewing. Take home some Salt & Vinegar Popcorn, Cookies & Cream Donuts, and other treats from Poppin Dough. Or stop in to Top Notch Beefburgers, a neighborhood favorite for classic cheeseburgers, beef-fat fries, and milkshakes.
Edison Park
Photo via @irdesignfirm
- Home Price: $345,364 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 99% of Chicago neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Looking for a Chicago neighborhood where you can be more removed from the hustle and bustle of city life? Check out Edison Park! This North Side neighborhood is one of the safest in the city, offering larger single-family homes with yards, great schools like Frederick Stock School and Edison Park Elementary, and easy access to the Metra Rail via Edison Park Train Station. Edison Park is also only about 15 minutes away from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, which makes it an excellent area for frequent travelers!
Things to Do in Edison Park
Play at the splash pad or have a picnic at Olympia Park. Putt-putt your way through 18 holes at Pioneer Park Mini Golf. Find your new favorite pair of shoes and shop other unique items at Co-op California Boutique. Go bowling, hit the arcade games, and kick back with a cocktail at Bowlero. Take the kids to the playground or play a game of horseshoes at Brooks (Oscar) Park. Dine on French Onion Soup, Etouffeé, and Steak & Frites at French bistro Café Touché. Head to Chicken Inn for fried chicken, juicy ribs, onion rings, and other comfort food. Get a taste of Ireland at The Curragh Irish Pub, where you can feast on dishes like Corned Beef & Cabbage or Bangers & Mash. Or indulge in some of the best Italian food in Chicago at Zia’s Trattoria, where you can find dishes like Farfalle Barese or Linguini Pescatore.
Lake View
Photo via @milliondollarlistingchi
- Home Price: $373,419 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 75% of Chicago neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals
Located right along Lake Michigan, Lake View is a Chicago hot spot for young adults who want to buy a home near the city’s best arts, culture, festivals, live music, and more. With affordable condos and townhomes, quick access to the outdoor recreation at Lincoln Park and Belmont Harbor, multiple Metra Rail stations for commuting across the city, and close proximity to the baseball haven of Wrigleyville and LGBTQ nightlife scene of Boystown, there’s plenty to love to love about living in Lake View!
Things to Do in Lake View
Cheer on the Chicago Cubs (MLB) at historic Wrigley Field. Catch indie and vintage films at Music Box Theatre. Spend your evening with laughs and drinks at comedy club Laugh Factory. Take in views of Lake Michigan while walking along the Lakefront Trail. Play with your furry friend in the water at Belmont Harbor Dog Beach. Grab drinks and listen to local live music at Schubas Tavern. Dance the night away and catch incredible drag shows at gay bar Sidetrack. Enjoy all-day breakfast items like Bread Pudding Pancakes or Brisket & Gravy at Southport Grocery and Cafe. Order authentic Thai dishes like Kapi Fried Rice and Jungle Curry at Andy’s Thai Kitchen. Or sit on the patio at Crosby’s Kitchen with a plate of Lobster Deviled Eggs, Iron Skillet Cornbread, and Wood Roasted Chicken & Biscuits.
Lincoln Park
Photo via @andyhasdal
- Home Price: $508,008 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 71% of Chicago neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you love living in the city but don’t want to sacrifice being close to the outdoors, consider buying a home in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood! Only about 15 minutes from The Loop, this area offers historic brick townhomes and high-rise condos, as well as expansive green spaces and access to North Avenue Beach. Though Lincoln Park is popular among residents of all ages, families in particular will appreciate the neighborhood’s excellent local schools like Abraham Lincoln Elementary and Lincoln Park High School.
Things to Do in Lincoln Park
Discover moments from Chicago’s past and present at Chicago History Museum. Visit the Kovler Seal Pool, Regenstein Center for African Apes, and McCormick Bird House at Lincoln Park Zoo. Check out the Victorian Glass House and beautiful gardens at Lincoln Park Conservatory. Enjoy a waterfront dinner while watching a live show at Theater on the Lake. Catch improv comedy or take an acting class of your own at The Second City. Snack on tapas like Handmade Beef Empanadas, Gin & Tonic Salmon Crudo, or Chilled Tomato Gazpacho at Cafe Ba-Ba Reeba. Order iconic Chicago deep dish pizza at local favorite Pequod’s Pizza. Or find your new favorite craft beer at Goose Island Brewhouse, where you can find brews like Matilda Pale Ale or SPF Fruit Beer.
Mount Greenwood
Photo via @phair_hinton_group
- Home Price: $224,582 median purchase price
- Crime Rate: Safer than 95% of Chicago neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
Searching for a safe, affordable Chicago neighborhood where you can buy a house? Mount Greenwood in South Side is about 30 minutes outside of the city center and is ideal for those seeking an area with a more suburban feel. With top-rated private schools like Marist High School, Brother Rice High School, and Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School— as well as the private Saint Xavier University—Mount Greenwood is a top destination for families who want their kids to receive a high-quality education close to home.
Things to Do in Mount Greenwood
Play tennis in the summer and ice skate in the winter at Mount Greenwood Park. Shop for comic books and other pop culture items at Alternate Reality. Become a member at Ridge Country Club, where you can hit the links, hang out by the pool, or take the family out to dinner. Grab unique breakfast dishes like the Opa! Omelette or Elvis Waffle at Bacon and Jam. Feast on Chicago Style Hot Dogs, Hawaiian Sliders, and BBQ Ribs at Fat Tommy’s. Get Chicken Wing or Bruschetta appetizers while listening to live music at 115 Bourbon Street. Drink Sangria-Swirl Margaritas with a Carne Asada plate at La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant. Or try the deep-dish pizza, traditional pasta dishes, and hearty Italian sandwiches at Barraco’s.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
