Heart of Italy

Heart of Italy

Chicago, Illinois Homes for Sale

About Heart of Italy

Heart of Italy is a pocket neighborhood within Pilsen in Chicago’s Lower West Side. The neighborhood borders Blue Island Avenue to 24th Street and Oakley Avenue to Western Avenue. This working-class community has rich history and culture spanning over centuries of early settlers that chose to call this Midwest location their home. Heart of Italy honors its name by having some of the best Italian cuisine in the neighborhood. You’ll see a mixture of housing styles as well as residents from all walks of life in this urban setting.

Quick Facts

Current Prices: $234,900 to $295,000

Closed Prices: $206,000 to $337,000

Median Sale Price: $280,000

Average $ per sq ft: $236

Association Fee Ranges: $0, $168 to $267/mo

Type: Attached Home (Condo, Townhouse, Loft, etc.), Single-Family Home

Age: 1890 to 2008

Sq. Ft.: 910 to 1700 Sq. Ft.

Bedrooms: 1 to 6 Bedrooms

Bathrooms: 1 to 2 Bathrooms

Around Heart of Italy

You’ll find a mixture of two and three-flat detached homes and multi-unit condo buildings in Heart of Italy. The area has grown with new construction brick condo buildings along Oakley Avenue and Blue Island Avenue. Some of these old residences have been renovated to include modern designs. You’ll experience more noise and traffic the closer you are to busy street intersections like Western Avenue and Cermak Road. Side streets within the neighborhood tend to be more residential and quieter with less traffic.

You’ll find some of the best Italian and Italian-American restaurants along Oakley Avenue and Western Avenue that is sure to please your palate. These restaurants boast authentic cuisine that will make you think someone’s grandmother passed down their secret homemade recipes. A few fast food restaurants are also found in the area for a quick grab-and-go bite. With neighboring Little Italy being the popular spot, Heart of Italy enjoys a less crowded environment and remains a hidden gem in the city.

Heart of Italy is a working-class neighborhood. You’ll see families with children, retirees, working professionals, and students from all walks of life. The community has a rich history and culture of Italian and American roots that are evident in its architecture, cuisine, and industries.

Although the culinary scene is the most popular feature of this community, there are other fun things to do besides eating delicious food. You can check out the local art scene at a gallery on Oakley Avenue that has a variety of exhibitions every month that will open your eyes to new works by upcoming artists.

Enjoy annual neighborhood festivals during the summer months. You can sample a variety of Italian delicacies while people watching at the same time. You can check out some of the local retail shops or spend your Sunday giving back to the community by volunteering at one of the local churches. Other than that, this urban enclave boasts a city vibe that you can enjoy on your own on a leisurely stroll.

Locals Love

  • Public transportation
  • Dining Options
  • Culture
  • Authentic Cuisine

Locals Don't Love

  • Limited parks and open space
  • Lack of nightlife

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