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Overview
In 1893, Woodlawn surged in population due to the city hosting the World's Columbian Exposition in Jackson Park. Developers expanded the elevated train line to 63rd Street and began building apartments, hotels, and attractions in the area. Over the next few decades, Woodlawn became the financial center of the city with its amusement parks, racetracks, and shopping districts that sprung up because of the new train line. Today's Woodlawn is surrounded by parks. Washington Park and the University of Chicago campus border it to the north, and Jackson Park, with over 500 acres of beaches and open space, is on the eastside of the neighborhood.
Homes in Woodlawn
Where To Live
Homes in Woodlawn run the gamut from classic bungalows to modern constructions. Plenty of attached condominiums can be found in the area as well. Many of the most desired residences are near the University of Chicago to the north and the borders of Jackson Park in the east. The CTA Green Line train runs through the center of Woodlawn, while the Metra train is more accessible from the east side of the neighborhood.
Price Vibes
While there are many newly built single-family homes popping up all around Woodlawn, most of the homes in Woodlawn are former apartments that have been turned into condominiums. Whether you're looking for a condo or a single-family home, existing homes in the area are extremely affordable compared to the rest of Chicago, while newer construction is priced more in-line with the home market in Chicago as a whole.
In comparison with the surrounding area, Woodlawn is on comparable to neighboring Hyde Park and Kenwood but is more expensive than Washington Park, South Shore, and Grand Crossing. Although Woodlawn's prices are run-of-the-mill for the immediate area, it's still considered a great bargain when compared with the other, more well-known Chicago neighborhoods.
Around Woodlawn
Where To Eat
Woodlawn is home to a number of Jamaican restaurants, making the neighborhood one of the best places in the city for those seeking out curry goat and jerk chicken dishes. Sandwiches, American fare, and generous portions of comfort food are also served up, with many of the eateries clustered on the west side of the neighborhood.
Friday Night Fun
Unwind with a couple after-dinner drinks at a lounge, then take in some culture by checking out an opera house or an art gallery on the north end of the neighborhood, where university students and locals alike have a chance to broaden their horizons or even display their own work. The Midway Plaisance, formerly the site of the World's Fair, is also a host for several festivals that bring in crowds of music fans on warm summer evenings.
The Perfect Sunday
A walk through Jackson Park provides some of the most picturesque views the city has to offer. Take in the very same natural beauty that once welcomed visitors from around the world over a century ago. Golfers can gather up their clubs and hit the park's course for a quick nine, weather permitting. On chillier days, head to one of the coffee shops to enjoy a local brew and a pastry.
Transportation Options
Woodlawn is serviced by the CTA's Green Line. The final two stops, King Drive and Cottage Grove, drop you off in the heart of Woodlawn. There is also a Metra line that stops at 59th Street and 67th Street, making travel to the city or the southern suburbs a breeze. The southernmost part of Chicago's famous Lakeshore Drive also terminates in Woodlawn, making driving north into the city scenic and easy. Not far from Woodlawn to the west is the Interstate 90/94 split, which is an easy way to drive into Chicago or nearby Indiana.
Living Here
Locals Love
Local businesses with a friendly touch • A tight-knit and proud community • A short walk to the lake
Residents Say
The next several years are poised to reshape and redefine Woodlawn, with the Obama Library moving in and redesign of the Jackson Park golf course by Tiger Woods in the works. Although the neighborhood is definitely going to become more popular in the coming years, I think Woodlawn is ready for the spotlight.
- Woodlawn Resident
Homes for Sale
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