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Overview
Only seven miles northwest of the Loop, Irving Park is an expansive neighborhood that reaches from the Chicago River on the east all the way to the Milwaukee railroad tracks on the west, with Addison Street bordering the south and Montrose Avenue on the north. It consists of eight different sub-neighborhoods, the most notable being Old Irving Park, which is renowned for its quiet streets and beautiful old mansions--often referred to as a "suburb within a city." Irving Park is home to some of Chicago's most historic houses including several that predate the Chicago Fire of 1871, some of which were safe houses in the Underground Railroad. While "Old Irving" consists of historically preserved homes, you can also find new construction in the townhomes that are still being built along Milwaukee Avenue, making it a great mix of families and newcomers.
The neighborhood has some of Chicago's best restaurants with food ranging from Thai and Mexican to authentic Italian. It is pretty residential but with easy access to nightlife along Milwaukee Avenue in Logan Square and Wicker Park. While the nightlife might look different than what you find in other parts of the city, many artisan shops, restaurants, and cafes can be found on every block. Irving Park is also home to two breweries and a cider house, attracting Chicagoans who are looking for a low-key night out.
Homes in Irving Park
Where To Live
Far from the high-rise buildings of downtown Chicago, Irving Park housing revolves around, well, houses. Many historic homes still stand, either restored to their former splendor or showing just a hint of the original design. If you want to get your hands dirty, there are still plenty of homes that need renovating, too. And, of course, many single-family homes in the area have been converted into duplexes and apartments to fit more residents' lifestyles and budgets.
Price Vibes
Since Irving Park has some of Chicago's oldest homes, the prices can drastically vary. Most of the neighborhood is very affordable but in areas such as The Villa, which was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, home prices can reach well into the millions. Even so, the median home price is significantly less than you will find in North Side neighborhoods like North Center and more comparable to what you'll see in areas like Avondale.
Around Irving Park
Where To Eat
Perhaps not surprisingly, much of the culinary scene in Irving Park revolves around Irving Park Road. It's not only one of the neighborhood's main thoroughfares, but also one of the city's major east-to-west roads, too. On it, you'll find everything from casual American fare to Polish eats to Moroccan food. Pulaski Road has lots of culinary life as well.
Friday Night Fun
As it's a quieter, family neighborhood, Irving Park won't have the bustling nightlife scene that you might find in youth-centric or downtown areas. With that being said, Irving Park is by no means a boring place to live. Catch a play at one of the handful of neighborhood theaters or jam out to live music at a neighborhood lounge. You'll find an array of neighborhood bars and pubs, too; the busiest ones will be on streets like Irving Park, Pulaski, Kedzie and Milwaukee.
The Perfect Sunday
The Irving Park Historical Society has done a fine job at maintaining the homes and areas that best represent the neighborhood's turn-of-the-century beginnings. Therefore, a lazy Sunday is best spent taking a stroll around to admire their work. Check out the Villa District, which drew its architectural inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright's style. You'll see great examples of unique Craftsman and Prairie-style homes on your walk.
Transportation Options
The Blue Line has two stations in Irving Park: Addison and Irving Park. Either of these will take you to O'Hare or to the Loop. The Grayland Metra station provides direct access to Union Station in the Loop. Milwaukee Avenue, Irving Park Road, and Montrose Avenue, and Addison Street all have bus routes running east/west, while you can travel north/south along the Kimball Avenue bus route. Kennedy expressway also cuts through this neighborhood, offering direct access to Downtown. While most of the neighborhood is fairly spread out, Horner Park features trails for running and biking and Old Irving Park boasts clusters of bars and restaurants along Milwaukee Avenue that are easily navigated by foot.
Living Here
Locals Love
Safe and quiet • Rich history • Affordable housing • Access to CTA trains and buses and Kennedy Expressway
Residents Say
Irving Park feels like the center of the city--it's so close to downtown and a lot of other neighborhoods but it's also unique, historic, and residential.
- Irving Park Resident
Homes for Sale
Think Irving Park might be the right neighborhood for you?
There are plenty of potential dream homes for sale!
View Listings in Irving Park