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Overview
Anchored by the neighborhood's namesake--a 207-acre masterpiece of urban landscaping--Humboldt Park's humble beginning as a peripheral neighborhood has given way to a dynamic area that seems to be in a constant state of reinvention. Locally focused yet always welcoming, the neighborhood's emphasis on creating a friendly and community-oriented atmosphere is what makes Humboldt Park a popular area for West Side residents.
Named after world-renowned German naturalist and geographer Alexander von Humboldt (who, incidentally, never visited Chicago), the neighborhood today hosts multiple single-family homes and the city's ubiquitous three-flat homes--so condo seekers should have better luck in neighboring Logan Square or Wicker Park, although a handful do exist throughout the neighborhood. When compared to its easterly and northerly neighbors, Humboldt Park is friendlier to the first-time buyer and those who value a wallet-friendly price-per-square-foot.
Homes in Humboldt Park
Where To Live
There are several housing styles found throughout Humboldt Park, ranging from contemporary to mid-century. Houses and condominium complexes are found throughout the west side of Humboldt Park. Meanwhile, the east side features more recently renovated condominiums and homes. Vintage and modern architecture can be found in the smaller units south of Chicago Avenue.
Price Vibes
While Humboldt Park is often referred to as one neighborhood, local residents make a distinction between the eastern and western sides. East Humboldt Park is frequently considered to be on the edge of Wicker Park, and with prices to match. West Humboldt Park, which starts around the actual park, tends to be where the homes start to become more accessible. Generally speaking though, once you go west of Western (an area recently christened as the WOW district), you'll start to see why Humboldt Park is considered one of the better value neighborhoods on the West side of Chicago.
Around Humboldt Park
Where To Eat
This neighborhood is known for scrumptious family-owned restaurants and cafes. There are many options from casual bars to romantic bistros along Grand Avenue. Several restaurants boast that the 'local' feel is what draws locals and tourists alike to their venues. This is a neighborhood where stories are shared amongst grills and kitchens near the northeast part of Humboldt Park amidst striking decor, menus, and ambiance.
Friday Night Fun
Neighborhood cafes make for an engaging start to the evening along West Division Street. The neighborhood's international influence creates a vivid music scene at night. The perfect evening would include a casual walk past beautiful murals on every street followed by drinks at a local bar and grill.
The Perfect Sunday
The art and music scene features numerous performances at restaurants and park venues. The eclectic artwork and local vendors reflect the cosmopolitan nature of this neighborhood and make a Sunday walk uplifting and full of excitement. The unique and specialty bakeries are decadent and make for a great afternoon stop.
Transportation Options
While Humboldt Park itself does not have an 'L' stop, residents of the east side of the neighborhood are walking distance to two Blue Line stops, which will take you to the Loop in about 20 minutes and to O'Hare Airport in less than an hour. Major east/west bus routes run directly through the neighborhood, along North Avenue and Division Street, either of which will take you to Wicker Park's vast selection of nightlife spots and shops. North/south bus routes are found along California Avenue and Western Avenue.
While Humboldt Park is widely considered a picturesque neighborhood, it's not exactly the most convenient. There are a few mid-sized grocery stores and shops scattered around the neighborhood, but larger shopping trips will require a trip to Logan Square or Wicker Park. If you do need to travel by car or rideshare, you're only a few minutes from the Loop, as traffic is rarely a concern in Humboldt Park.
Living Here
Residents Say
Living on the east side of Humboldt Park is the perfect balance: we're just steps from the massive park or Wicker Park's Six Corners. Not only is it great for going out and enjoying the bars and restaurants in the area, but as a dog owner, having so much greenspace right around us is a blessing. The park itself is incredible--you can go fishing, swimming, or play a game of tennis with a friend, or simply sit on the patio and enjoy a drink at the Boathouse Cafe.
- Humboldt Park Resident
Homes for Sale
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