Humboldt Park
This west side Chicago neighborhood is defined by its 200+ acre public park (aptly named Humboldt Park), where there is never a shortage of open green areas, sporting activities, community festivals and family-oriented events. Dating back to 1869, this landmark recreational lot has always been one of Humboldt Park's major draws. In fact, with the development of the park, real estate suddenly became a thing of value in the area and many folks moved from Chicago's crowded downtown district to this spacious outlying borough. A small river flows through the landscape emptying into Humboldt Park Pond and hundred-year-old trees shade the grassy expanses in between paved trails and athletic fields. Humboldt Park's serene setting is complemented by a slew of active recreation facilities, including music courtyard, boathouse, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, swimming pool, fitness center and running paths-are you exhausted yet? Well, get in a nap and then head back to the park at dusk to watch a movie on the big screen, out under the stars, or enjoy the occasional live band at the Concert in the Park series.
During the 1960s, the Humboldt Park neighborhood saw an influx of Puerto Rican immigrants who greatly contributed to the cultural diversity of the community and also infused the local eateries with regional cuisine. Check it out yourself with a visit to Borinquen Restauant. This restaurant is one of Chicago's most popular spots for Puerto Rican fare with its specialty jibarito sandwiches, chockfull of meat, veggies and cheese. Oh and the best part? The bread has been replaced by fried plantains (sort of like bananas). Sure it sounds a little strange, but once you've tried it you'll agree Subway could seriously learn a thing or two from these guys. The food at Borinquen is so good it has gained national acclaim and was highlighted by both the Food Network and Travel & Leisure Magazine. Boriquen gets pretty packed, especially since it was plugged on TV and in print, so Humboldt Parkers who want to avoid the crowds, head over to Papa's Cache Sabroso on Division Street. You can still get those tasty plantain sandwiches here, but we suggest trying one of the restaurant's slow-roasted pork and chicken dishes, served with a pile of rice and beans for about $5. You'll also find plenty of Mexican taquerias and a few pizza joints along the way. And don't forget to grab dessert at one of Humboldt Park's local bakeries, we recommend Roeser's and TipsyCake.
So now you know Humboldt Park is famous, both for its beautiful parkland and its Puerto Rican dining options. But how does the neighborhood's housing market match up? For the most part, Humboldt Park's residential streets are comprised of greystones (built in the late 1800s during the area's population rise), two-flat homes (constructed in the early 1900s), brick bungalows and frame houses (popular between 1910 and 1940), and small apartment buildings. It may be quite the mix, but the variety of architectural styles work in harmony to create Humboldt Park's eye-catching residential blocks. Leaf-covered trees, sizeable backyards and quiet streets add to the quaint neighborhood charm, making Humboldt Park a hotspot for all sorts of Chicagoans, from families to artists to young professionals.
In Humboldt Park, a one bedroom condo or loft is generally valued in the low $200,000s. Vigilant house hunters will find plenty of deals under $150,000, though. Two bedrooms knock the sale price up to around $275,000 to start and can easily reach $400,000, depending on size and amenities. And then there are three bedroom condos and townhomes (ideal for families) that run between $250,000 and $500,000. Detached single-family homes in Humboldt Park sell the quickest in this family-oriented community, thanks to extra living space and coveted yards. These individual properties have an average sales price of around $280,000 (for a three bedroom). But if you're looking for something a little more luxurious, Humboldt Park has a selection of residences in the low $400,000 to million-dollar range.
- CLICK HERE FOR HUMBOLDT PARK NEIGHBORHOOD MAP
- CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT REAL ESTATE IN HUMBOLDT PARK
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Interested in Humboldt Park real estate? |  |
Humboldt Park Restaurants & Bars |
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Humboldt Park Resources |  |
Humboldt Park Shopping |
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Humboldt Park Entertainment |  |
Humboldt Park Schools |
Dining in Humboldt Park
| Best Submarine 2729 W Division St Cuisine: American |
California Clipper 1002 N. California Ave |
| Garcia's Place 1110 N California Ave Cuisine: Mexican |
Illusion Night Club 2525 W Division St |
| Latin American Restaurant 2743 W Division St Cuisine: Mexican |
Marta Restaurant 1143 N California Ave Cuisine: Mexican |
| Night Prowlers 3343 W Chicago Ave |
Serio Cosimo 2759 W Augusta Blvd Cuisine: Mexican |
| Boston
Bar-B-Q 2932 W. Chicago |
Flying
Saucer 1123 N. California Cuisine: American |
Resources in Humboldt Park
| Hospitals Norwegian-American Hospital 1044 N Francisco Ave Women's Health Ctr 1044 N Francisco Ave Mt Sinai Hospital Medical Ctr 1500 N Fairfield Ave |
Post Office 2419 W Monroe St 1635 W Division St, |
Parking in Humboldt Park
| 1532 N Milwaukee Ave | 824 N Marshfield Ave |
| 15 N Paulina St | 1640 W Jackson Blvd |
Entertainment in Humboldt Park
| Chopin Theatre 1543 W Division St |
Still Point Theatre Collective 1337 W Ohio St |
| Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art 2320 West Chicago Avenue |
The Ukrainian National Museum 721 N. Oakley Ave |
| Black
Beetle Bar and Grill 2532 W. Chicago |
Brother's
Palace 939 N. Pulaski |
Shopping in Humboldt Park
| Mega Mall 2502 N Milwaukee Ave |
Luz a la Familia Books 2425 W Division |
| Lily's Record Shop 2733 W Division St |
Music Spot 2627 W Division |
| Sass 2050 W. Division |
Aion Antiques 2135 W Division St |
Schools in Humboldt Park
| Campos High School 2739 W Division St |
Chopin School 2450 W Rice St |
| City Colleges of Chicago 1645 N California Ave |
Duprey School 1405 N Washtenaw Ave |
| Humboldt Community Christian 1847 N Humboldt Blvd |
Lafayette Elementary 2714 W Augusta Blvd |
| Puerto Rican High 2739 W Division St |
St. Mark School 2510 W Cortez St |
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