Irving Park
Originally dubbed “Irvington” in honor of Sleepy Hollow author Washington Irving, this northern Chicago neighborhood began to take shape in the late 1800s. Chicagoans in search of a low-key area, but still close enough to work downtown, quickly realized the suburban glory of Irving Park. It didn’t take long before the neighborhood was brimming with culture and community.
Because housing was more affordable here, it appealed not only to those with generous pocket books, but middle class citizens as well. In the 1930s Irving Park became a popular destination for many Eastern European immigrants and as a result, there are plenty of Polish and European influences in the neighborhood today. Recent years have seen a huge swell in Irving Park’s Hispanic population; Latinos now make up almost half of the neighborhood’s residents.
Irving Park has an active commercial segment that sprouted from a long line of merchant settlers and independent store owners. A good portion of the businesses are service-related, however, there is a healthy dining district in Irving Park with several neighborhood taverns and music venues for those who seek the nightlife. Irving Park Road and Montrose Avenue (the main drags) are the community’s happening havens. Residents visit these strips to do the errands and then return in the evening to grab a bite to eat and have a drink at a local pub.
There’s no shortage of sports, culture and family-fun in this northwest side Chicago neighborhood. Outdoor parks and recreational centers provide tons of activities for youths and adults alike. When the weather is nice, you can spend the afternoon playing baseball, soccer or tennis at the historic Independence Park. Swim a few laps in the pool, beef up at the weightlifting facilities, or just hang out in the park’s rec center. Horner Park is another extracurricular destination that offers countless educational programs ranging from art, music and theater classes for children to dance lessons for senior citizens. Add California and Revere parks to Irving Park’s list of open air retreats and it’s easy to see why the neighborhood is such a popular place for Chicago families to settle down.
Real estate prices are as wide-ranging as the economic and ethnic mix of the community. The home sale price for a one-bedroom condo in Irving Park averages around $180,000, while two-bedrooms are priced between $150,000 and $400,000. Irving Park’s quaint townhouses can cost anywhere from $300,000 to $800,000, typically depending on the number of rooms and condition of the home. Also tucked along the streets of Irving Park are a number of two and three-flat condos, frame houses and cozy bungalows. Much of the architecture here is reminiscent of the comfortable residences that make up Chicago’s Oak Park suburb. Similarly, the quiet side streets are devoted to family life with sidewalk lined blocks and grass-covered yards.
- CLICK HERE FOR IRVING PARK NEIGHBORHOOD MAP
- CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT REAL ESTATE IN IRVING PARK
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Irving Park Restaurants & Bars |
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Irving Park Resources |  |
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Irving Park Schools |
Dining in Irving Park
| Brudder's 3600 N. Pulaski Rd. |
Golden Nugget Pancake House 4229 W Irving Park Rd Cuisine: Breakfast |
| Lavilla Restaurant & Pizzeria 3632 N Pulaski Rd Cuisine: Italian |
Java Thai 4272 W Irving Park Rd Cuisine: Thai |
| Jester Wennies Pulled Beef 3930 N Pulaski Rd Cuisine: American |
Number 1 Chop Suey 4307 W Irving Park Rd Cuisine: Asian |
| Old Irving Park Tap Sports Bar 4217 W. Irving Park Road |
Siam Taste Noodle 4323 W Addison St Cuisine: Asian |
| Thai Aree House 3592 N Milwaukee Ave Cuisine: Thai |
Unforgetable Lounge 4206 W Irving Park Rd |
Resources in Irving Park
| Hospitals Ravenswood Health Care Ctr 4211 N Cicero Ave # 205 Medex Inc 3217 N Kilpatrick Ave |
Post Office 3319 N Cicero Ave |
Entertainment in Irving Park
| Logan Theatre 2646 N Milwaukee Ave |
Granite Gallery 3430 W Henderson St |
| Zeitgeist Theater Chicago |
Chicago Kids Co 4050 N Milwaukee Ave |
Shopping in Irving Park
| Bart's Coins & Collectibles 3939 N Pulaski Rd |
Belmont Antiques 3801 N Pulaski Rd |
| Chicago Bibles & Books 3931 W Irving Park Rd |
Euro CD Inc 3934 W School St |
| Millennium Polish Book Store 3265 N Milwaukee Ave |
Selenis Boutique 4310 N Milwaukee Ave |
Schools in Irving Park
| Belding Elementary School 4257 N Tripp Ave |
Chicago National College 3330 N Milwaukee Ave |
| Gourmet Soiree Inc 4039 N Harding Ave |
Irving Park Middle School 3815 N Kedvale Ave |
| Pivot Point Intl 3901 W Irving Park Rd |
Schurz High School 3601 N Milwaukee Ave |
| St Viator School 4140 W Addison St |
© 2010 Chicago City & Neighborhood Guide
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