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Near South Side

This Chicago neighborhood is home to the historical Mercy Hospital. That explains why so many doctors and other medical professionals have settled into the area. On the opposite end of the spectrum, though, you'll find a number of artists who tend to come here to hole-up in one of the Near South Side's affordable studios or spacious lofts. Mercy Hospital is famed for being one of Chicago's last standing buildings after the Great Fire of 1871. The structure was just far enough from the disaster that it was never so much as grazed by a single flame. It remains a major part of the Near South Side's community culture today.

By the 1940s the Near South Side was a mainly industrial area with more factories and warehouses than homes. The few blocks of housing that did exist left much to be desired. Things really began to take off in the late 1960s when Mercy Hospital relocated within the neighborhood to larger grounds where it had room to expand its health care facilities, turning this south side Chicago neighborhood into a viable mini-medical district of its own. Those old warehouses of the 1940s are now modern loft-spaces and new construction developments are popping up all over the area, including a few dining establishments like China Town Café that offers Near South Side residents authentic Asian food staples, from fried rice to spicy chicken satay. For a more diverse selection of noodles and rice, check out Grand Palace. The crew behind this restaurant clearly understands how difficult it can be to choose between Mongolian, Korean and Chinese cuisine because the menu reflects influences from all three regions. When you're in the mood for something truly local, head over to Ricobene's and indulge in all of Chicago's favorites. From deep-dish pizza to pulled-pork sandwiches, you'll be in comfort food heaven.

One way Near South Siders balance a healthy lifestyle with the neighborhood's calorie-soaked cooking is visits to Dunbar Park. Located on the southern edge of the community, this public recreation spot offers tennis courts, a running track and enough lush green space for all your favorite outdoor activities. If you're in the mood for something a little more low-key, take a stroll through the neighborhood and check out the housing options.

You'll quickly notice that there aren't many detached homes in Chicago's Near South Side. Residential properties are mostly limited to high-rise condos and trendy warehouses-turned-lofts. If you scavenge high and low you just might find one of these rehabbed flats for under $100,000. That's quite a steal given the Near South Side's location close to some of Chicago's rapidly developing neighborhoods, like the South Loop and Douglas. If you're not into the whole open floor plan thing, there is also a good inventory of standard-design condos in the Near South Side ranging from the low $100,000s to the mid $300,000s.

• CLICK HERE FOR NEAR SOUTH SIDE NEIGHBORHOOD MAP
• CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT REAL ESTATE IN NEAR SOUTH SIDE

	Interested in Near South Side real estate?		Near South Side Restaurants & Bars
	Near South Side Resources		Near South Side Shopping
	Near South Side Entertainment		Near South Side Schools

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Dining in Near South Side

Blue Sea Drive Inn 427 W. Pershing Cuisine: American	Bronzeville Market & Deli 339 E. 26th Cuisine: American
Fisher Fish & Chicken 3901 S. King Cuisine: American/Seafood	Hong Kong Delight 327 E. 35th Cuisine: Asian
Mississippi Rick's 3351 S. King Cuisine: American	The Rib Joint 3851 S. Michigan Cuisine: Barbeque
Buster's Bar & Grill 233 E. Cermak	Wabash Tap 1233 S. Wabash
Saiko 1307 S. Wabash Cuisine: Japanese +	Room 12 1152 S. Wabash Cuisine: Contemporary
NetWorks at Hyatt Regency McCormick Place 2233 S. Martin Luther King Drive	Howie's 1310 S. Wabash
The Hall Lounge 2360 Cottage Grove	First National Frank of Chicago 333 E. Cermak

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Resources in Near South Side

Hospitals Bronzeville's Medical Center 300 E. Pershing Chen's Medical Center 100 E. 35th Michael Reese Hospital 2929 S. Ellis

Police Station Chicago Police 300 E. 29th

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Entertainment in Near South Side

Benches King Drive & 33rd	Dunbar Park S. Indiana & E 31st
Arie Crown Theatre at McCormick Place 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive	Mr. Ricky's Note 118 E. Cermak

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Shopping in Near South Side

Ashley Stewart 3455 S. King	Avenue 3427 S. King
Living World Book Store 3512 S. King	SMW Flea Market 3852 S. Indiana

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Schools in Near South Side

McKinley Alternative School 2925 S. Wabash	Raymond Elementary 3663 S. Wabash
Chicago Military Academy 3533 S. Giles	Dawson Technical Institute 3901 S. State
De La Salle High School 3455 S. Wabash	Doolittle East Intern School 535 E. 35th
Holy Angels 545 E. Oakbrook	Pershing Elementary 3113 E. Pershing
Phillips Academy 244 E. Pershing	St. James School 920 S. Wabash

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