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.
