$266,294Average Value$172Average Price per Sq Ft44Homes For Sale
Changes in the Soul City Corridor
Austin, a community in West Side Chicago, has a history that can be seen in vintage buildings, many over 100 years old. The Lake Street train line extension in the 1890s led to Austin growing and flourishing for over 50 years. Today, Austin retains some grand historical architecture, but newer construction has been added over the decades.
Vanessa Stokes, a resident for over a decade and president of the Austin Town Hall Park Advisory Council, says, "There are a lot of changes happening, including infrastructure improvements, especially around the major corridors." One of these, the Soul City Corridor, runs along Chicago Avenue from Cicero to Austin avenues. "Because of negative media about West Side, folks don't see the benefits here," Stokes says. "But that's what we're working on. Austin is awesome."
Kera's Hair Biz offers locals the option for great haircuts in Austin.
Locals like to shop for groceries at Avenue Foods in Austin.
Urban Essentials Coffee Cafe has great coffee in Austin.
The Soul City Corridor has many businesses and places for community engagement in Austin.
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ASPIRE Initiative, INVEST South/West
Austin is one of Chicago's INVEST South/West's priority communities for commercial corridor improvement. The Austin Neighborhood Roundtable, formed in 2020, is a testament to the engagement of residents in collaboration with the city. Austin United Alliance is a $37.5-million mixed-use development planned for the site of the Laramie Bank building. Plans call for a blues museum, business incubator and mixed-income apartments.
The Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation is also in the works as part of the ASPIRE Initiative, led by non-profits the Westside Health Authority and Austin Coming Together. ASPIRE is planning a wellness campus and multitiered income-level housing. “As a lifelong Austin resident, one thing I love about this community is the commitment and passion that members and residents have,” says Darnell Shields, executive director of Austin Coming Together. “There are hundreds of organizations, institutions and leaders that passionately serve Austin’s children and families and are deeply committed to the progress and interconnectedness of this community.” Another health authority endeavor is 100 Men 100 Homes, which provides house renovations while teaching job skills.
The Art Deco Laramie State Bank is in the National Register of Historic Places in Austin.
Aspire Center will help locals gain skills for entering the workforce in Austin.
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From Queen Annes to rehab properties
"Austin has one of the best housing stocks in the city," Stokes says. "We have multiple types of housing: your typical single-family home, but also Chicago bungalows, two-flats and Victorians." Early examples include Queen Anne, shingle-style and Prairie-influenced architecture. Some of these were built by Frederick Schock, the original architect of Austin, and are now designated as historic landmarks.
Single-family homes make up approximately 20% of the neighborhood's residences, while apartments comprise 25%. Newer builds include condominiums and multiunit buildings. Though older homes in need of rehab or compact condo units can sell for under $75,000, most properties are about $200,000 to $360,000. At the high end, a two-unit luxury duplex built in 2023 was listed at close to $650,000.
Austin brownstones are a very common and reliable form of housing in the area.
Austin is becoming a hotspot for renovation of historical homes.
Austin features a few very large Queen Anne style homes.
Austin homes are very unique and were mostly built in the 20th century.
Austin gardeners are becoming very popular in the area.
Austin features many bungalows two story brownstones.
Austin features many historical architectural styles.
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Town Hall and Columbus Park
The Austin Town Hall building, used as a park field house and a community space, has a fitness center and kitchens and hosts arts programming. It's also the home of the Austin Town Hall City Market and a venue for festivals and events put on by Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
The Austin Town Hall Park Advisory Council, which Stokes presides over, focuses on creating opportunities for the community, with a push to increase cultural programs and spaces for youth. Stewardship and maintenance of the park are another goal. "It's an asset to Austin. The front-facing park is one of the emblems of the community." She says the park's prominent location makes it stand out; those arriving in Austin can see it from the L.
To the south, Columbus Park spans over 140 acres and is one of the few parks in the country that's a National Historic Landmark. Columbus features a fitness center, a swimming pool, a senior center and paths for cycling and jogging.
Columbus Park is a gem of Austin.
A community space, the Austin Town Hall building features a copper bell tower.
Residents like to exercise at Columbus Park with a friendly game of pickup football in Austin.
Youth basketball league takes place at the field house in Columbus Park in Austin.
Families take advantage of the many biking trails in Austin.
There are many beautiful fields fit for baseball practice in Austin.
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Central and Laramie L stations
The Chicago Transit Authority's L provides easy transport throughout Chicago. Stations close to home include Austin, Central and Laramie. Those driving can take State route 64 east or west and State route 50 north or south. Interstate 290 runs south of Columbus Park. For air travel, Austin's in an optimal spot: "It's convenient, in between the airports," Stokes says. "You can get to Midway or O'Hare in 20 to 30 minutes.
The Laramie Green Line stop is conveniently right in Austin.
Austin is located right on the CTA Green Line.
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Austin's soul food and other eats
Homestyle Southern cooking is found at MacArthur's Restaurant, where the menu includes fried chicken, baked catfish and beef short ribs. Coleman's 2 Ribs & Tips serves the requisite barbecued meats plus seafood and burgers. There's also The Licking, a soul food restaurant chain owned by DJ Khaled. Other eateries range from fast food to the Vegan World Cafe and Chyros Famous Halal Food.
Washington Square Mall has a Food4Less and assorted stores. Other options include Mario's Butcher Shop, Walmart and Aldi. For fresh produce, locals stop by the Austin Town Hall City Market, held every Thursday in June through early November.
Austin features some well known barbecue spots like Rib Palace.
Locals love the barbecue options at Coleman's 2 Ribs And Tips in Austin.
MacArthur's Restaurant is a favorite for soul food for locals in Austin.
Barney's Pizzeria offers pizza by the slice in Austin.
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Howe, then high school academies
Public schools include the Howe School of Excellence, graded C-minus by Niche and serving kindergarten through eighth grade. Highlights include a school garden that opened in 2023 and family events like the Sunny Funny Fair and Howe-lloween.
Students can go on to attend high schools like Douglass Academy, graded C, and Austin College and Career Academy, graded C-minus. One stated goal of the ASPIRE Initiative is to elevate ACCA's academic status.
Douglass Academy High School is the home of the Tigers.
Howe School of Excellence is the home of the Jets and serves over 400 students in Austin.
Overview of the Austin College & Career Academy High School campus.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Marla Schneider,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Austin Town Hall Park
Basketball
Pool
Playground
Moore Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Soccer
Hazelnut Park
Playground
LaFollette Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Pool
Austin Park
Trails
Playground
Waterpark
Columbus Park
Baseball/Softball
Football
Golf
Levin Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Trails
Hubbard Park
Basketball
Trails
Playground
Galewood Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Trails
Transit
Airport
Chicago Midway International
15 min drive
Subway
Laramie Station
Subway
Central Station (Green Line)
Subway
Austin Station (Green Line)
Bus
Division & Lamon
Bus
Cicero & Van Buren
Bus
Laramie & Ohio
Bus
Austin & Berkshire & Potomac
Bus
Central & Division
Bus
Cicero & Wabansia
Bus
Roosevelt Rd & 50th Ave
Reviews
Niche Reviews
2.6103 Reviews
5.0Current Resident
6/3/2018Niche Review
I currently live in the austin area. I would like to have a red light put at the corner of lorel and huron because that is a very dangerous corner and kids are always crossing that street because of the Howe school.
2.0Current Resident
12/21/2016Niche Review
The Austin area of Chicago is a friendly yet dangerous neighborhood. everyone knows everyone but there are still things that happen like shootings.
2.0Niche User
6/27/2016Niche Review
On a daily basis there is gun fire erupting within the area. Having grandchildren, it is difficult to allow them to play in front of the house, and never leave to walk to neighbors house. Before now children had safe streets in which to play, now they stay inside and play on the video games for fun. That is not healthy.
3.0Current Resident
8/9/2019Niche Review
Lived here since 2008 and have seen the gradual decrease in safety and cleanliness. The nearby schools have either shut down or decreased in quality. Predominantly an African American neighborhood and with an increase in Latin American people.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Austin
US
Homicide
8
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Austin, Chicago sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Austin, Chicago over the last 12 months is $263,536, up 6% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
***AMAZING HOME with LOW PROPERTY TAXES!!***Welcome to this stunning, designer-crafted single-family home that combines luxury and functionality in every corner. With impeccable attention to detail, this home features beautiful hardwood floors throughout, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The open-concept layout flows effortlessly from room to room, making it ideal for both family living
Absolutely STUNNING new construction home with over 2,000 sq ft of luxury living superbly designed and executed!! A great size sun filled living room and dining room featuring a spectacular chandelier includes beautiful hardware wood flooring throughout, perfect for entertaining and making memories. ELEGANT high-end finishes. Following will be the massive kitchen featuring 44" cabinets, dazzling
**Exceptional Investment Opportunity in Austin!** Discover the potential of this solid brick two-flat nestled in the thriving, highly sought-after Austin community! Each spacious unit offers two bedrooms and a formal dining room, with the first-floor unit duplexed down to a basement that was once finished with additional bedrooms and a half bath for added convenience. Whether you're a seasoned
Fully Renovated Redstone 2-Flat in West Garfield Park/Austin! This stunning rehab is move-in ready and packed with updates: tuckpointing throughout, brand new roof on both the building and garage, new back porch, new plumbing, new furnace, and new A/C in both units! Step inside to find gleaming hardwood floors and spacious layouts. Both units feature large living rooms and expansive separate
Welcome to this beautifully maintained brick home, ideally situated just a short stroll from the vibrant heart of downtown Oak Park. Featuring 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 full baths, this property offers the perfect blend of classic charm and modern convenience. Step inside to discover a warm and inviting living space, perfect for both relaxing and entertaining. The generous bedrooms provide
Spacious 3-bedroom apartment available for rent in the South Austin neighborhood. This well-maintained unit features hardwood floors and generously sized rooms throughout, offering plenty of space for comfortable living. Conveniently located near schools, public transportation, local shops, and the I-290 expressway, this apartment combines comfort and accessibility in one great package. 650
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Marla Schneider,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
66,784
Median Age
38
Population Density
20 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
16.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$36,142
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$54,360
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
83.3%
College Graduates
12.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
5.1%
% Population in Labor Force
54.5%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
40''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
74/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
74/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
67/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
