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Back of the Yards

Back of the Yards

Neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois

Cook County 60609, 60621, 60636

$184,555 Average Value
$136 Average Price per Sq Ft
18 Homes For Sale

Urban streets in Back of the Yards

Situated about 7 miles southwest of Chicago’s city center and scattered with railroads, Back of the Yards was named after the sprawling Union Stock Yards, a meatpacking facility that once called the area home. “Home prices are much lower than the surrounding communities north of here,” says Roberto Almazan, associate broker with Su Familia Real Estate, who has been in the industry for nearly 18 years. “There’s nowhere else in the city you can buy a four-unit property with only 4% down conventional and immediately have a cash flow property. It’s the new frontier for investors,” Almazan says. Locals can enjoy easy public transit options, locally owned shops, and restaurants, and it is home to Sherman Park, one of the nation’s first urban parks.

Set against the back of the Chicago stock yards, Back of the Yards is a growing neighborhood.
Set against the back of the Chicago stock yards, Back of the Yards is a growing neighborhood.
The historic Union Stock Yards Gate in Back of the Yards is still standing after 100years.
The historic Union Stock Yards Gate in Back of the Yards is still standing after 100years.
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Greystones, rowhouses and bungalows

Back of the Yards is home to an array of classic, Chicago-style architecture from Greystones and rowhomes with pointed gabled roofs often converted into multifamily units to bungalows. Many properties were built in the early 1900s, while new construction and rehabbed homes are popping up. Home costs in the area tend to be lower than those in surrounding neighborhoods, with median prices for a single-family home hovering around $150,000. Prices can range drastically from as low as $10,000 to the $100,000s for complete teardowns or modest, cosmetic fixer-uppers to the upper $200,000s for a newly built three-bedroom home, to the upper $400,000s for a three-unit brick rowhouse.

Bungalows line most blocks around Chicagos' Back of the Yards area.
Bungalows line most blocks around Chicagos' Back of the Yards area.
Rows of Brick Two-Flat Homes Back of The  Yards, Chicago
Rows of Brick Two-Flat Homes Back of The Yards, Chicago
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After-school activities at Sherman School

The community is a part of the Chicago Public School District No. 299, with various schools in the neighborhood. Local elementary and middle school students may attend the Sherman School of Excellence, scoring a C on Niche. Sherman partners with after-school programs, including Girl Scouts, the University of Chicago Science Club and the Urban Gateways Musical Partnership, allowing students to continue learning and growing outside the classroom. Students then may attend Back of The Yards College Preparatory High School, an International Baccalaureate World School with a B-plus rating on Niche.

Hamline Elementary School of Back of the Yards
Hamline Elementary School of Back of the Yards
Sherman School of Excellence, Back of the Yards, Chicago
Sherman School of Excellence, Back of the Yards, Chicago
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Indoor and outdoor recreation at Sherman Park

Residents flock to Sherman Park in the summer for a dip in the outdoor pool, stroll around the lagoon, or play at one of the park’s numerous sports facilities. Sherman Park is also home to an indoor fitness center, two gymnasiums and the Sherman Park Branch library for rainy day escapes. Smaller, numerous city parks are also scattered around the community, such as Lowe Park on the neighborhood’s east side, which features a playground, basketball court, and multi-use sports fields.

Sherman Park Playground, Back of the Yards-Chicago, IL
Sherman Park Playground, Back of the Yards-Chicago, IL
Sherman Park Field House, Back of the Yards-Chicago, IL
Sherman Park Field House, Back of the Yards-Chicago, IL
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Bodegas and local eateries

Aldi, Dollar Tree, and the numerous international markets cater to everyday needs. At the same time, retailers like The Home Depot and Advance Auto Parts are anchored along the neighborhood’s western border. After running errands, locals can stop for a bite to eat in one of the numerous locally-owned eateries. “There are tons of thriving locally owned restaurants in the area, and many have been around for decades,” says local Realtor Homero Garza. Joe’s Grill and Tom’s Place are local favorites for American diner classics. Restaurant Las Esperanzas Inc and La Cecina serve up authentic Mexican cuisine, while 4 Seasons has the best Vietnamese food in the area.

Local grocery stores in Back of the Yards have imported products from Mexico and Latin America.
Local grocery stores in Back of the Yards have imported products from Mexico and Latin America.
La Cecina has the best Mexican cuisine in the Back of the Yards area, stop in for the fajitas.
La Cecina has the best Mexican cuisine in the Back of the Yards area, stop in for the fajitas.
The Original Joe's Grill Serving Sandwiches, Hamburgers, Coffee and Donuts Back of the Yards
The Original Joe's Grill Serving Sandwiches, Hamburgers, Coffee and Donuts Back of the Yards
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Celebrations at Fiesta Back of the Yards

Numerous annual events by the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council exemplify the neighborhood’s close-knit community atmosphere. Thousands of Chicago locals gather for Fiesta Back of the Yards each summer. A range of games, carnival rides and live music fill 47th Street, all in support of funding community programs, including the senior shuttle bus and computer classes offered to Back of the Yards locals.

Subway and bus rides into downtown Chicago

Residents have nearby access to a range of public transit options for commutes into downtown Chicago less than 10 miles away. Locals can hop on the Orange Line on South Western Boulevard or the Red Line at 47th Street. Bus stops are scattered along major streets like South Laflin and Halsted. Interstates 55, 90, and 94 provide access into and out of the city for those who prefer to drive. Chicago Midway International Airport is about 5 miles west for those looking to travel even further, while Chicago O’Hare International is 30 miles away. In case of emergencies, Provident Hospital of Cook County is the closest general hospital, less than 4 miles away.

Back of the Yards quickly connects to downtown a long the CTA Red line.
Back of the Yards quickly connects to downtown a long the CTA Red line.
It's easy to get around in Back of the Yards with several active CTA Bus lines.
It's easy to get around in Back of the Yards with several active CTA Bus lines.
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Lillie Duston
Written By
Lillie Duston
Jarrod Bock
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Jarrod Bock

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 Ernestina Preciado, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Chicago Midway International

11 min drive

Bus

Racine & 49th Street

Bus

51st Street & Peoria

Bus

Damen & Garfield

Bus

Wells & 50th Street

Bus

Wells & 47th Street

Bus

Racine & 48th Street

Bus

Halsted & Garfield

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Back of the Yards US
Homicide 8 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 7 4
Robbery 9 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$175,000
Median Single Family Price
$199,950
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$253,950
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$105,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$136
Number of Homes for Sale
18
Last 12 months Home Sales
47
Months of Supply
4.60
Median List Price
$216,950
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-2%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,293
Median Year Built
1906
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,763
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,700
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
772
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,049

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 2pm

    5412 S Wood St, Chicago, IL 60609

    $349,900

    • 6 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 5412 S Wood St

    Welcome to 5412 S Wood St, Chicago, IL! This impressive 2-unit property offers a fantastic opportunity for both investors and owner-occupants seeking versatile living spaces and investment potential. Each unit features 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, providing comfortable and functional layouts for modern living. The unique feature of each unit having its own furnace and washer and dryer adds to

    Jerry Goodwin Coldwell Banker Realty

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Ernestina Preciado, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
24,489
Median Age
33
Population Density
15 ppl/acre
Population under 18
30.5%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.7%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$31,643
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$48,405

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
66.8%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
6.3%
Significantly below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
2.1%
% Population in Labor Force
56.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
40''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

63 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

61 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

60 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Back of the Yards