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Brainerd

Brainerd

Neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois

Cook County 60620

$220,208 Average Value
$157 Average Price per Sq Ft
26 Homes For Sale

Historic neighborhood with a bright future

Southwest of downtown Chicago, Brainerd’s tree-lined streets are just far enough from the bustle of city life to enjoy peace and quiet. Brainerd is a community where many people who grew up here stay to raise their own families. Much of the neighborhood is within the Brainerd Bungalow Historic District, so named because of the many Chicago bungalows built in (and still standing) between 1915 and 1931. The north-south streets in this Historic District are all one-way roads, which keep traffic and speeding to a minimum. “This is an up-and-coming, beautiful neighborhood that’s close to the interstate and a quick commute to Chicago,” says Rogina Alexander, a Realtor with Listing Leaders Northwest, Inc. “It is near the Indiana/Illinois border and just minutes from shopping areas and restaurants. One of the best highlights of the area is that the taxes are really reasonable. “

There are homes for a variety of different budgets available in Brainerd.
There are homes for a variety of different budgets available in Brainerd.
Downtown Chicago is so close that the skyline is usually visible in Brainerd.
Downtown Chicago is so close that the skyline is usually visible in Brainerd.
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An abundance of bungalows

Although bungalows are the most predominant home style, there are also multi-family apartments and two-unit flats. Single-family homes tend to sit back from the street, with sidewalks separating lawns from easements. Most single-family homes have private driveways and detached garages. Home prices range from around $145,000 for a 3-bedroom bungalow to about $435,000 for a refurbished, 4-bedroom bungalow.

Chicago bungalow homes are common in Brainerd.
Chicago bungalow homes are common in Brainerd.
There are many affordable housing options in Brainerd.
There are many affordable housing options in Brainerd.
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STEM programs and early degrees

School children in Brainerd begin their education at Fort Dearborn Elementary, which serves kindergarten through Grade 8. The school has a C-minus rating and a 14-1 student-teacher ratio. Corliss High School has a D-plus rating. The school has an integrated STEM curriculum that permits students to earn an associate degree in fields like web development and network technology.

Fort Dearborn Elementary is a public school with 342 students.
Fort Dearborn Elementary is a public school with 342 students.
Corliss High School has a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1.
Corliss High School has a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1.
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Playgrounds and parks

After work and school, adults and kids alike often head to one of Brainerd’s three parks. Wallace Playground Park has a playground and small open space, perfect for younger ones to burn off energy. Robichaux Park is nearly 14 acres and features an indoor gymnasium and outside basketball and tennis courts, sports fields and a walking trail. Parkgoers can participate in afterschool and sports programs. The park also hosts family friendly events such as an annual talent show. The 9.5-acre Brainerd Park sits at the heart of the neighborhood. The park contains several sports fields, tennis courts and a playground. The park’s field house hosts events like the Community Black History Exhibit in its multi-purpose rooms. In winter, it serves as a warming center. Residents congregate for cookouts and good times during holidays or when the weather is nice.

Kids enjoy the basketball court at Brainerd Park in Brainerd.
Kids enjoy the basketball court at Brainerd Park in Brainerd.
Residents enjoy the playground and swings in Robichaux Park.
Residents enjoy the playground and swings in Robichaux Park.
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Small shops, supermarkets and sandwiches

Long-standing business strip Ashton Avenue offers local businesses such as eateries, tattoo parlors, beauty salons and dollar stores. There is also a Jewel-Osco where shoppers can pick up groceries. Flippin’ Flavors may look like a little strip mall eatery on the outside, but its fresh ingredients and healthy sandwiches earn it an oversized 5-star rating from Yelp reviewers. Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery is a local hot spot in Beverly, where residents can enjoy locally sourced wines and meads and attend weddings and other events. In addition to Blossom, there are a handful of dance and live music spots in or near Brainerd. Bar 91 on Ashland Avenue has daily events, such as Soul’d Out Saturdays, NFL Sundays, and Karaoke Tuesdays. Harte’s Saloon is a local dive bar that books local rock bands and blues musicians.

Top Notch Beefburgers has a fantastic diner menu with a nostalgic atmosphere in Brainerd.
Top Notch Beefburgers has a fantastic diner menu with a nostalgic atmosphere in Brainerd.
Jewel Osco in Brainerd is a great grocery option.
Jewel Osco in Brainerd is a great grocery option.
Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery has a fantastic event space for special occasions in Brainerd.
Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery has a fantastic event space for special occasions in Brainerd.
Bar 91 is a favorite hangout spot for locals in Brainerd.
Bar 91 is a favorite hangout spot for locals in Brainerd.
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Lollapalooza and local events

In July, the community comes together to host an after-party for Pride South Side. The annual event happens in Hyde Park, just a few miles from Brainerd. “It’s one thing to attend Pride somewhere else, but it’s more comfortable in your own backyard, where your own people celebrate you. We’re wearing the flags with them," says Shon Henry, a local resident. In August, many residents head down to Chicago’s lakefront for Lollapalooza, a four-day music festival held annually in Grant Park. Attendees can check out the dozens of food trucks lined up at Chow Town between artist sets.

There are homes for a variety of different budgets available in Brainerd.
There are homes for a variety of different budgets available in Brainerd.
Downtown Chicago is so close that the skyline is usually visible in Brainerd.
Downtown Chicago is so close that the skyline is usually visible in Brainerd.
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Commuting in and around town

Brainerd is a 12-mile drive from downtown Chicago via Interstate 94. Midway International Airport is 9 miles from the neighborhood. The community is bordered to the south by U.S. Highway 20. Vincennes Avenue cuts through the middle of Brainerd and also provides access to downtown. Many commuters use Metra, the primary rail system for the greater Chicago metro area, which stops regularly at the Brainerd Train Station.

There are many bus stops scattered throughout Brainerd.
There are many bus stops scattered throughout Brainerd.
The Brainerd Metra stop connects Brainerd to Chicago.
The Brainerd Metra stop connects Brainerd to Chicago.
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Robin Beres
Written By
Robin Beres
James Segars
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James Segars

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 Jennifer Upshaw, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Chicago Midway International

19 min drive

Train

Brainerd Station

Bus

95th Street & Throop

Bus

95th Street & Union

Bus

95th Street & Peoria

Bus

95th Street & Morgan

Bus

95th Street & Halsted

Bus

95th Street & Vincennes (Metra Station)

Bus

95th Street & Vincennes

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Brainerd US
Homicide 8 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 2 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$247,000
Median Single Family Price
$254,000
Median Townhouse Price
$119,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$157
Number of Homes for Sale
26
Last 12 months Home Sales
108
Months of Supply
2.90
Median List Price
$259,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
37%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
3,303
Median Year Built
1949
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,193
Above the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,237
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,920

Open Houses

  • Wednesday, Apr 30
    5am - 7pm

    9101 S Wallace St, Chicago, IL 60620

    $280,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,100 Sq Ft
    • 9101 S Wallace St
    • New 6 days ago

    Amazing opportunity to Own this masterfully rehabbed home in the Washington Heights area! Featuring an oversized corner lot with Open Concept, Stainless Steel Appliances in the Kitchen 3 bedrooms on the main level with a large primary in the lower level! This home has a Privately enclosed backyard that is perfect for outdoor gatherings in the summer time. PERFECT FOR THE FIRST TIME BUYER!

    Bryant Triplett RE/MAX 10

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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 Jennifer Upshaw, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
11,639
Median Age
44
Population Density
17 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$50,817
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$63,870

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
88.1%
College Graduates
21%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
9.1%
% Population in Labor Force
51.9%
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

Bikeable

Bike Score®

62 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

62 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

65 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

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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
Brainerd
Jennifer Upshaw
L. Upshaw Realty
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