Section Image

East Pilsen

East Pilsen

Neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois

Cook County 60616

$531,409 Average Value
$294 Average Price per Sq Ft
3 Homes For Sale

Chicago living along the river

In the arm of the South Branch Chicago River, which winds its way along the neighborhood’s southern and eastern boundaries, East Pilsen is defined by its vibrant cultural celebrations, a thriving arts scene and proximity to major Illinois neighborhoods. An Amtrak yard is just north along the river, as well, meaning East Pilsen is close to both industry and downtown. “What makes East Pilsen so unique is that it’s like a little sub-neighborhood that most people don’t know about,” says Benjamin Lissner, a Realtor, team leader and co-founder of the HL2R Group under Baird & Warner. “It has a real sense of community. There’s a park in the center that’s the heart of the area and it has proximity to everything. It’s a really cool area.”

East Pilsen has stunning skyline views of Downtown Chicago.
East Pilsen has stunning skyline views of Downtown Chicago.
A resident takes a jog in East Pilsen.
A resident takes a jog in East Pilsen.
1/2

A variety of residential styles

Constructions ranging from the late 19th century to the early 2000s can be found within the East Pilsen region. “We’ve lived there for years,” says Michael Hoover, Lissner’s husband as well as a fellow team leader and co-founder of the H2LR Group. “Some of the things we find exciting is that there’s an interesting mix of old, multi-flat buildings that have been there forever along with new construction.” The area is a mixture of multi-unit residences, single-family homes and a condo or two. “Newer condos range from $400,000 to around $850,000,” Lissner says. “Newer single-family homes go for between $1 million and $1.5 million. East Pilsen is mostly city lots, brick façade homes and long, narrow lots.” In terms of style, the neighborhood is a blend of old and new Chicago styles, from worker cottages to the multi-flat designs, and they’re usually built with brick Italianate affects or Romanesque limestone influences. Some Queen Anne stylizations can also be found in East Pilsen.

East Pilsen homes have a variety of architectural styles, with some dating back to the 1870s.
East Pilsen homes have a variety of architectural styles, with some dating back to the 1870s.
Newer condos in East Pilsen are plentiful on the north end of the neighborhood.
Newer condos in East Pilsen are plentiful on the north end of the neighborhood.
1/2

A pair of schools to the west

Two schools serve the students living in East Pilsen. Education from pre-kindergarten all the way up through eighth grade can be found at Walsh Elementary School, which scores a C-minus with Niche while offering a student-to-teacher ratio of eight to one. Juarez Community Academy High School follows with grades nine through 12, rating a C with Niche and offering both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. Both are within the Chicago Public Schools district, which ranks highly in the state in terms of student-athlete provisions, overall diversity and teaching environment.

Walsh Elementary School preserved the historic
Walsh Elementary School preserved the historic
Juarez Community Academy High School is located in Chicago.
Juarez Community Academy High School is located in Chicago.
1/2

Parks in and beyond East Pilsen

There’s only one established park located within East Pilsen’s boundaries, but it’s the epicenter of the community. “Jefferson Playlot Park is the heart of the neighborhood and the community gathering point,” Lissner says. Spanning about two acres, visitors can enjoy its playground, sprayground or community garden. Across the South Branch Chicago River to the east sits Ping Tom Memorial Park, which unfolds for over 17 acres along the shoreline. Offering a playground, kayak rentals and a center with an indoor pool, fitness programs and sporting facilities, its grounds are a favorite for recreation with area residents.

Take a walk in Thomas Jefferson Park in East Pilsen.
Take a walk in Thomas Jefferson Park in East Pilsen.
Relax along the Chicago River in Ping Tom Park, a quick walk from East Pilsen.
Relax along the Chicago River in Ping Tom Park, a quick walk from East Pilsen.
1/2

Large marketplaces and local favorites

“The 18th Street Arts District has a ton of restaurants,” Hoover says. “There’s a chocolate shop and bakeries over there, along with Yvolina’s Tamales, Royal Pies and Pleasant House Pub.” On the western boundary of East Pilsen is Kristoffer’s Café and Bakery, famed for its tres leches cake, while in the center of the neighborhood KenTone’s Drive-In offers diner meals. Close to the river, 88 Marketplace is a popular grocery spot that encompasses about 80,000 square feet of shopping space. Customers can find frozen and fresh Asian fare there or grab a bite in its food court. If things other than food are on the daily planner, one of the nonprofit Open Books’ locations is in East Pilsen and offers children’s books for free and pay-what-you-want options for adult readers.

Revel in a delicious meat pie at Pleasant House Pub in East Pilsen.
Revel in a delicious meat pie at Pleasant House Pub in East Pilsen.
East Pilsen is home to 88 Marketplace, one of the largest Asian Markets in the United States.
East Pilsen is home to 88 Marketplace, one of the largest Asian Markets in the United States.
1/2

Area events throughout the year

Residents of East Pilsen enjoy no shortage of local events, outlets and opportunities to appreciate local creations. “It has an art influence and a lot of good art galleries opening up,” Lissner says. “There’s also Greek festivals, the huge Tacos y Tamales Festival and other events for Cinco de Mayo and more. The culture and identity of the area is so important.” Previously dubbed Pilsen East, the Chicago Arts District is the umbrella term for multiple blocks of space where artists display their work, primarily during “Second Fridays” there. “Every second Friday of the month, the public gets invited to view pieces and take part in events,” Hoover says. “It’s such a melting pot of different communities. The National Museum of Mexican Art is over in Pilsen, a lot of cultural features and many Mexican street festivals in Chicago happen there.” Other showcases include Radius Chicago, situated in southern East Pilsen, which hosts live music and has the Cermak Hall venue within. Sports fans can head to Chicago Cubs games at Wrigley Field less than half an hour north.

Take the family to the next White Sox game at Guaranteed Rate Field near East Pilsen.
Take the family to the next White Sox game at Guaranteed Rate Field near East Pilsen.
Experience great art at The National Museum of Mexican Art near East Pilsen.
Experience great art at The National Museum of Mexican Art near East Pilsen.
1/2

A short drive from the interstate

East Pilsen residents are minutes away from merging onto Interstate 90, which runs through a large portion of the neighborhood’s western half. Cutting through a small part of Illinois, I-90 on a larger scale goes from Seattle to Boston, passing through 13 states in total. “South Loop is to the east, Chinatown to the south and Pilsen to the west,” Lissner says. Locally, people can get around via the Metra train, the CTA bus or self-propel their transit by biking or driving. “It’s really adjacent to everything and people can walk anywhere,” Hoover adds, “to University Village or even to nearby neighborhoods.” The Chicago skyline, from the Willis Tower to Two Prudential Plaza, is visible from East Pilsen, making for picturesque vistas as the sun sets and glints off the buildings.

East Pilsen is in close proximity to Chicago proper, Interstate 90 and the South Loop.
East Pilsen is in close proximity to Chicago proper, Interstate 90 and the South Loop.
Mass transit can be found all throughout East Pilsen.
Mass transit can be found all throughout East Pilsen.
1/2
Adam Cheek
Written By
Adam Cheek
Patrick Johnson
Video By
Patrick Johnson

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

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 Timothy Rhoten, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Chicago Midway International

14 min drive

Train

Halsted Station

Bus

Cermak & Lumber

Bus

Halsted & 16th Street

Bus

Cermak & Union

Bus

Halsted & Cermak

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime East Pilsen US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 5 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 8 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$482,000
Median Single Family Price
$540,000
Median Townhouse Price
$507,500
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$409,950
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$260,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$294
Number of Homes for Sale
3
Last 12 months Home Sales
14
Months of Supply
2.60
Median List Price
$479,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
1%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
184
Median Year Built
2003
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,065
Significantly above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,819
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,267
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,371
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
2,178

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 Timothy Rhoten, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
1,633
Median Age
35
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$98,468
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$120,070

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
88.3%
College Graduates
51.7%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
15.6%
% Population in Labor Force
79.1%
Above 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

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score®

92 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

91 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

70 / 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

Are you familiar with the East Pilsen neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
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
East Pilsen
Timothy Rhoten
Red Carpet Investment Group In
Section Image