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East Side

East Side

Suburban Neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois

Cook County 60617

Neighborhood Reviews
3.5
$231,545 Average Value
$167 Average Price per Sq Ft
20 Homes For Sale

A blue-collar community with lakeside living

Skip a stone from Calumet Beach and it might cross the state line. Nestled up against the Indiana border, the East Side neighborhood is separated from Chicago by the Calumet River, helping to give it a suburban vibe while still being connected to the city. Surrounded by industry, it is home to blue-collar workers and laborers, with a strong community influenced by shared backgrounds. Local events bring the neighbors together – from an active Little League to culturally-influenced events, to holiday events – in the streets and the parks, and the Lake Michigan waterfront provides a unique experience just blocks from neighborhood homes.

Aerial of Calumet Park on Lake Michigan, with open green space,
East Side, Chicago, IL.
Aerial of Calumet Park on Lake Michigan, with open green space, East Side, Chicago, IL.
Kids can play in Lake Michigan in East Side at Calumet beach.
Kids can play in Lake Michigan in East Side at Calumet beach.
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Low-lying suburban housing options

East Side is full of Chicago bungalows and two-flats, featuring small yards and alley and on-street parking, as well as the occasional modern-traditional split level or bi-level. Many feature small front yards, along with either parking off of an alley or a detached garage at the end of the back yard. The median price of $215,000 is tightly-focused – the vast majority of homes sell for between $160,000 and $240,000, although two- and three-flats and updated single family homes often sell for between $325,000 and $400,000.

Classic bungalow style homes, green grass with landscaping, East Side, Chicago, IL.
Classic bungalow style homes, green grass with landscaping, East Side, Chicago, IL.
Row of Cape Cod homes with manicured green lawns and tree lined streets, East Side, Chicago.
Row of Cape Cod homes with manicured green lawns and tree lined streets, East Side, Chicago.
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Easy access to Chicago proper

While the Metra ends just across the river from the neighborhood, it can still be convenient to get to downtown Chicago thanks to CTA bus routes that run through East Side. The neighborhood is moderately walkable and has afforded space for bikes – many wider streets feature designated bike lanes. Still, most residents will require a car for everyday errands and getting to and from work - but it can be a fun drive, says Christa Alvarez, host of the SxSE Podcast: " You can drive across the famous 95th Street Bridge from the Blues Brothers!" Catching a flight means travelling to O’Hare International Airport, a 34-mile trip by car. Advocate Trinity is roughly 4 miles from the heart of the neighborhood, providing 24-hour emergency services.

Hop on the Metra at 93rd St in East Side for a quick ride to downtown Chicago.
Hop on the Metra at 93rd St in East Side for a quick ride to downtown Chicago.
Rout 30 of the CTA runs right though East Side to 69th Street.
Rout 30 of the CTA runs right though East Side to 69th Street.
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Barbecue and deep Latino influences

Dining in East Side is reflective of the diverse Latino backgrounds that make up the neighborhood. Birrieria Ocotlan offers a simple yet flavorful selection of quesabirrias in a small, family-run shop with minimal seating. On the other side of town, Leon’s Barbeque Zone doles out slow-cooked classics like ribs and chicken, part of Chicago’s dining scene since 1940. Numerous grocery stores throughout the neighborhood include local markets like Pete’s Fresh Market, and larger national groceries including Aldi. "One of our favorites would have to be La Cienega," says Alvarez, "it’s a grocery store that has an area for food and we love their pastor tacos and steak tortas!" For one-stop shopping, a Walmart Supercenter is just across the Indiana line.

Leon's BBQ is know for their ribs, chicken, hot links and seafood in East Side.
Leon's BBQ is know for their ribs, chicken, hot links and seafood in East Side.
Birrieria Ocotlan has the best tacos in the East Side area.
Birrieria Ocotlan has the best tacos in the East Side area.
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Lakeside and loving it

Despite the proximity to the city, water and greenspace surround the East Side neighborhood. “The community takes care of their outdoor environment,” says Realtor Jacqueline Zepeda, of Corona Realty Group. “They pride themselves in their outdoor spaces.” Calumet Beach is a summer-time highlight, with fishing and boating in Lake Michigan, while avid birders enjoy Eggers Grove natural preserve. An active Little League in the neighborhood makes use of fields along the west side of the neighborhood, including those at Wolfe Park, which also features a playground and basketball court.

Kids can play in Lake Michigan in East Side at Calumet beach.
Kids can play in Lake Michigan in East Side at Calumet beach.
Calumet Park soccer fields with man practicing his shots, East Side, Chicago, IL.
Calumet Park soccer fields with man practicing his shots, East Side, Chicago, IL.
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Preparing chefs and game designers for careers

Students in the East Side are part of Chicago Public Schools, and there are five elementary schools that serve the neighborhood: Addams, George Washington, Southeast Area, Taylor, and Gallistel Elementary Language Academy, all of which earn a C-minus or better. George Washington High School is graded a C-minus, and prides itself on excellence and a post-secondary focus, providing students with the opportunity to enroll in advanced coursework, dual enrollment, and the International Baccalaureate program. Culinary and Game Design programs aimed at future careers are highlights. Private options include St. Francis de Sales High School and Annunciata School.

Washington G Public High School main entrance, established 1958, South Deering, Chicago, IL.
Washington G Public High School main entrance, established 1958, South Deering, Chicago, IL.
Washington  G Elementary School
Public Pre-K, Elementary & Middle, East Side, Chicago, IL.
Washington G Elementary School Public Pre-K, Elementary & Middle, East Side, Chicago, IL.
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Ward events all year round

The East Side Chamber of Commerce develops events throughout the year for the neighborhood, like the annual Trunk or Treat the Sunday before Halloween, the largest one in Chicago. The 10th Ward Holiday Market is another big draw for the neighborhood, featuring small and local vendors selling gifts and crafts.

Industry brings noise and traffic

Industrial areas that ring the neighborhood, along with the Illinois International Port, bring lots of traffic to the East Side – by boat, by train, and by road. This means noise and busy streets, even into the night hours. Additionally, the Cook County Helicopter Task Force is located at the north end, with police helicopters operating at all hours and overflying the neighborhood.

The Illinois International Port has regular boat and truck traffic in the East Side area.
The Illinois International Port has regular boat and truck traffic in the East Side area.
Illinois International Port is in East Side and you'll see many trucks coming and going.
Illinois International Port is in East Side and you'll see many trucks coming and going.
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Andrew Tyson
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Andrew Tyson
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Michael Carey

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 Estela Lopez, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Chicago Midway International

29 min drive

Bus

Avenue C & 110th Street

Bus

106th Street & Avenue F

Bus

Ewing & 105th Street

Bus

Ewing & Indianapolis

Bus

118th Street & Lake Point Plaza (3600 E)

Bus

Avenue B & 109th Street

Bus

Avenue C & 108th Street

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.5 60 Reviews
3.0 Niche User
7/9/2015 Niche Review
There are a lot more Hispanics and African-Americans in this area.
3.0 Niche User
11/13/2015 Niche Review
Crime rate is getting higher than before.
3.0 Current Resident
7/20/2019 Niche Review
I would love to see less violence, and more resources being provided for young people in order to motivate them to go to college.
3.0 Niche User
1/21/2015 Niche Review
There seems to be a strong case of cooperation here
Are you familiar with the East Side neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$227,500
Median Single Family Price
$235,000
Median Townhouse Price
$110,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$167
Number of Homes for Sale
20
Last 12 months Home Sales
105
Months of Supply
2.30
Median List Price
$249,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
6%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
4,910
Median Year Built
1946
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,550
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,720
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,920

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 Estela Lopez, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
19,687
Median Age
37
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$58,339
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$75,996

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
75.2%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
13%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.8%
% Population in Labor Force
63.4%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
42''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

55 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

77 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

41 / 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

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 Side