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Galewood

Galewood

Urban Core Neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois

Cook County 60639, 60707

Neighborhood Reviews
4.3
$353,630 Average Value
$229 Average Price per Sq Ft
10 Homes For Sale

Convenient living in Galewood

Change is on the horizon for Galewood, a longstanding community that, for nearly 100 years, has been home to the Mars Wrigley Candy factory. With the site set to close and relocate in 2024, the candy giant has pledged to donate the facility to the community. Proposed ideas include transformation into a community center, library or nature sanctuary. Part of an area nicknamed the Bungalow Belt, Galewood provides a quiet suburban atmosphere on Chicago’s west end while still providing convenience to the city’s amenities. “You can walk to the commuter rail, so if you work in downtown Chicago, you can easily be there in 20 minutes,” says April Kibler, a broker with Coldwell Banker Realty who lived in Galewood for over 20 years.

Galewood is home to what was the Mars Wrigley Factory for 94 years.
Galewood is home to what was the Mars Wrigley Factory for 94 years.
Galewood neighbors chat during a walk around the block.
Galewood neighbors chat during a walk around the block.
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Brick homes with extra elbow room

The architecture in Galewood separates it from neighboring communities. Several sections of the neighborhood are jam-packed with bungalows; however, there are many more options. “It’s got an eclectic mix of houses including Georgian, Colonials and Tudors,” Kibler says. “Nearly all the homes in Galewood are brick, which is unusual in Chicago.” Yard space is also a plus for people living in Galewood. In 1920, a developer subdivided land next to a former golf course and created deep lots now peppered with small gardens and mature trees. Sidewalks separate the lots from the streets, often used for parking among residents. Prices range from $250,000 to $570,000, lower than neighboring Oak Park, where price points can exceed $700,000. Kibler says Galewood appeals to people because “you can take advantage of all the amenities in Oak Park, like the restaurants, shopping and Children’s Museum, but with lower property taxes.”

Most of the homes in Galewood are brick.
Most of the homes in Galewood are brick.
Street parking is plentiful in Galewood.
Street parking is plentiful in Galewood.
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Magnet programs offered at Steinmetz College Prep

Students living in Galewood are zoned for City of Chicago School District 299, which includes Sayre Elementary Language Academy, Burbank Elementary and Joseph Lovett Elementary. Each of the schools serves prekindergarten through eighth grades. Both Burbank and Joseph Lovett earned C ratings from Niche, while Sayre Elementary Language Academy receives a B-minus. The latter also offers an International Baccalaureate program and is within walking distance for many students. They will later filter into C-rated Steinmetz College Prep for ninth through 12th grades. They can enroll in one of two International Baccalaureate programs separated by grade or the JROTC Academy.

Sayre Elementary Language Academy has 448 students.
Sayre Elementary Language Academy has 448 students.
Steinmetz College Prep has an overall Niche grade of C.
Steinmetz College Prep has an overall Niche grade of C.
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Spacious parks with ample amenities

Colorful mosaics in Rutherford Sayre Park showcase the work of teens who participated in a summer art camp. It’s one of many programs available to members of the community. Others include recreational sports and community gardening. The park is essentially split into two spaces by train tracks. One end of the green space is a peaceful nature preserve and wildlife garden, while the other is much more active, with several amenities for locals to use. During the summer, kids enjoy cooling off at the spray pool, part of an accessible soft-surface playground. A short walking trail gives people a place to stretch their legs. Friends can also get together to play tennis, kickball or soccer. Amundsen Park, which sits on the neighborhood’s eastern end, is a hub for recreational league sports. The 16-acre green space features baseball, soccer and football fields, along with basketball and volleyball courts. A playground gives kids in the neighborhood another option to get outdoors, or they can walk down to the Wonder Works Children’s Museum on West North Avenue, which has had interactive exhibits on display for more than 30 years.

Colorful mosaics in Rutherford Sayre Park showcase Galewood's  summer art camp attendees work.
Colorful mosaics in Rutherford Sayre Park showcase Galewood's summer art camp attendees work.
Rutherford Sayre Park has walking trails, baseball diamonds, tennis, and more.
Rutherford Sayre Park has walking trails, baseball diamonds, tennis, and more.
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Get to know your neighbors at seasonal events

An active neighborhood association works to maintain strong community ties through events and celebrations. Meet-and-greet socials are regularly held at Serelli’s Italian specialty store. The community puts a spin on the famous Woodstock festival with a musical event of its own called Galewoodstock. People can grab a bite to eat from food trucks while live bands perform everything from live funk to Latin jazz and pop music. Holiday celebrations are also part of the neighborhood’s fabric, including the Easter Eggstravaganza and the Not So Spooky Halloween Parade. Just before sunset on winter solstice, Galewood neighbors meet at the Rutherford Sayre Park trail and walk to a grand spruce tree, which they decorate with biodegradable ornaments for wildlife to enjoy. The event wraps up with a bring-your-own cocoa gathering at sunset.

Greasy spoons and big box stores

Commercial pockets cluster along Galewood’s bordering roadways like West North Avenue. Locals line up out the door at Johnnie’s Beef for an Italian beef sandwich. The no-frills joint only takes cash and has limited seating inside, so most customers take their food to-go or eat at one of the stand’s outdoor picnic tables. Next door, New Star has been serving Asian dishes to locals for 70 years. For groceries and larger chain options, head less than 1.5 miles north to The Brickyard, a shopping center that can serve as a one-stop shop for errand runs. The complex houses Jewel-Osco, Target, Lowe’s Home Improvement and Marshalls.

People line up out the door for Johnnie's Beef in Galewood.
People line up out the door for Johnnie's Beef in Galewood.
People from near and far love New Star in Galewood.
People from near and far love New Star in Galewood.
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Taking the Metra to downtown Chicago

Taking Interstate 295 will lead to downtown Chicago and its major employers, 11.5 miles away. Most locals are car-dependent, but several commuter rail stations are dotted throughout the neighborhood, served by the Milwaukee District West Line. Those looking to travel outside the city have the luxury of being within 10 miles of Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

Metra's Milwaukee District West Line stops at Galewood on its way to Chicago.
Metra's Milwaukee District West Line stops at Galewood on its way to Chicago.
Cars are a popular mode of transportation in Galewood.
Cars are a popular mode of transportation in Galewood.
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Sara Ferguson
Written By
Sara Ferguson
Luke Basinger
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Luke Basinger

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 Esmeralda Gil, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Chicago O'Hare International

19 min drive

Train

Galewood Station

Bus

Wabansia & Neva

Bus

Austin & Bloomingdale

Bus

North Ave & Oak Park

Bus

Narragansett & Mclean

Bus

Narragansett & Wabansia

Bus

North Ave & Nordica

Bus

North Ave & New England

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.3 12 Reviews
3.0 Niche User
2/5/2016 Niche Review
Everyone has their own preference.
5.0 Current Resident
7/7/2022 Niche Review
A great, quiet and safe neighborhood! It often smells like chocolate and we are right near metra lines.
1.0 Current Resident
6/18/2018 Niche Review
Galewood has changed, crime is up breaking into homes and garages , stealing from backyard , too many homes rented , trash everywhere, grass needs to be cut. No police patrols .
Are you familiar with the Galewood neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Galewood 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 3 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$355,000
Median Single Family Price
$385,000
Median Townhouse Price
$285,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$204,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$113,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$229
Number of Homes for Sale
10
Last 12 months Home Sales
89
Months of Supply
1.30
Median List Price
$359,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
11%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
3,186
Median Year Built
1943
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,066
Above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,601
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,207
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
600
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,227

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    11am - 12pm

    1933 N Nordica Ave, Chicago, IL 60707

    $739,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 3,426 Sq Ft
    • 1933 N Nordica Ave
    • New 1 day ago

    This beautiful brick classic Tudor nestles on a deep double lot in the Galewood Neighborhood of Chicago. Experience a suburban feel with city benefits. This home features exquisite architectural detail including coved ceilings & arched doors, two fireplaces, hardwood floors, zoned heating & air, 200 amp electrical service, a steam shower, oversized bedrooms, wood paneled three season porch, eat

    Matthew Walton Current Properties LLC

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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 Esmeralda Gil, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
12,388
Median Age
41
Population Density
15 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$73,401
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$93,845

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
81.6%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
36%
Advanced Degrees
18.1%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
35''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

67 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

64 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

56 / 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
Galewood
Esmeralda Gil
WE Realty
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