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Garfield Ridge

Garfield Ridge

Neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois

Cook County 60402, 60638

Neighborhood Reviews
3.5
$334,556 Average Value
$250 Average Price per Sq Ft
55 Homes For Sale

A midcentury neighborhood with small businesses

Once considered the rural outskirts of the city, Garfield Ridge transformed into one of the core communities of the far southwest side of Chicago with the arrival of Midway International Airport in 1927 and Interstate 55 in 1956. The resulting build-up of businesses and amenities created a lifestyle more akin to life in the suburbs for neighborhood residents, making it a "focal point" according to Tish Herrera, a real estate agent with Baird & Warner. Shopping, dining and public transportation stops now line Archer Avenue, the main road cutting through the neighborhood, bringing convenience and character to the area.

Garfield Ridge shows off its Chicago pride.
Garfield Ridge shows off its Chicago pride.
Garfield Ridge is a core community on the southwest side of Chicago.
Garfield Ridge is a core community on the southwest side of Chicago.
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Bungalows, Georgians and Cape Cods in a 20th century setting

While neighborhood properties date back to the 1910s, development in the area took off in the 1950s and 1960s. Sidewalks line most streets and, since many homes don't offer garages, street parking is prevalent. Craftsman bungalows are common, with many offering raised entrances and some including detached garages. Two-story Georgian houses, Cape Cods and cottage-style homes are also available, but rarer. Two- to three-bedroom homes in need of renovations start at about $92,000 and go up to about $283,000, while turnkey homes go from about $240,000 to $550,000. Larger four- to five-bedroom homes are generally move-in-ready when they hit the market and range from about $283,000 to $660,000. A limited amount of Multi-family homes, including two-flats and condos, are also available nearby. Prices range from about $96,000 to $265,000 for individual units and $440,000 to $540,000 for whole buildings.

Bungalow style homes are popular in the Garfield Ridge community.
Bungalow style homes are popular in the Garfield Ridge community.
Garfield Ridge offers many different styles of homes.
Garfield Ridge offers many different styles of homes.
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Important things to know

Locals on the north and east sides of the neighborhood may encounter higher noise levels from Interstate 55 and air traffic arriving at Midway International Airport. Many homes were included in the airport ‘s Residential Sound Insulation Program, which saw qualifying households updated with new doors, windows and other equipment to reduce ambient sound both from within and outside the property.

A pool, ice rink and more at Wentworth Park

Vittum Park is 13 acres with sports fields, courts and a playground. Its fieldhouse is home to a six-week day camp program in the summertime. Closer to Interstate 55 and the neighborhood’s center, LeClaire-Hearst Park has similar amenities but also includes a splash pad. Wentworth Park shares its indoor pool with Kennedy High School, offering access to open swim sessions and youth and adult lessons throughout the year. The park also has a gym, ice rink and playground on the grounds.

Wentworth Park features a variety of recreational activities for Garfield Ridge residents.
Wentworth Park features a variety of recreational activities for Garfield Ridge residents.
Kids flock to the playground at LeClaire-Hearst Park.
Kids flock to the playground at LeClaire-Hearst Park.
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An eco-friendly charter school

Twain Elementary School serves pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The school has a 16:1 student-teacher ratio and a B-minus grade on Niche. Another option is Academy for Global Citizenship, a charter school with a dual-language curriculum, and foundational education for the International Baccalaureate program. The school earns a C grade. Kennedy High School also offers an International Baccalaureate degree program and earns a C-plus grade.

Kennedy High School has an overall Niche grade of C plus.
Kennedy High School has an overall Niche grade of C plus.
Welcome to Twain Elementary School in Garfield Ridge.
Welcome to Twain Elementary School in Garfield Ridge.
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Shopping and amenities on Archer

Running across the neighborhood’s center, Archer Avenue is Garfield Ridge’s hub for distinctive Southwest Chicago restaurants. Weber’s Bakery is both a local institution known for its chocolate cake donuts and kolacky. The sweet shop originally opened in 1930 and has been in its current spot on Archer since 1979. Down the avenue, A Cup of Joe Coffeehouse blends the modern café experience with a double shot of inspiration from the owners’ Mexican roots. Detailed wall art and a menu of street food selections accompany lattes and bakery items. Classic Chicago eats await at Nicky’s Hot Dogs, an old-school neighborhood spot for fast food. The signature Big Baby – a double cheeseburger with grilled onions on top and ketchup, pickles and mustard below the patties -- is a mainstay on the menu. Peaches & Pears specializes in Polish brunch fare. Archer Avenue also houses the area’s primary stops for groceries and light shopping. Jewel-Osco, Shop & Save and Aldi are each close by for everyday needs. Two Walgreens locations on the east and west ends of the neighborhood are each on the avenue for prescriptions and other health & beauty items. Folks looking to get some work done around the house can stock up on equipment at Southwest Ace Hardware.

Aldi provides affordable groceries for the Garfield Ridge residents.
Aldi provides affordable groceries for the Garfield Ridge residents.
Walgreens serves the Garfield Ridge neighborhood with their needs.
Walgreens serves the Garfield Ridge neighborhood with their needs.
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An airport and easy interstate access

Garfield Ridge is about 10 miles southwest of the Loop. Interstate 55, which runs along the neighborhood’s north side, and Cicero and Harlem avenues, which run along the east and west ends, are the neighborhood's main routes. Chicago Midway International Airport is just south of the neighborhood on Cicero Avenue, and Chicago O’Hare International Airport is 28 miles northwest of the neighborhood. Archer Avenue's businesses allow for a walkable lifestyle, and CTA buses are available along Archer, Narragansett and Austin avenues. Locals can also catch ‘L’ trains on the Orange Line from the Midway Airport station to the southeast. In case of medical emergencies, Holy Cross Hospital is 5 miles southeast of the neighborhood.

Garfield Ridge residents have easy access to the Midway Airport.
Garfield Ridge residents have easy access to the Midway Airport.
The Midway CTA Orange Line station is very convenient for Garfield Ridge residents.
The Midway CTA Orange Line station is very convenient for Garfield Ridge residents.
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Varied events in southwest Chicago

Local hangouts include Guide’s Sports Bar, which hosts NFL watch parties and bingo nights. Lawlor’s Bar is an Irish pub on Archer that regularly puts on parties with live DJs. For fun on four wheels, Fleetwood Roller Rink has frequent all-age skating sessions and a weekly adult night. The Midway Chamber of Commerce coordinates events in the area like the Halloween Jamboree Parade each fall, the Valentine’s Comedy Jam in the winter and the Garfield Ridge Farmers Market from June through September. Other nearby traditions include the Witch-o-Rama Market & Drag Show during the spooky season and tree lighting ceremonies put on by the Garfield Ridge Neighborhood Watch.

Residents of Garfield Ridge can visit the public library and borrow a book.
Residents of Garfield Ridge can visit the public library and borrow a book.
Wintrust Sports Complex offers a number of activities for spectators of athletes.
Wintrust Sports Complex offers a number of activities for spectators of athletes.
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Tre Lyerly
Written By
Tre Lyerly
Charles Kennedy
Video By
Charles Kennedy

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 Nancy Gudino, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Chicago Midway International

4 min drive

Bus

Archer & Major

Bus

Archer & Natchez

Bus

Cicero & 51st Street

Bus

47th Street & Kilpatrick

Bus

Archer & Mayfield

Bus

Archer & Mulligan

Bus

Harlem Ave & 60th St

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.5 82 Reviews
5.0 Current Resident
9/1/2018 Niche Review
Very quiet, low crime neighborhood. All of my neighbors are friendly, and they help out when needed.
3.0 Niche User
2/2/2015 Niche Review
The issue within my direct neighborhood is the fact that there isn't a lot of booming business to supply teens or others with jobs within walking or bike riding distance, most often it is a good drive or long bus or train ride to work.
3.0 Niche User
7/5/2016 Niche Review
There are home invasions and robberies in the area. Police are almost never available.
5.0 Current Resident
1/22/2018 Niche Review
I have lived in Garfield Ridge since 2009, and I've had a good life here. The neighborhood is safe, full of friendly people, and has nice businesses in the area.
Are you familiar with the Garfield Ridge neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$332,000
Median Single Family Price
$342,500
Median Townhouse Price
$257,500
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$205,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$116,735
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$250
Number of Homes for Sale
55
Last 12 months Home Sales
254
Months of Supply
2.60
Median List Price
$349,800
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
7%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
11,146
Median Year Built
1956
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,376
Above the national average
1,935
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,164
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
570
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,791

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    12 - 2pm

    5940 W 55th St, Chicago, IL 60638

    $390,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 3,208 Sq Ft
    • 5940 W 55th St
    • New 1 day ago

    Experience a once in a lifetime opportunity to own this incredible two story custom built brick home in Garfield Ridge with only two owners. This home is being offered for the first time in over 70 years! The home is situated on a spacious 66' wide X 121' lot. This home exudes true character with huge rooms, 9' ceilings, and unique custom finishes throughout. Step inside to discover a massive

    The Vanna Group, Diane & Bob Baird & Warner

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    12 - 2pm

    4958 S Lamon Ave, Chicago, IL 60638

    $399,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,384 Sq Ft
    • 4958 S Lamon Ave
    • New 2 days ago

    Beautiful brick English tutor on a double corner lot.[ 60x125] Great location .The main level has a spacious living room, separate dining room efficient kitchen, a large full bath with walk in shower a spacious first floor bedroom with room for a office or seating area. The second level with 2 bedrooms and one full bath and 2 walk-in closets new hardwood floors fresh paint. Full basement

    John Fleming Dream Town Real Estate

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    12 - 3pm

    5629 S Menard Ave, Chicago, IL 60638

    $374,900

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,005 Sq Ft
    • 5629 S Menard Ave
    • New 3 days ago

    Welcome to this stunning Cape Cod home located in the desirable Garfield Ridge neighborhood! This all-brick beauty boasts an amazing location and features 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 beautifully remodeled bathrooms. As you step inside, you'll be greeted by gleaming hardwood floors that flow throughout the open floor plan. The heart of the home is the gourmet kitchen, which is perfect for

    Maria Miller Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate

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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 Nancy Gudino, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
34,094
Median Age
41
Population Density
11 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$84,982
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$99,798

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
83.5%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
22.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.1%
% Population in Labor Force
66.8%

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®

65 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

42 / 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
Garfield Ridge
Nancy Gudino
Nancy & Associates Realty
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