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Hegewisch

Hegewisch

Suburban Neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois

Cook County 60617, 60633

Neighborhood Reviews
3.2
$214,901 Average Value
$189 Average Price per Sq Ft
9 Homes For Sale

Stability informs this tightknit community

Adolph Hegewisch contributed his last name to the neighborhood, when he set out in the late 1800s to create a working-class community along a rail line. In this regard, not a lot has changed in Hegewisch over the years – and people like that stability. The neighborhood became a steel center in the 20th century, and it continues to be a manufacturing base, especially for the automotive industry. The oldest continually operated Ford plant is located there, and it can boast the last saw mill within Chicago city limits. But just as important, the aspect of community remains an enduring feature of life here. “We support each other,” says Sharon Podgorny, member of the Hegewisch Business Association and resident for over 60 years. “The community is working on getting a health clinic and community center." From organizing fundraisers for the schools to directly providing financial assistance for annual events, Podgorny notes the residents don’t hesitate to come together when needed.

A suburban feel with abundant bungalows

Consistency extends to home prices in Hegewisch, starting out around $200,000 and topping out in the low $300,000s. Midcentury brick bungalows are the most represented genre. What sets them apart is the various color palette used – tan, rust, slate and even apple red. Of course, there are also ranches mixed in, as well as historic cottages built at the turn of the 20th century. There’s a slight suburban quality to the streetscapes, though perhaps in an old-fashioned sense. Ornamental strips of grass direct pedestrians on the sidewalks to ascend a stoop to the front door. Landscaping is minimalist, with small shrubs or hedges perched under front bay windows.

Tan brick bungalow home with red flowers and green grass, Hegewisch, Chicago, IL.
Tan brick bungalow home with red flowers and green grass, Hegewisch, Chicago, IL.
Lovely Cape Cod style home with beautiful lawn and tan and red brick, Hegewisch.
Lovely Cape Cod style home with beautiful lawn and tan and red brick, Hegewisch.
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Commuters choose cars, but have rail options

The South Shore Line stops at Hegewisch Station, which goes to The Loop. Most commuters drive, however. Interstate 90 sits on the neighborhood’s north side, near the Indiana border. Within town, however, there are two main thoroughfares: Avenue O and Brainard Avenue. Otherwise, Hegewisch is a sprawling grid of residential streets geared towards a pedestrian experience, with sidewalks leading past rows of bungalows.

Homestyle dining that's relaxed

The dining scene in Hegewisch leans towards a relaxed homestyle experience, with a focus on classic American and Mexican cuisines. Pudgy’s Pizza and Sandwiches, for example, has been a staple in the community. Situated next to a residence, it’s easy to see this as a true neighborhood institution. Girl Scout Cookie tables are frequently stationed at the entrance. There’s also a Latino influence when it’s time for grocery shopping. Supermercado El Tapatio sells fresh food and produce, although the locals know it as Erik’s Food Center. Pubs are another site of connection. Residents congregate for conversation, raffle events and sports games at places like Uncle Bobby’s, Old Time Tap, Club 81 or Steve’s Lounge.

Residents of Hegewisch can shop at the local Pete's Fresh Market at the butcher bar.
Residents of Hegewisch can shop at the local Pete's Fresh Market at the butcher bar.
Residents of Hegewisch love Cielito Lindo Café for their delicious pastries and coffee.
Residents of Hegewisch love Cielito Lindo Café for their delicious pastries and coffee.
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Indoor and outdoor recreation

Hegewisch is surprisingly green for a manufacturing village: the surrounding area includes lakes, rivers, parks and preserves. For those who want activity more than immersion, William W. Powers Recreation Area and Mann Park are geared toward sports, camps and youth leagues. Mann is almost 20 acres and offers ball fields, tennis courts, a playground and indoor athletic facilities. “Indoor swimming is a big thing at Mann, everyone loves the inground pool,” says Podgorny. “We also have a big gym downstairs. It’s in the process of getting a new floor.”

Take the dogs for a walk around Wolf Lake in Hegewisch Illinois.
Take the dogs for a walk around Wolf Lake in Hegewisch Illinois.
The Mann Park field house in Hegewisch includes a working wood shop for people to enjoy.
The Mann Park field house in Hegewisch includes a working wood shop for people to enjoy.
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Strong sports performance at George Washington High

Henry Clay School is a kindergarten through 8th grade institution, with a student-teacher ratio of 15-to-1. Niche gives it a C overall. The school prides itself on parental involvement with events such as Donuts 4 Dads and Family Cooking Class. With over 1,500 students, George Washington High is more than triple the size of Henry Clay. Niche gives it a C-minus overall. The school is known for having a robust sports program. The boys’ soccer team has been near-consecutive regional champs throughout the 2010s and early 2020s.

Henry Clay Elementary school grand pillar entrance, Hegewisch, Chicago, IL.
Henry Clay Elementary school grand pillar entrance, Hegewisch, Chicago, IL.
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.
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Frequent events bring people out

“We host Mexican Independence Day and we’re currently organizing the Polish Festival later in the year,” says Podgorny. “My family is Polish. We created it because Hegewisch Fest doesn’t encompass the Polish community.” Podgorny is referring to the annual Hegewisch Festival, a traditional neighborhood event that halted in the 90s, but resurrected in 2017. It happens in August, and residents bring out their grills and relax under their pop-up tents as local cover bands take the stage. “It really is a good time. It brings people who used to live in community back in.” Residents can also look forward to the Blues and Barbecue Festival in April and the Beer Festival in June.

Paul Spencer
Written By
Paul Spencer
Wengel Abiy
Video By
Wengel Abiy

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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 Tamika Marks, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Chicago Midway International

33 min drive

Train

Hegewisch Station

Bus

Brainard Escanaba

Bus

Brainard 131st

Bus

Exchange & 131st Street

Bus

Avenue O & 131st Street

Bus

Brainard Muskegon

Bus

Baltimore & Brainard

Bus

132nd Street & Carondolet

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.2 38 Reviews
3.0 Niche User
1/14/2016 Niche Review
This is a safe place to live, which is obviously very important. I have 2 brothers and my parents, so I sleep well knowing we're safe. In the morning, I start my car and leave it running while I'm inside to get it warmed up, without the fear of theft. Growing up I played T-ball at Mann park, and baseball in the Hegewisch Little league. My family was very involved in the community, through baseball. My little brother is currently in little league. I'm happy to say I grew up here, and I'll never forget it.
4.0 Current Resident
12/29/2018 Niche Review
I like the diversity that's in hegwisch and I like that it is family friendly and quiet for the most part.
5.0 Current Resident
12/14/2019 Niche Review
I moved here when I was about 4 and grew up here. I met my old best friend in school and it turns out he lives down the block from me. We have a South Shore Indiana train that is perfect for commuting to downtown Chicago.
2.0 Niche User
7/24/2014 Niche Review
We don't have any gatherings.
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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Hegewisch US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 5 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)
$231,500
Median Single Family Price
$250,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$189
Number of Homes for Sale
9
Last 12 months Home Sales
56
Months of Supply
1.90
Median List Price
$259,999
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
9%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,393
Median Year Built
1957
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,652
Below the national average
1,935
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,049

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 Tamika Marks, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
8,972
Median Age
39
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
17.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$60,851
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$74,767

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
86.5%
College Graduates
17.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.5%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
60.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
15°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
30''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

56 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

47 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

33 / 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
Hegewisch
Tamika Marks
Trademarks & Associates
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