$1,034,436Average Value$420Average Price per Sq Ft13Homes For Sale
Bricktown brings a new energy
This neighborhood, once affectionately known as “Bricktown” for housing the brick-making industry, is now known for its top-rated schools and local dining. Residents arrive at attractions minutes from stepping outside their front stoops. “Most streets are tree-filled, completing the residential experience, helped by zoning, which is lower, allowing for single-family homes and small multi-unit buildings or usually two units,” says real estate broker Santiago Valdez, who works for Compass Real Estate, and has been selling along Chicago's North and Lakefront neighborhoods for over 20 years. “On the main streets and some corners, larger buildings allow smaller units, which are usually more affordable, giving the area a wide price range for buyers and renters.”
Four square homes in the North Center neighborhood.
North Center, has a long-standing history within Chicago.
Originally named Bricktown, North Center is rich with Chicago history only 8miles from downtown.
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Pillared porches and shady sidewalks
Bricked and paneled two-story Greystones and workers cottages line North Center’s gridded streets. Pillars accompany front stoops and the occasional porch, adding character to these early 1900s and early 2000s homes. While condos feature rooftop decks and sell for roughly $245,000, single-family homes hold a fenced-in backyard big enough to let out the dog and sell for upwards of $2.5 million. Average home values across the neighborhood are down by 4% since 2023; however, residents still pay more than double the rest of Chicago homeowners.
Row of single family homes in North Center.
Residential sidewalks in North Center.
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Shops along Lincoln and Bad Apple brews
Lincoln Avenue overflows with dining opportunities from Cho Sun Ok Restaurant, where chefs cook Korean barbeque, to Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, slicing up classic Chicago-style deep dish pizza. “L&M Fine Foods is a small grocery store with lunch options, handmade sandwiches which are so fresh and tasty and a great budget option,” Valdez says. Locals also find recipe ingredients along Lincoln Avenue by stopping at Jewel Osco to the north or Trader Joe’s south of the Irving Park intersection. Whether seeking the liveliness of a sports bar like Wild Goose Bar & Grill or slower pace as found within The Bad Apple’s red glow, bar hoppers can walk and find another bar stool whenever their mood changes. Meanwhile, to the southeast, patrons wait until Friday to line up for live music and bar bites at Martyrs’. “North Center shares a lot of the locations with Lincoln Square next to the north,” Valdez says. “Places like Gather and The Warbler are casually elegant with American cuisine in a modern, fresh style.”
Bad Apple Restaurant is a popular spot in North Center, IL.
Martyrs' live music venue is a great spot to listen to favorite bands in North Center, IL.
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Lincoln Ave is the primary hub for North Center's family friendly nightlife.
Night Out series and Ribfest
Melodies echo through the air from center stage at the wrought iron gazebo in the middle of Welles Park during Night Out in the Parks events. Since 2000, the smell of smoked barbeque has filled the air down Lincoln Avenue during the annual Ribfest Chicago festival. Pitmasters compete for the title of People’s Choice and Top Award while attendees taste their way down the street, stopping at local vendors and listening to live music on the stage in Town Square. North Center also houses multiple fringe theaters, such as Bughouse Theater, where local performers take the spotlight.
Classes from Coonley to St. Ben’s
Children may attend some of the many highly rated Chicago Public School District schools. Beginning in prekindergarten and finishing in eighth grade, students may attend classes at John C. Coonley Elementary School. This public school earns a Grade A-minus from Niche and prepares students to begin at Lane Tech College Prep High School, which earns a Grade A-plus from Niche. Lane Tech students choose from over 100 electives and may take Advanced Placement (AP) courses to earn college credit. Just outside the neighborhood’s southwest corner, parents may enroll students in St. Benedict Preparatory School, more commonly known as St. Ben’s, which earns an overall grade of A from Niche.
St. Benedict Preparatory School was awarded the National Blue Ribbon for academic excellence.
Coonley Elementary School teaches students K-8 in North Center, IL.
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Walks to Welles Park
Within a mile from home, residents walk or bike to Welles Park to practice tennis or soccer and compete in horseshoes. Across the park’s more than 15 acres, children climb nets and other obstacles on the playground while swimmers race across the six lanes at the indoor pool. On the west side, residents arrive at Revere Park, where pickleball, tennis and baseball players compete.
Welles Park Gazebo is a large iron ornate and beautiful structure in North Center, IL.
Welles Park on the edge of Ravenswood is bustling with outdoor activity in the afernoons.
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Navigating North Center
While walking and biking are viable options for navigating North Center, long-distance travelers may depend on public transportation along Irving Park Road to the north and Addison Street to the south. Irving Park Road and Addison Street are on Chicago’s brown line, connecting passengers with downtown Chicago within 10 miles. Travelers must drive 13 miles west to catch flights out of O’Hare International Airport. Regardless of where residents live in the neighborhood or what they plan to do with their days, North Center was created with convenience and accessibility in mind.
The Irving Park brown line serves as a convenient mode of transport in North Center.
North Center is a bikers paradise with lanes racing past local retail stores.
North Center residents quickly commute around Chicago at the Irving Park Brown Line El station.
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
David Schatz,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Sunken Gardens Park
Multi-Purpose Field
Horner Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Dog Park
Filbert Playlot Park
Playground
Juniper Playlot Park
Playground
Welles Park
Baseball/Softball
Football
Pool
Revere Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Football
North Center Town Square
Transit
Airport
Chicago O'Hare International
20 min drive
Subway
Irving Park Station (Brown Line)
Subway
Addison Station (Brown Line)
Bus
Irving Park & Leavitt
Bus
Damen & Irving Park & Lincoln
Bus
Damen & Belle Plaine
Bus
Western & Irving Park
Bus
Irving Park & Oakley
Bus
Montrose & Hoyne
Bus
Addison Brown Line Station
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
North Center
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in North Center, Chicago sell after 23 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in North Center, Chicago over the last 12 months is $790,969, down 5% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Elevated Corner Loft Living with Sunset Views Step into this exceptional corner concrete loft penthouse, where floor-to-ceiling windows frame serene, treetop cityscape views and capture stunning western sunsets. The open-concept layout offers generous space for both living and dining-perfect for entertaining or simply unwinding with a scenic backdrop. The sleek pass-through chef's kitchen
Looking for an amazing Condo in the Ravenswood/Lincoln Square area?? Look no further! You'll fall in love with the unit, building, and location. It features everything you need in a Condo; Harwood floors throughout, modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, 42" wall cabinets, granite countertops with an island that comfortably seats four, Master bedroom with walk-in closet and access to
Welcome home to this stunning 3-bedroom, 3-bath townhome, perfectly positioned on tree-lined street just a few blocks from Trader Joe's, the Brown Line, and everything North Center has to offer. Flooded with natural light, this extra-wide home lives like a single-family residence with three levels of spacious living and a private rooftop terrace ideal for relaxing or entertaining. The updated
Welcome to this newly updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath apartment at 4113 N Damen. Featuring a bright, spacious layout with modern finishes, it includes in-unit laundry and a storage locker in the rear coach house. Located in North Center with easy access to restaurants and transportation off Irving Park Rd, this apartment offers both comfort and convenience. Don't miss this opportunity.
Welcome to your perfect Chicago getaway! This spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom multi-level apartment offers everything you need for a comfortable stay. Located just steps away from the charming Welles Park and Lincoln Square, you'll find an array of delightful shops and restaurants all within easy walking distance. The Western Brown Line L Train is less than a 10-minute walk away, providing quick
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
David Schatz,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
8,967
Median Age
37
Population Density
29 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.4%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$128,082
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$165,826
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.5%
College Graduates
79.9%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
32%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
82.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
40''
Average Winter Low Temperature
17°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
40''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
94/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
95/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
68/ 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.
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.
