Windy City neighborhood teeming with dining and entertainment
In Old Town, capping a grueling work week with a good laugh and some drinks is often a short walking distance from home. Located just a few miles north of the Loop, Old Town is well known in Chicago for its comedy institutions. Among them is Second City, the famous improv troupe that has been the starting ground for some of the most iconic comedic performers to have graced both the small and big screens. Not far on Wells Street is Zanies Comedy Night Club, where both photographed and painted portraits of those who have performed there cover the walls of the more intimate show space. Surrounding these distinct venues is a dense and eclectic lineup of dining establishments and boutiques found in rows of both contemporary and historic buildings in the heart of Old Town. Lincoln Park, one of the most renown urban green spaces in the country, borders the neighborhood to the east. “It’s been so desirable for buyers and tenants. There’s a very lively retail and restaurant scene right on Wells Street and people like to be within walking distance from that,” says Wendi Gordon, a Realtor with @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, who’s made several sales in Old Town. “I think it encompasses all the things people are looking for. They want city living and to be able to walk to bars and restaurants and retail stores. And yet, be able to walk to the lake front and enjoy nature.”
Old Town is located north of River North and West of Gold Coast giving it a mix of amenities.
Old Town residents are known to frequent the main retail strip on Wells Street.
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Enjoying institutions old and new along Wells
Both West North Avenue and North Wells Street are dense with shops and restaurants that occupy the bottom floors of multi-story buildings. The wider and more commercial West North features more chain brands, while Wells houses some of the neighborhood’s most distinct establishments. Many restaurant patrons enjoy taking in the neighborhood vibes during the warmer months as they take up seats on the outdoor patios commonly found along Wells. The dining scene here ranges from long-time staples to newer spots that have been popular with the younger twentysomething crowd. For over three decades, Topo Gigio Ristorante has delighted guests with traditional Italian dishes within its cozy brick spaces. An even older institution is Orso’s, which serves “exquisite” Italian fare under the decorative lighting of chandeliers. Both framed photographs and paintings add to the restaurant’s artistic environ. Then, for beers, slices and a laidback atmosphere, the Happy Camper is another favorite. The grocery options include a Whole Foods just south of Old Town.
Topo Gigio is Old Towns classic Italian gem, serving up great food on their warm patio.
Happy Camper is a popular pizza place to get drinks with friends in Old Town.
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Right on the border of Lincoln Park
Measuring just over 1,200 acres, Lincoln Park features a myriad of amenities and individual destinations ranging from the Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory to access to the Lake Michigan beaches. While there are pockets of open green spaces, it features a dense, natural canopy of well over 10,000 trees. Goers can take to the extensive web of trails to explore the expansive space, including roughly 7 miles of lakefront paths that go by nature areas and gardens. Along the way, they might marvel at the Neoclassical rotunda that houses the Elks Veterans Memorial. The Lincoln Park Zoo has free admission and is one of the oldest establishments of its kind in the country. The park is a destination for local athletes and friends who simply enjoy competing against each other. It boasts a number of sports amenities, with baseball, basketball and beach volleyball, just to name a few. On the north end is the state-of-the-art Diversey Driving Range, which features synthetic turf and an 18-hole mini golf course.
Residents of Old Town can explore Lincoln Park Zoo and its wide variety of animals.
Lincoln Park zoo has a great variety of species to explore for Old Town residents.
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Brick condos, townhouses and some historically styled houses
Much of the homes in the neighborhood come in the form of units in one of the many multi-story brick buildings along the bustling, tree-lined streets. Bay windows and Italianate designs are not uncommon on the more vintage structures, and pedestrians can occasionally pass by some colorful artistic installations on the sidewalks. Price points can go from just under $400,000 for a two-bedroom condo to over $650,000 for a three-bedroom unit. There are also townhouses, which can range from over $800,000 for a three-bedroom unit to just over $1 million for a four-bedroom one. There are some Second Empire influenced single-family homes that can go from around $2 million to over $3 million.
Old Town features a number of newer townhouses that have first floor garage doors.
Old Town features a variety of homes from the late 19th century and also newer builds.
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Second City in Old Town is a famous comedy club that has debuted many stars over the years.
Second City shows and the Art Fair
Among the neighborhood’s distinct festivities is the Old Town Art Fair festival in June. The event, which takes place over a weekend, includes live music and showcases genres like jazz, folk and blues. “They attract artists from all over the country. They set up their artwork up and down the street,” Gordon says. “You pay a small admission fee, but people from all over the Chicagoland area come downtown to come to the Old Town Art Fair.” Then, there are the comedy shows, with the nationally renown Second City being an obvious destination. John Belushi, Chris Farley and Tina Fey are just a few of the many who have taken to the venue’s stage over the decades. “When people come to town, I often try to take them to Second City,” Gordon says.
The LaSalle academy’s world language focus
Some highly rated schools serve Old Town. They include the Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, LaSalle Elementary Language Academy and Lincoln Park High School, which respectfully received an A-minus, A-minus and A from ratings site Niche. Both Abraham Lincoln Elementary and LaSalle serve students from kindergarten to eighth grade. Abraham Lincoln Elementary offers a Virtual Calm Room, which comprises of various therapeutic tools ranging from sounds and music and digital coloring and drawing to guided meditation and yoga. For instance, selecting the sound and music option can lead to extended clips of waterfalls or thunder and rain. As its name suggests, the LaSalle magnet school emphasizes a world language education that starts in kindergarten. Its students regularly take courses in Mandarin, French, Spanish or Italian, and the school typically performs above local, state and national averages on standardized tests.
Main entrance tree lined streets with sitting at the trees, Lincoln Elementary School, Chicago.
The LaSalle Language school is one of the premier choice's for students of Old Town.
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L train lines to Chicago Loop
Old Town has a couple “L” train stations, as well as a number of Chicago Transit Authority bus stops. For those who prefer to drive, U.S. Highway 41 provides a route to the Chicago Loop, which is a roughly 4-mile drive south of the neighborhood. Old Town is a roughly 5-mile drive north of the Illinois Medical District, which has institutions like the RUSH University Medical Center and the John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County. Chicago O’Hare International Airport is a roughly 14-mile drive to the west.
Be sure to catch the train at the historic Sedgwick station in Old Town.
It is super convenient to grab a ride on the CTA train in the Old Town neighorhood.
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
Chris Stefani,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Lincoln Park Zoo
Lincoln Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Bike Trails
Adams Playground Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Waterpark
Bauler Park
Tennis
Pickleball
Playground
Diversey Driving Range
Privet Park
Playground
North Avenue Beach
Bike Trails
Lake
Beach
Hudson Chess Park
Picnic Area
Fire Station Park
Picnic Area
Transit
Airport
Chicago Midway International
22 min drive
Subway
Armitage Station
Subway
Sedgwick Station
Bus
1900 N Halsted
Bus
Sedgwick & Eugenie
Bus
1700 N Halsted
Bus
Halsted & Willow
Bus
300 W Division
Bus
Lasalle & Goethe
Bus
North Ave & Clybourn & Halsted (Red Line)
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Old Town
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
5
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 Old Town, Chicago sell after 27 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Old Town, Chicago over the last 12 months is $834,950, up 8% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Spacious and charming two-bedroom, one-bath condo in the heart of Lincoln Park, complete with an amazing oversized deck! Located in a prime Seminary/Webster area within a gorgeous vintage walk-up building, this high 2nd-floor unit offers the perfect blend of classic charm and modern updates, along with a serene landscaped common courtyard. The home features an entry foyer, soaring 10' ceilings,
Welcome to this exquisite, renovated brick single-family home where timeless charm meets modern luxury in prime Old Town. Perfectly situated in one of Chicago's most coveted neighborhoods, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath residence offers refined living with the added value of a beautifully finished coach house - ideal as a 4th bedroom guest suite, rental unit, home office for remote work or in-law
Megan Tirpak@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Welcome home to this stellar Lincoln Park, all brick, eastern facing duplex up. Built by award-winning developer & builder of Chicagoland residential projects, Ranquist Development, every detail works together to create synchronicity. Unencumbered by normality, this exceptional penthouse can be utilized in many ways, with its loft feel and multiple nooks to create your dream home. Two decks,
John Westbrook@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Recently Renovated Large 1 bed condo - West Facing Unit Great Views! Beautiful dark hardwood floors throughout entire unit. New renovated bathroom with a walk in shower. and designer floating vanity. Updated kitchen appliances and a bar seating area with Caesar Stone counters in kitchen, white gloss cabinets. Extensive storage (one large entry closet, two hallway closets and large bedroom closet
Presenting this stunning new two bedroom corner unit with balcony in Bryant House - Be the first to live in this gut renovated two bed one bath unit, ideally located between Old Town & Gold Coast. This corner unit has wrap around windows with north and west exposures that provide abundant natural light and open views of the serene landscaped courtyards, tucked away from the street. Enjoy the
Eamonn Stafford@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Nestled within the secure, gated community in the heart of Lincoln Park, this rarely available 4BR (all on the same level) 3.5BA townhouse offers an exceptionally tranquil living within an urban environment. As you enter City Commons through the guarded gate, you're greeted by the beautifully manicured grounds that feels like a welcomed oasis. The main floor boasts an incredibly large
K.C. Lau@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Discover this newly developed gem, Old Town Luxury Suites, located in the historic district of Old Town and just steps away from popular restaurants, cafes, fitness centers, shopping and so much more. All units boast the finest quality of materials including private walk-out terraces and balconies. Featuring opulent custom kitchen millwork & quartz counter tops. Stainless Steel and black
Discover this newly developed gem, Old Town Luxury Suites, located in the historic district of Old Town and just steps away from popular restaurants, cafes, fitness centers, shopping and so much more. All units boast the finest quality of materials including private walk-out terraces and balconies. Featuring opulent custom kitchen millwork & quartz counter tops. Stainless Steel and black
Park View is where excitement meets classic elegance. Our apartments in Lincoln Park, Chicago are located at the corner of Clark and Armitage with magnificent views of Lincoln Park, Lake Michigan, and the Chicago skyline. Offering numerous unique floor plans for studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. The amenities at Park View provide an escape from your busy life. Relax on our
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Chris Stefani,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
33,830
Median Age
34
Population Density
51 ppl/acre
Population under 18
20.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.4%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$137,786
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$166,187
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.5%
College Graduates
83.5%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
39.7%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
78%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
40''
Area Factors
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
88/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
87/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
83/ 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.
