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South Shore

South Shore

Neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois

Cook County 60649

Neighborhood Reviews
3.0
$199,844 Average Value
$110 Average Price per Sq Ft
87 Homes For Sale

A burgeoning community with deep roots

Steeped in history and culture, South Shore is a densely populated neighborhood on the shoreline of Lake Michigan. Vibrant murals with inspirational messages can be found on the sides of many historic buildings around the corridor of 71st Street. Some read: "South Shore Strong" and "Can't is Not in My Vocabulary." Over the last few years, South Shore residents have been reimagining the community's future. Once forgotten buildings and homes in need of complete renovations are no longer being overlooked." Gridded narrow streets are densely lined with mature trees and even sidewalks. The area is highly walkable to the beach, local library and school. "The neighborhood is lovely, and it's changing," says David Thomas, the founder and managing broker of Blue Door Dave, Inc. and resident of South Shore for over a decade. "People were nervous about the neighborhood. But they aren't nervous anymore. They are walking their dogs and are comfortable being outside again. And with that comes reinvestments. We are starting to see a change that we haven't seen in a very long time." In 2019, South Shore was selected as a priority community for the first phase of the INVEST South/West commercial corridor improvement plan. The project will focus on the 71st Street corridor between Stony Island and the Metra tracks on the east side. The project aims to revitalize areas with a concentration of people, businesses, transportation and public spaces. A large percentage of South Shore comprises commercial property and apartment buildings. About 77% of the population are renters.

Food with international flare

Residents don't have to travel far for dining and shopping. Residents can head to Jewel-Osco, Local Market Foods and Manny's Grocery to pick up essentials. Surf's Up is a mostly take-out eatery known for its Louisiana-style seafood with fried and grilled options. The interior of this 1,000-square-foot restaurant is painted in vibrant blues, reds and yellows, and there are colorful bar stools lining a small countertop. Majani Soulful Vegan Cuisine, known for its unique plant-based burgers and tacos, are currently taking reservations online. For entertainment, locals can see a play or R&B concert at the ETA Creative Arts Foundation or participate in Open Mike Night at the Quarry Event Center, a newly revamped culture-focused venue.

Majani Soulful Vegan Cuisine in South Shore is a low key stop serving plant based delights.
Majani Soulful Vegan Cuisine in South Shore is a low key stop serving plant based delights.
The local Jewel is a great place to get all the grocery shopping done.
The local Jewel is a great place to get all the grocery shopping done.
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Summer Festival is a local favorite

The annual South Shore Summer Fest held in August features live entertainment, vendors, a KIDZ Korner and festival fare. This is an opportunity for locals to socialize and get to know each other.

Easy access to buses and trains

Jackson Park Hospital & Medical Center is located within the boundary. Interstates 90 and 95 are easily accessible from the neighborhood. Downtown Chicago is a 9-mile drive via U.S. Route 41. Chicago Transit Authority has several bus routes throughout the neighborhood, including Route N5, for overnight service. Three routes—5, 15, and 95—travel along South Jeffery Boulevard, and Route 71 covers East 71st Street and South Shore Drive. The Metra Electric, a commuter train servicing the Chicago area, enters the neighborhood on East 71st Street before turning onto South Exchange Avenue. Chicago O'Hare International Airport is a 26-mile drive via Interstate 95. There's a GoLo Gas Station on the east side of town for a fill-up before heading out.

Part of the historic Bungalow District

South Shore is home to one of the city's fourteen historic Bungalow Districts, recognized for their cultural, historical and architectural significance. The bungalows were developed by 35 different architects and feature a variety of frame, brick and stucco structures that exhibit a natural variety of forms, colors and textures. Most of these houses were built between 1911 and 1920. There are also Prairie, Tudor revivals and condo buildings that sit close together. Most single-family homes sit on land that is 1/8 acre or less and have garages. "It's the type of neighborhood where you can have a modest investment with a great appreciation value," Thomas says. Typical prices range between $125,000 and $275,000. "There are consumer renovation programs available," says Warren Davis, a real estate broker with eXp Realty who has lived in South Shore since he was 10. "I don't want a home that needs a complete overhaul to deter anyone from becoming a homeowner." Locals can walk to Rainbow Beach, where they can swim during beach season when lifeguards are on duty. A natural area at the beach's northeast end includes 9.18 acres of dune habitat. Rainbow Beach Park offers a community garden, ball courts, baseball diamonds and two playgrounds. Jackson Park has over 500 acres and boasts an 18-hole public golf course, expansive sculpted gardens and cherry blossoms. South Shore Cultural Center at South Shore Beach is inside a building built in 1916. It features a formal dining hall, a solarium and a theater. The property has beach access, a butterfly garden and a nature sanctuary. Locals can stroll on the sand-sprinkled wooden walking path and explore six acres of dunes and wetlands. South Shore Public Library is in the neighborhood for classes, programs and events and YOUmedia, where high school students can socialize, explore, create, collaborate, check out books and develop new skills.

An American foursquare with beautiful landscaping in the South Shore neighborhood.
An American foursquare with beautiful landscaping in the South Shore neighborhood.
A row of classic Chicago Brick Bungalows that are so popular in South Shore.
A row of classic Chicago Brick Bungalows that are so popular in South Shore.
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High school offers whole school IB philosophy

South Shore is served by Chicago Public Schools, and students can attend both elementary and middle school classes Horace Mann Elementary School, which has a C grade from Niche. South Shore International College Prep High School, with a C grade from Niche, has an extended world language program, honors and advanced placement courses and a whole-school International Baccalaureate philosophy. Chicago Public Schools offers open enrollment.

South Shore International College Preparatory High School is located in Chicago, Illinois.
South Shore International College Preparatory High School is located in Chicago, Illinois.
Horace Mann School has 305 students in South Shore.
Horace Mann School has 305 students in South Shore.
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Fun at the beach and in the parks

Locals can walk to Rainbow Beach, where they can swim during beach season when lifeguards are on duty. A natural area at the beach's northeast end includes 9.18 acres of dune habitat. Rainbow Beach Park offers a community garden, ball courts, baseball diamonds and two playgrounds. Jackson Park has over 500 acres and boasts an 18-hole public golf course, expansive sculpted gardens and cherry blossoms. South Shore Cultural Center at South Shore Beach is inside a building built in 1916. It features a formal dining hall, a solarium and a theater. The property has beach access, a butterfly garden and a nature sanctuary. Locals can stroll on the sand-sprinkled wooden walking path and explore 6 acres of dunes and wetlands. South Shore Public Library is in the neighborhood for classes, programs and events, and YOUmedia is where high school students can socialize, be creative, collaborate and develop new skills.

Local residents enjoying the hot summer day in the lake!
Local residents enjoying the hot summer day in the lake!
Head to Jackson Park near South Shore for some great time on the green.
Head to Jackson Park near South Shore for some great time on the green.
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Community offers crime prevention programs

Though the community rates a moderate 5/10 on the CAP Index, crimes like homicide and assault with a weapon are above the national average. South Shore offers violence prevention programs geared toward those who are at high risk for gun violence. Local programming includes street outreach and victim services.

Samantha Hacker
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Samantha Hacker
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Myles Manuel

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 DeMarcus Hunter, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Chicago Midway International

22 min drive

Train

Cheltenham Station

Train

Windsor Park Station

Train

South Shore Station

Train

Bryn Mawr Station

Bus

71st Street & Cornell

Bus

Jeffery & 70th Street

Bus

67th Street & South Shore

Bus

75th Street & Colfax

Bus

79th Street & Yates

Bus

73rd Street & Exchange

Bus

S. Shore Drive & Cheltenham

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.0 47 Reviews
4.0 Current Resident
6/25/2018 Niche Review
I like the fact that South Shore is changing for the better. A lot of abandoned buildings are being renovated and will soon increase property values in the area. I would like to see more lighting on 79th past Yates. Once they get the bad elements out of the area it will be the South Shore of the past with respected, working class families.
4.0 Current Resident
6/1/2018 Niche Review
I've lived here for about 3 years now and honestly can't complain. It's quiet the majority of the time and has an amazing school available.
3.0 Niche User
2/23/2016 Niche Review
It has some good parts then it has some bad parts.
2.0 Current Resident
11/10/2019 Niche Review
South Shore is an under-resourced community that needs substantial help of the community members and the city of Chicago to help stop violence. It has great people and opportunities if you go out to look for it.
Are you familiar with the South Shore neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime South Shore US
Homicide 9 4
Sexual Assault 7 4
Assault with Weapon 7 4
Robbery 8 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$143,000
Median Single Family Price
$242,000
Median Townhouse Price
$140,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$110,500
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$69,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$110
Number of Homes for Sale
87
Last 12 months Home Sales
190
Months of Supply
5.50
Median List Price
$147,900
Median Discount From 1st List Price
4%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
36%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
4,227
Median Year Built
1923
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,137
Above the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,630
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,169
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
886
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
4,356

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 1:30pm

    7624 S Paxton Ave, Chicago, IL 60649

    $299,950

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,325 Sq Ft
    • 7624 S Paxton Ave
    • New 4 days ago

    Fully Remodeled Brick Bungalow in Chicago's South Shore Neighborhood. This beautifully remodeled brick bungalow offers four bedrooms and two full bathrooms in the sought-after South Shore neighborhood. Enter through the elegant side entrance into a home featuring professionally finished hardwood floors throughout the first floor. The open-concept design seamlessly connects the living room and

    Erik Corral You Properties LLC

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    3 - 4:30pm

    7359 S Constance Ave, Chicago, IL 60649

    $289,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 2,058 Sq Ft
    • 7359 S Constance Ave
    • New 4 days ago

    Stately Colonial Revival in Historic Jackson Park Highlands!! Situated on a corner lot, discover timeless elegance in this beautifully preserved Colonial Revival-style home, ideally situated in the coveted Jackson Park Highlands district. This spacious residence boasts a master suite, one additional full bath, and two half baths. The sun-drenched enclosed porch offers a perfect space for

    Sherita Owens Keller Williams ONEChicago

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 2pm

    7301 S Constance Ave, Chicago, IL 60649

    $820,000

    • 9 Beds
    • 6 Baths
    • 7301 S Constance Ave
    • New 5 days ago

    We are pleased to present 7301 S Constance Ave, a newly renovated building comprising three units. Each unit has undergone extensive renovation from the ground up, ensuring an exceptional living experience. The spacious layouts feature three generously sized bedrooms and two well-appointed bathrooms per unit, providing residents with ample comfort. The interiors include hardwood floors

    Stephon Walker Compass

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to DeMarcus Hunter, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
48,154
Median Age
40
Population Density
32 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$36,338
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$51,471

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
88.9%
College Graduates
24.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.2%
% Population in Labor Force
61%
On par with the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
40''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

65 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

71 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

65 / 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
South Shore