$1,110,758Average Value$376Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
Historic housing in North Side Chicago
Graceland West, located just west of Graceland Cemetery, sits conveniently close to Uptown and Lake Michigan on Chicago’s North Side. The breeze off the lake can sometimes bring the aromas of the arboretum into the neighborhood – “Our scent would be something green-ish, we’re a neighborhood of heavy greenery,” says Sarah Maxwell, Broker at @properties Christie’s International Real Estate. “Hydrangea, oak – we have a lot of old oak trees, probably a little fresh air and some freshwater from the lake.” Open since 1860, the historic garden cemetery spans 121 acres and is home to those who shaped Chicago – from Mr. Cub himself to William Le Baron Jenney, who shaped Chicago’s skyline as the father of the American skyscraper. Today, the shaded residential streets enjoy close proximity to Wrigley Field, Uptown and the shores of Lake Michigan and Montrose Beach for recreation.
Greystones and American Foursquares
The streets of Graceland West feature two flats and single-family homes over a hundred years old, including greystones and American Foursquares. "There are a lot of old antique buildings, but it’s changed over the years,” says Mary McIntire Petri, broker with EXIT Strategy Realty, who’s been in real estate for 40 years. She sees a renovation trend in this area - "Buyers love those big structures; sometimes they are gutting them out, and sometimes they are taking two and three flats and converting them into single-family homes."
Maxwell notes that one of Graceland West’s major draws is space. “Part of what makes Graceland West so special is that we have really large lots by city standards,” she says, “The average size is 25 feet by 125 feet, but my our lot – it’s over 160 feet deep, and it’s on a lot that’s almost 50 feet wide.” It’s not just the lot size that makes the neighborhood feel more spacious, either. She says, “The houses in Graceland West sit way back from the street; it gives a boulevard feel because we have so many really old trees.”
Condo buildings and townhouses, both vintage and new, provide an entry point, with prices ranging from $215,000 for a two-bedroom condo unit to $1 million for a four-bedroom townhouse or a duplex. Prices start as low as $785,000 for a three-bedroom home from the early 1900s to $2 million for a modern five-bedroom. Architecturally notable homes or extra-large lots can get up to $4 million. New construction includes single-family homes with designs that complement existing styles.
Homes in West Graceland come in all shapes and sizes.
Chicago Two-Flats line the streets of West Graceland.
1/2
Graceland Cemetery, neighborhood parks and Montrose Beach
Warner Garden Park is a rare park. Over the years, Lois Buenger bought it and developed the once-vacant lot into a private park. Today, it’s run by the Warner Park and Gardens Board of Directors and funded almost entirely by the Graceland West Community Association. It’s a small community park where residents enjoy sitting on the benches or walking the path. Just to the east and open to the public for visits, Graceland Cemetery is known as the "Cemetery of Architects," the final resting spot for those who designed Chicago’s skyline. It's a certified arboretum known for its landscape architecture. “In the fall, it’s really beautiful,” says Maxwell, “There are wild coyotes that live there, but they don’t bother you. It’s really cool to have it in the city.”
The shores of Lake Michigan are 2 miles east of Graceland West. “We use the lake all the time, the dogs like it, there’s a fenced dog beach,” says Maxwell. “I’ll bike there and ride my bike along the lake front.” Montrose Beach is a spot for swimming, kayaking, kiteboarding and dog park play. Dunes at the south end of the beach provide a habitat for endangered plants, and the Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary provides a haven for migratory birds and butterflies. A skate park, soccer fields and a popular hill for sledding or kite flying are in the area.
A walking path winds through West Graceland's Warner Garden Park.
Graceland Cemetery is a historic cemetery in West Graceland.
1/2
Public schools and bilingual education in Chicago's North
Most students in the neighborhood will start out at Ravenswood Elementary School. However, those in the southeastern corner will attend Blaine Elementary School. Both of which earn an A-minus from Niche. “People who live in the neighborhood are walking their kids to school, they become more vested in the neighborhood,” says Maxwell. Regardless of which one they start at, they will head to Lake View High School if they stay within the zoned schools. Rated B-minus, it has dual credit courses and branches of the National Honor Society and the Key Club. Local private options include the German International School Chicago, located within the neighborhood, which offers bilingual education and after-school care. A few blocks away, Lycee Francais de Chicago offers bilingual French and English education and students get the option for an International Baccalaureate and a French Baccalaureate.
Lake View High School is located in West Graceland.
Lycee Francais de Chicago offers bilingual French and English education.
1/2
Shopping and dining along West Montrose and North Broadway
“One of my favorite bars is The Long Room. They have a little hidden patio in the back that’s great,” says Maxwell. A combination coffee house and tavern, pouring lattes by day and craft cocktails by night, it features a deep craft beer menu. It is home to AJ’s Bakery and Diner, a guest kitchen that serves monstrous biscuit breakfast sandwiches in the morning and bar snacks in the evening.
BienMeSabe is one of many restaurants along Montrose serving global cuisine. In addition to their Venezuelan dishes, vegan Thai from Urban Vegan Thai and Mediterranean from Falafel & Grill provide variety. Maxwell also points to Bayan Ko for creative Filipino-Cuban fusion and Spacca Napoli for classic Neapolitan-style pizza, a rarity in the land of deep dish and tavern-style pies. For an evening beverage, Dovetail Brewery and Begyle Brewing both have house-brewed beers on tap along Ravenswood Avenue, often called “Malt Row” for the sheer number of breweries up and down the street.
Just east, at the intersection of Montrose and Broadway, a cluster of shopping includes a Target, national retail, and ALDI and Jewel-Osco for groceries.
Locally owned coffee shops can be found throughout West Graceland.
BienMeSabe in West Graceland serves authentic Venezuelan cuisine.
Lee's Wok is a favorite amongst the residents of West Graceland for Chinese food.
1/3
Chicago Pride and other cultural celebrations
The Graceland West Community Association is a big part of living in the neighborhood. “We have a really active community association that’s been around since 1979, they put on block parties regularly,” says Maxwell. “They put on fun, free events; in a couple weeks, we’ll have kids Halloween parties, and we’ll have activities for them in Warner Park.”
Ravenswood Art Walk is a popular event with vendors and artwork up and down Ravenswood Avenue. Uptown Art Week, a Lunar New Year Parade, the summertime Argyle Night Market and Toast of Uptown also occur nearby. Northalsted, or Boystown, about a mile away, is one of the largest LGBTQ communities in the Midwest. Each year, the Chicago Pride Fest and the Chicago Pride Parade bring nearly a million people to the area.
The L train and CTA buses
“My husband and I both have cars, but we will always walk if we can. It’s very walkable,” says Maxwell. “The brown and red lines are close, and we have awesome buses - the Clark Street and Ashland buses.” Wilson and Sheridan stations are on the Red Line, and Irving Park is on the Brown Line. Light rail on the Metra also runs on the Union Pacific Northwest Line from Irving Park to the Ogilvie Transportation Center or in the other direction toward the suburbs, ending in the cities of McHenry and Harvard. Interstates 90 and 94 are close by for longer trips, and O'Hare International Airport is about 14 miles to the west. Both Weiss Memorial Hospital and Illinois Masonic Medical Center are within 2 miles of the neighborhood and are usually a drive of 10 to 15 minutes.
Residents of West Graceland can enjoy events at Wrigley Field.
The friendly confines down the street
With the grave of Ernie Banks in Graceland Cemetery and Wrigley Field less than a mile away, Graceland West is a haven for Cubs fans. However, as Maxwell mentions, it impacts all neighborhood residents – tour buses park along Irving Park Road to get fans in and out of the city for games. “When you live in Graceland West you have to be cognizant of the Wrigley schedule for traffic, it can take an hour to go somewhere that would usually take 10 minutes,” says Maxwell. It’s a trade-off to be able to walk to games and events in under 15 minutes.
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
Ali Arciniega,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Warner Garden Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Buena Circle Park
Playground
Ann Sather Garden
Picnic Area
Trails
Kelly Park
Trails
Playground
Broncho Billy Playlot Park
Playground
Filbert Playlot Park
Playground
Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary
Transit
Airport
Chicago O'Hare International
22 min drive
Bus
Irving Park & Greenview
Bus
Irving Park & Southport
Bus
Irving Park & Hermitage
Bus
Clark & Cullom
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
West Graceland
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
2
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West Graceland, Chicago sell after 23 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in West Graceland, Chicago over the last 12 months is $831,996, up 4% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This beautiful all brick home exudes luxury at its finest. Meticulously built in 2002 and continuously upgraded over the years this house is situated in sought after Lakeview, Graceland West. From the beautifully landscaped front yard we enter through the front door into a spacious living and dining room with a west facing Juliet balcony bringing in warm natural light and cool summer breezes. The
Michael Thomas@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Welcome to this beautifully maintained and timeless Graceland West Greystone. This single-family home is perfectly situated on a picturesque, tree-lined street within the highly sought-after Blaine School district. With five spacious bedrooms and four and a half bathrooms, 1442 W Cuyler masterfully blends classic architectural charm with sophisticated modern updates-creating a warm, elegant, and
Historic Charm Meets Modern Comfort on an extra-deep 25' x 165' lot on one of East Ravenswood's most picturesque blocks-lined with inviting front porches and expansive backyards-this beautifully renovated home blends timeless character with luxurious modern upgrades. This entire home was gutted to the studs in 2013 and a two-story addition was added at that same time that included a sun-drenched
Sharon O'Hara@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Talk about location! Incredibly charming 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo in Lakeview with everything you're looking for! This super cute unit features hardwood floors throughout, bright living room with open concept kitchen featuring large island, stainless steel appliances and granite counters. Unit also boasts in-unit washer and dryer, central air and heat, en suite primary bedroom with double sink
Bright and Spacious high first floor condo. This extra large 1 bedroom 1 bath Lake View condo will impress. 8.5 ft ceilings, and abundant natural light with both East and West Exposures. This home offers a modern feel with a vintage touch. Gorgeous hardwood floors throughout, This home offers a modern fell with a vintage touch. Perfect for entertaining or relaxing. The generous room sizes will
John Charmelo@properties Christie's International Real Estate
This is the perfect one bedroom that checks all of the boxes and is move in ready. You will immediately notice the abundance of natural light coming from the North, East and West facing windows making the space feel big and bright. The hardwood floors and crown moulding give the place the added touch of charm. The kitchen with its marble countertops and 42" maple cabinets provide lots of
Michelle OrnerBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago
Renovated Studio apartment in great location! Features include hardwood floors, updated kitchen and bath. Very spacious! Building is pet friendly and laundry on site. Short walk to Irving Park Brown line. Close to restaurants, nightlife, and shopping along Southport Corridor. - Presented by Fulton Grace, Chicago IL.*Pictures, layout, and finishes may differ or be of a similar unit
Welcome to 4153 N. Hermitage Ave - Available now for the first time in decades, this 3BD/2BA unit just underwent a complete gut transformation. You must see to believe the detailed craftsmanship that went into the renovation - - unlike any other apartment rental on the market. This unit is decked out with top of the line designer appliances, trendy light fixtures, solid oak hardwood floors
2 bedroom apartment in heart of Ravenswood. Features hardwood floors, spacious floor plan. Good closet space. Short walk to Montrose Brown line. Close to restaurants, shopping, nightlife and more. - Presented by Fulton Grace, Chicago IL.*Pictures, layout, and finishes may differ or be of a similar unit available within the building.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Ali Arciniega,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
4,674
Median Age
36
Population Density
29 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
8.4%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$102,749
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$141,667
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.4%
College Graduates
84.8%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
37.8%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
87.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
40''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
95/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
86/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
78/ 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.
