$354,193Average Value$183Average Price per Sq Ft36Homes For Sale
Developing neighborhood off Lake Michigan
One of Woodlawn’s major elements is still a work in progress: the Barack Obama Presidential Center, a global community-minded educational complex established by the country’s first African-American president and alum of the University of Chicago, just north of the neighborhood. New construction has been plentiful since the Southside community was chosen for the project, but the Woodlawn of today is also home to some of South Side Chicago’s longest-running restaurants, schools and homes, along with popular destinations like Jackson Park and connections to the popular Hyde Park area. “I think good things are ahead. The area used to be a bunch of abandoned buildings and lots, and now developers are flocking to the area," says Tish Herrera, a real estate consultant with Baird & Warner.
Vintage and modern Chicago homes
Development in Woodlawn began in the late 19th century, leading to a distinct mix of architectural sensibilities along the densely populated city blocks. Multi-family properties make up a large chunk of Woodlawn’s home stock, with styles including condo units and buildings, two- to four-flat greystones and contemporary townhouses. Buyers can generally expect individual units and older townhomes to sell from $120,000 to $630,000. Newly built luxury homes and larger multi-units can sell from $650,000 to $1.2 million or more. Single-family properties offer a similarly broad range of appearances but are harder to find. Buyers can expect single-family home values between $100,000 and $950,000.
Residents enjoy fenced-in front yards in Woodlawn.
Modern builds line the streets in Woodlawn.
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Prestigious Hyde Park Academy alum
Carnegie Elementary School is one of the area’s public school assignments for students from kindergarten through eighth grade. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program for students from sixth grade onwards, which emphasizes a holistic approach to learning and prepares students for the IB diploma program at other participating schools. Carnegie earns a C-plus grade on Niche. Hyde Park Academy High School counts pilot Amelia Earhart and jazz musician Herbie Hancock among its alumni. The school earns a D-plus grade on Niche.
Additional education options in the Woodlawn area include Mount Carmel High School, a Catholic college preparatory school for boys that first opened in 1900. The school earns an A grade. Just north of the neighborhood, the University of Chicago landed at the No. 11 spot on U.S. News & World Report’s national list of the best universities. UChicago offers 53 undergraduate majors and holds an A-plus grade on Niche.
Carnegie Elementary School has 443 students in grades PK and K through 8.
Hyde Park Academy High School has 760 students with a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1.
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Recreation destination in south Chicago
Jackson Park is one of the city's signature parks. Designed by famed American architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the waterfront park spans more than 550 acres. Jackson Park Golf Course offers 18 holes over 5,500 yards, letting locals enjoy a day on the green with views of the park and the city in the distance. Pup-sized police cruisers, obstacle courses and giant fire hydrants are part of the décor at Jackson Bark, the park’s playful dog-date spot. 63rd Street Beach is open for swimming from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day each year, giving locals a prime spot to enjoy the summer on the waters of Lake Michigan.
Kids and grown-ups alike can discover rotating and permanent experiences at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. Recent programs include exhibits about the science of music’s relationship with the body, the history of space observation and travel and the real-life inspirations for 007's gadgets in the James Bond film series.
Families flock to 63rd Street Beach to spend quality time together.
Street performers set the mood with live music in Jackson Park.
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Head to Hyde Park for shopping
Most of Woodlawn’s local stores are focused on essential needs. Aldi, Green’s Food and Grove Market are each available on the neighborhood’s south end for food, while Family Dollar and Walgreens are both on Cottage Grove Avenue for everyday needs. Small, independent shops like Rose Beauty Supply and City Sports are also nearby.
Just north of the neighborhood, Hyde Park Shopping Center offers a mix of mainstream stores and smaller Chicago originals. Familiar brands in the area include Trader Joe’s, Target and Whole Foods Market. Recycled Modern specializes in midcentury modern home goods and furniture while also offering art and accessories by Black creatives from the South Side and across the city. Two doors down at Akira, trendy ladies’ fashions are lit by rows of overhead lamps. The cure for the common comic shop awaits at First Aid Comics, a two-floor hobby haven with a dedicated space for tabletop gaming events.
Cozy vibes fill the atmosphere at Build Coffee. Amid a soundtrack of bubbling milk frothers, visitors scan shelves filled with nonfiction, novels and zines, as baristas and kitchen staff prep lattes and lunch sandwiches in the exposed brick cafe. Beef patties, blackened salmon, burgers and wings are a few of the selections at Let’s Eat to Live, which backs up the soul food vibes of its menu with walls adorned in musical motifs and portraits of famous jazz artists. The restaurant shares its space with Eat More Bread, a local bakery specializing in making whole wheat loaves daily. A South Side fave for comfort food, Daley’s Restaurant is the oldest restaurant in the city, first opening back in 1892. The classic diner spent its first 127 years in the same spot on 63rd Street before moving to its current space across the street.
Cafe 53 is an excellent cafe serving caffeinated beverages, sandwiches, and baked goods.
First Aid Comics is a comic book store that also hosts regular game nights.
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Metro accessible Chicago area
63rd Street is Woodlawn’s main thoroughfare, connecting to DuSable Lake Shore Drive on its east side and to Interstate 90 on the west. Locals are about 9 miles south of the Loop.
Car-free travelers can find bus stops along central roads such as Stony Island Avenue and 61st Street. Locals traveling on the ‘L’ train can catch the Green Line from the Cottage Grove station near Cottage Grove Avenue and 63rd Street. The neighborhood’s nearest Metra stations for commuter line service are on 59th Street and 63rd Street, both near the east side. Residents also have convenient connections for travel on foot thanks to the area’s key location. "They can walk to the lake, the lagoon, Hyde Park; all of them are nearby," Herrera says.
For medical services and emergency care, the UChicago Medicine campus is about 2 miles north. Locals traveling beyond the northern Illinois area can catch flights from Chicago Midway International Airport, 9 miles west of the neighborhood. Chicago O’Hare International Airport is 26 miles northwest.
Close to Hyde Park's Jazz Festival
Woodlawn shares much of its cultural events with Hyde Park to the north, including the Hyde Park Jazz Festival, which takes place each September. Ensembles and individual performers from Southside Chicago and around the world gather each year for two full days of free performances. The ACX Harper Theater - Hyde Park has been in operation for more than 100 years. In addition to screening mainstream movies, locals can catch distinctive events like the Chicago Underground Film Festival and the Black Alphabet Film Festival at the storied venue. Hip hop, afrobeats, jazz and R&B shows are frequent entertainment at The Promontory, a contemporary venue designed to keep the South Side’s musical traditions alive. The venue also hosts karaoke nights and silent disco events with tunes from local house, juke and footwork DJs.
Things to know
Woodlawn’s CAP Index scores for violent crime are higher than the national average. Organizations such as Project HOOD (Helping Others Obtain Destiny), GoodKidsMadCity and Watchguard Chicago have each taken a hands-on approach to violence prevention in the neighborhood, each using outreach methods by and for the people living in Woodlawn and other South Side communities.
The University of Chicago and the Obama Foundation broke ground on the Barack Obama Presidential Center at Jackson Park in 2021. Plans for the site include a museum documenting the president’s time in office, a library and a facility for athletics and educational programs.
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?
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an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Ashe Beach Park
Picnic Area
Tennis
Playground
Mamie Till-Mobley Park
Basketball
Playground
Washington Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Boating
Jackson Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Dog Park
Beehive Park
Playground
Rainbow Beach Park
Baseball/Softball
Trails
Beach
Moccasin Ranch Park
Playground
Harris (Harriet) Park
Pool
Events
Community Center
Huckleberry Playground Park
Playground
Transit
Airport
Chicago Midway International
18 min drive
Train
63Rd Street Station
Bus
67th Street & Cottage Grove
Bus
61st Street & Kenwood
Bus
63rd Street & Woodlawn
Bus
63rd Street & Greenwood
Bus
67th Street & East End
Bus
Stony Island & 62nd Street
Bus
60th Street & Ellis
Reviews
Niche Reviews
3.031 Reviews
3.0Niche User
6/2/2016Niche Review
I enjoy riding my bike to the park without worrying if I will make it home safe.
3.0Niche User
6/2/2016Niche Review
There is a lot of police presence because there used to be a lot of shootings in my neighborhood. Occasionally there is a shooting however it is not as bad as it used to be.
2.0Niche User
2/18/2016Niche Review
I tend to leave when I go to college but I will come back for my family.
4.0Current Resident
10/21/2019Niche Review
It shows a lot of promise as a neighborhood. It is close to the lake and the university of chicago, there is a golf club, beaches, museums and a lot of parks. Sadly, there is also a lot of empty lots and seedy areas where one does not feel very safe. I wish people saw the potential of this are and started populating it with homes and restaurants and retail.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Woodlawn
US
Homicide
8
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
8
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Woodlawn, Chicago sell after 43 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Woodlawn, Chicago over the last 12 months is $362,972, up 6% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath duplex down condo offering nearly 2,500 sq ft of stylish, functional living space in the thriving Woodlawn neighborhood. Step into an open layout that seamlessly connects the living, dining, and kitchen areas - perfect for entertaining or cozy nights in. The kitchen features white quartz countertops, new stainless steel appliances, a crisp
Welcome to 6547 S Woodlawn Ave Unit 2 - A Spacious, Versatile Condo in the Heart of Woodlawn! Step into this beautifully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo with office space, offering the perfect blend of comfort, functionality, and location. Nestled in the vibrant and evolving Woodlawn neighborhood, this home is ideal for anyone seeking a dynamic urban lifestyle with a strong sense of
***POPULAR WOODLAWN NEIGHBORHOOD*** Imagine owning a brand-new home...but at a fraction of the cost! This stunning renovated home offers the ultimate living experience...packed with luxurious features. LUXURY UPGRADES INCLUDE; Brand New; Frigidaire Appliance Package (with warranty), sleek Electrolux front-loading washer/dryer, custom cabinetry/vanities/hardware, Quartz countertops for durability
Modern Elegance Meets Prime Location - Steps from the University of Chicago! Step into style and comfort with this freshly renovated East Woodlawn condo - perfectly positioned across the street from the University of Chicago and just three blocks from the highly anticipated Obama Presidential Center. This move-in-ready gem features brand-new flooring throughout and a stunning, fully remodeled
Exceptional 6-Unit Building in Prime Woodlawn Location - Steps from UChicago & the Obama Library Discover an outstanding investment opportunity in this newer construction 6-flat, featuring spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom units in the heart of rapidly developing Woodlawn. Just blocks from the University of Chicago and the future Obama Presidential Center, this property combines prime location
Discover refined urban living in this expansive 3,000 sq. ft. greystone duplex, ideally located just steps from the Obama Presidential Library and University of Chicago. This exceptional gated property seamlessly blends classic charm with modern luxury. Step inside to beautiful natural hardwood floors that flow throughout the home, leading to a chef-inspired kitchen featuring 42-inch cabinetry,
Come experience the fresh, new look of this classic apartment community conveniently located in Woodlawn! Be one of the first to enjoy our new fitness center and community room. Many of our apartment units are undergoing renovations as well and some units feature new flooring, cabinets and appliances. Enjoy the convenient location, spacious apartments and free parking within walking distance
*OUTSTANDING 2ND FLOOR UNIT*LOCATED IN THE WOODLAWN COMMUNITY WITH OTHER NEWER BUILDINGS, CHECK OUT THIS 2 BED 2 BATH BEAUTY*SUN KISSED HARDWOOD FLOORS GLEAM IN THIS OPEN FLOOR PLAN WITH RECESSED LIGHTING AND FIREPLACE IN THE LIVING ROOM*BALCONY INCLUDED FOR A QUICK SUMMER BREEZE IF NEEDED*KITCHEN WITH GRANITE BREAKFAST ISLAND AND STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES*IN UNIT LAUNDRY!*MASTER SUITE INCLUDES
Enjoy the best of Hyde Park living with the city at your doorstep at Plaisance Apartments. Plaisance Apartments is also conveniently located just one block from the University of Chicago Law School and just two blocks from the main campus. A block away from the University of Chicago Law School and just two blocks south of the historic Midway Plaisance, this award-winning elevator building offers
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jennifer Upshaw,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
15,337
Median Age
34
Population Density
15 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.4%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$29,631
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$52,079
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
88.5%
College Graduates
35%
Advanced Degrees
15.7%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
56.8%
Below 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
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
76/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
61/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
71/ 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.
