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Robbins

Robbins

Suburban Neighborhood in Illinois

Cook County 60472

Neighborhood Reviews
3.3
$127,966 Average Value
$121 Average Price per Sq Ft
5 Homes For Sale

A promise of hope for one of the nation's first Black-run communities

In the early 20th century, a Chicagoan named Thomas J. Kellar had a dream of a Black-run municipality, where he and his neighbors could self-govern and be free from the hardships they faced in the city. Despite resistance, he was able to incorporate Robbins, the first municipality in the North governed entirely by African Americans. The village became an oasis for Black Chicagoans, who would hang out in its parks and restaurants even if they didn't live there. The village reached its peak population in 1970 with nearly 10,000 people, but it's since tapered off and today has a population of just under 5,000. Leota Murphy, who settled in the community over 50 years ago and now serves as coordinator for the Village of Robbins Block Clubs, is one of many residents working to revive the village's foundational vitality. For many, the 2021 election of Mayor Darren E. Bryant, the youngest Black mayor in Illinois history, offers a light of hope for the community. Bryant plans to increase the area's commercial and residential development as well as job training and opportunities. "The mayor and community members have a vision of how they view the future of Robbins. We see it," Murphy says. "If you ride through Robbins, you'll see we are clearing trees and demolishing old houses and buildings. We're preparing to build new structures — to build a football and soccer field. Oh, we're doing things here in Robbins. We just need younger minds and hands to come and help us."

Robbins is located in the south suburbs of Chicago.
Robbins is located in the south suburbs of Chicago.
There is motivational art all around in Robbins.
There is motivational art all around in Robbins.
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Getting around Robbins

Robbins is about 20 miles or a 30-minute drive south of Chicago, and the neighborhood has a Metra station that gets residents into the city in about 25 minutes. The Pace Bus serves Robbins with routes throughout the community. The closest hospital is UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial, less than five miles away, and the nearest airport is Midway, about 30 minutes away.

There are many bus stops conveniently located throughout Robbins.
There are many bus stops conveniently located throughout Robbins.
The Robbins Metra stop connects Robbins to Chicago.
The Robbins Metra stop connects Robbins to Chicago.
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An open-air market and collection of local eateries

Residents can stop for tacos and shop for discounted items at the Village of Robbins Open-Air Market, which is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and on weekends, they can shop at the giant Swap-O-Rama Flea Market just north of the neighborhood. Robbins restaurants include the Mexican-American Little Coloso Grill, Tacos El Diablo and Ding Kong, which serves sandwiches and breakfast specials. Original Maxwell Street South has tacos and burritos but is best known for its Polish sausage and pork chops, and at Robbins Grocery & Liquors, residents can fill up their tanks and pick up snacks and other essentials. The neighboring village of Crestwood offers additional dining options, like gyros from Nicky's, Mexican seafood from Mariscos La Sirena and hot dogs from Portillo's. Residents can get groceries in Crestwood at Walmart or ALDI and shop from retailers like PetSmart, Menards and Kohl's.

Robbins residents hold their own open air market during the warmer months of the year.
Robbins residents hold their own open air market during the warmer months of the year.
The Original Maxwell Street South in Robbins has pork chops and fried perch.
The Original Maxwell Street South in Robbins has pork chops and fried perch.
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Staying active at Celebration Park and the Glenn Hudson Boxing Academy

Robbins residents get to know their neighbors at Celebration Park, where a playground and picnic tables provide framework for community building. Just south of the neighborhood, Memorial Park offers recreational amenities like batting cages, baseball fields and bocce. MMA lovers attend the neighborhood's Glenn Hudson Boxing Academy, where Coach Hudson provides a challenging workout for kids and adults alike.

Celebration Park is a wonderful place to take the family in Robbins.
Celebration Park is a wonderful place to take the family in Robbins.
Residents enjoy the many options for reading at the William Leonard Public Library in Robbins.
Residents enjoy the many options for reading at the William Leonard Public Library in Robbins.
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Robbins' housing offers relative affordability

Housing in Robbins is mostly brick bungalows, but there are also some condos and new traditional homes. Many homes have been recently remodeled, and Mayor Bryant plans to continue to prioritize residential development in his service to the community. Homes sit on well-sized lots surrounded by lush greenery, and they're close enough to each other that residents can still feel the sense of community. Murphy says that because of this sense of community, many young people choose to stay in Robbins after growing up there. "Young people that grew up here are buying homes. And we have enough land to offer them. Instead of leaving and going somewhere else, we hope that residents stay in the community and make it theirs," she says. Prices here fall between $50,000 and $300,000 with a median list price of $110,000, offering greater affordability than surrounding communities.

Robbins homes come in a variety of architectural styles.
Robbins homes come in a variety of architectural styles.
There are many interesting home styles in Robbins.
There are many interesting home styles in Robbins.
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Educational opportunities in Robbins

Students in Robbins can attend Turner Elementary from infancy through kindergarten, Childs Elementary for kindergarten through third grade, Posen Intermediate for fourth and fifth grade and Keller Middle for sixth through eighth. Then, they continue to Eisenhower, Richards or Shepard High. On the educational review site, Niche, Childs Elementary received a C-plus rating, Posen Intermediate and Keller Middle received C-minuses, Eisenhower received a B-minus, Richards received a B-plus and Shepard received an A-minus. Turner Elementary has not been rated. At Shepard High School, students can participate in activities like Business Professionals of America, a coding club and National Honor Society.

Educational opportunities abound at Dwight D. Eisenhower High School.
Educational opportunities abound at Dwight D. Eisenhower High School.
Kellar Middle School has a C minus rating on Niche.
Kellar Middle School has a C minus rating on Niche.
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Robbins’ annual Back-to-School Parade & Festival

Robbins' biggest community event is its annual Back-to-School Parade & Festival, held each year on the first weekend of September. Friday kicks off the weekend with a DJ-driven backyard house party, and on Saturday, kids get their faces painted and explore obstacle courses while adults try virtual golf and take classes on entrepreneurship. An annual talent show opens up for an evening of soul music, and on Sunday, the community comes together for its annual parade and gospel concert. "It is really something to witness," Murphy says. "People that used to live here come back just for the festival."

Ellen Daly
Written By
Ellen Daly
Luke Basinger
Video By
Luke Basinger

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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

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Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Chicago Midway International

22 min drive

Bus

Pulaski Rd & 137th St

Bus

135th St & Komenski Ave

Bus

135th St & Monticello Ave

Bus

139th St & Turner Ave

Bus

137th St & Midlothian Tpk & Ridgeway Ave

Bus

Central Park Ave & Claire Blvd

Bus

135th St & Springfield Ave

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.3 17 Reviews
4.0 Niche User
11/13/2015 Niche Review
Cars may pass but the noise is not a problem for this neighborhood.
4.0 Niche User
11/13/2015 Niche Review
Yes the restaurants that are here in my neighborhood are fairly decent and very close to get to.
4.0 Niche User
11/13/2015 Niche Review
it is very quiet and not a lot of drama and danger
3.0 Niche User
11/13/2015 Niche Review
The tax levels really do not affect me or my situation
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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Robbins US
Homicide 9 4
Sexual Assault 6 4
Assault with Weapon 8 4
Robbery 8 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 7 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$135,000
Median Single Family Price
$129,999
Median Townhouse Price
$124,250
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$187,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$121
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Last 12 months Home Sales
31
Months of Supply
1.90
Median List Price
$137,450
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
15%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,769
Median Year Built
1960
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,369
Above the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,817
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,167
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

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Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
5,549
Median Age
43
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.3%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$36,687
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$53,463

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
81.5%
College Graduates
13.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.5%
% Population in Labor Force
46.6%
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

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

38 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

36 / 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
Robbins