$274,159Average Value$193Average Price per Sq Ft6Homes For Sale
Old-school homes meet contemporary spirit in central Aurora
Near West Galena balances the appeal of a central lifestyle with accessibility and old-school style. Comprising the city’s Tanner Historic District of turn-of-the-century homes and the surrounding residential blocks to its north and south, residents are just a few blocks away from the evolving urban landscape of downtown Aurora and the Fox River. “Aurora’s the second-largest city in Illinois, and since it’s populated like that, there’s a wide range of everything: homes, home prices, shopping areas, restaurants, you name it,” says Jeff Arney, a local Realtor with Keller Williams Infinity. Arney works from Naperville, just east of Aurora, and mentions the area’s broader price ranges as a critical differentiator between the neighboring cities. “It’s a bit more accessible, a bit more affordable than some other areas. Whatever amenities you’re looking for, if you can’t find it in Aurora, it’s in Naperville, and the other way around.”
Some homes offer brick chimneys and vine covered exteriors in Near West Galena.
Downtown Aurora is a sprawling scenic village along the Fox River close to Near West Galena.
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Turn-of-the-century homes in the heart of the city
Nostalgic homes characterize the look of Near West Galena, where single-family homes sit on a tightly organized urban grid. The area’s homes follow the lead of the William Tanner House Museum, an 1857 Italianate home on the neighborhood’s northeast end. “West Aurora is absolutely beautiful. When you talk about Aurora, most people think of the east side of town, but once you cross the river, the Victorian houses are there, and they’re stunning,” Dix says. American foursquares, early Craftsman bungalows, workman’s cottages and gable-front farmhouses in the national folk style are common to the area, while more recent condo and duplex units from the late 20th century are rare finds. 58% of residents in the area rent their homes. Units within multi-family buildings tend to sell between $100,000 and $150,000, while renovation-ready single-family homes in the neighborhood start at about $150,000. Buyers can expect move-in-ready homes at values between $180,000 and $380,000. The area’s CAP Index scores for crime are slightly higher than the national average.
Many different architectural home styles can be found in Near West Galena.
Tudor revival homes that are large in size can be found in Near West Galena.
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Vibrant local businesses along the Fox River
Near West Galena’s dining options are a mix of established stops, recent arrivals and fast-food selections. At Aurora Pancake House, familiar breakfast fare dominates the menu, but diners can also stop by for Mexican brunch plates or pita sandwiches. Cinco de Mayo Bakery offers cakes, cookies, and pan dulce alongside a lunch and dinner menu that includes tortas and tacos. The baristas at Society 57 brew up locally roasted coffee in a modernized space that once housed a Mercedes-Benz dealership. A cocktail bar and a rotating selection of handmade goods are available at Wyckwood House. For additional shopping, residents can peruse the retro styles at Undisputed Vintage and antiques at Warehouse 55 and Thrift & Dollar. Save a Lot, Prisco’s Family Market and Dollar General locations offer close stops for groceries, with Jewel-Osco and Aldi stores available further along West Galena Boulevard.
Shops and food can be found all around the Near West Galena in downtown.
Coffee shops that offer a comfy environment can be found in Near West Galena.
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Urban greenspaces mere blocks from West Galena Boulevard
On the corner of Galena Street and View Street, Blackhawk Park offers a picnic shelter, playground and open space. Basketball and volleyball courts anchor “Coach” Wilbert Walters Park along Highland Avenue on the west side. Near the river at Lake Street and Illinois Avenue, McCullough Park connects to the Fox River Trail for biking and walking enthusiasts and offers dedicated soccer fields. Right next door at the Prisco Community Center, locals can join the Fox Fitness gym, attend and participate in local theatre productions or enroll youth in active programs such as gymnastics and ninja training. “Our parks have so much to offer and have a little bit of everything,” says Raphael Martinez, Facilities Director for Fox Valley Park District. “The main attraction is the Fourth of July fireworks. The event usually draws thousands of people. It’s a great time for residents and their families to come together.”
Blackhawk Park is located within the center of a neighborhood in Near West Galena.
McCullough Park has a many amenities including a new playground for Near West Galena kids.
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Piano bar nights, Broadway musicals and haunted houses
Downtown Aurora, just southeast of the neighborhood, offers plenty of options for entertainment. “You really don’t have to go all the way out to Chicago when there’s so much to offer right there,” Dix says. The Paramount Theatre features touring Broadway shows, local music acts and old-school movies. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and art from regional and national painters each form the French 75 Gallery & Lounge experience. The Basement of the Dead haunted house is a favorite for Halloween, but the brave can also stop by for themed frights for the holiday season, St. Patrick’s Day and more. Aurora Tap House hosts dueling piano nights on the first Friday of the month. Residents can also stop by the self-named “longest bar in Aurora” for karaoke, live music and weekly bingo events. Other options for nights out nearby include the Hollywood Casino Aurora on the Fox River, outdoor shows at Thomas J. Weisner RiverEdge Park and mainstream movie nights at Cinemark Tinseltown USA.
Condo and townhome living in downtown by Near West Galena offers beautiful water views.
Craft Urban is a fun hot spot for locals in downtown to have lunch close to Near West Galena.
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Unique educational experiences at west Aurora schools
Kids go to schools within West Aurora School District 129. Greenman Elementary School has a student-teacher ratio of 14:1 and scores a C-plus grade on Niche. Jefferson Middle School’s arts classes include electives where students can develop their ukulele skills or learn to write and produce their own music. The school also earns a C-plus grade. At the B-plus ranked West Aurora High School, students in the culinary arts program can apply the skills they learn in class at the Blackhawk Café. This in-school restaurant serves weekly meals for students and teachers and provides catering for select outside events.
Jefferson Middle School is a public school in Aurora, IL serving grades 6-8.
West Aurora High School is a well rated public school in Kane County with almost 4,000 students.
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Get around with Metra trains, by bus or on a bike
Residents in Near West Galena are less than one mile from Aurora’s city center. The Metra commuter station is 1 mile east, across the Fox River, making it easy to travel to nearby cities by train. Local shopping and dining options are available on foot or by bike near West Galena Street. Naperville is a 15-minute train ride or 10-mile drive from the central Aurora area. Chicago is 42 miles away by car or about 1 hour away by train. The nearest hospital, Ascension Mercy, is 2 miles north of the neighborhood. Flights out of Chicagoland depart from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, 37 miles northeast of the neighborhood, and Chicago Midway International Airport, 43 miles east. Pace bus stops are available along North Lake Street and West Galena Boulevard for local travel.
Aurora Metra Station runs conveniently all through the Downtown Aurora area.
Near West Galena stays active on the miles of biking trails along the Fox River.
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Important things to know
Near West Galena is about 2 miles from Aurora University, a small private university with a mix of four-year and post-graduate degree programs. The school offers a support program called the Pathways Collegiate Program for rising neurodiverse students. Residents are also close to the Waubonsee Community College’s downtown Aurora facility, which offers 25 career development programs for adult learners.
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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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Near West Galena
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Near West Galena Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Near West Galena, Aurora sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Near West Galena, Aurora over the last 12 months is $270,000, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover this expansive 3,900 SQFT Three-Level home perfectly situated near desirable west Downer Place. This home embodies the craftsmanship of Aurora's prosperous early days and featuring intricate details throughout, 2 fireplaces, high ceilings, and 2 Sunrooms that floods the space with natural light and a fenced Garden area in Backyard. Up to 8 potential bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms, and a kitchen
Great 3 bedroom plus 2 1/2 bath home awaits you. If it's space you are looking for then you have found it here. This home boasts large living and dining rooms. Extra room that can be used as office or craft room. It is being used as an exercise room. Basement is semi finished with 2 extra rooms and a full bath with separate entrance. Outside patio is perfect for summer grilling. There is an
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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.
