Avondale is a popular and growing neighborhood in northwest Chicago. Its location on the Blue Line is a big draw for commuters, and housing prices are lower than North Side neighbors Logan Square and Bucktown. Local shops and restaurants line the streets, giving the neighborhood a high-energy feel without the high cost.
Avondale has a good mix of apartments, condos and homes. “It’s a natural landing spot for renters because there is a good rental inventory,” Blahnik says. “You have a lot of beautiful brick two-flats that are still in their original form and haven’t been converted to single-family homes yet.” Condo complexes are also brownstone two-flats or low-rise brick complexes. Single-family homes range in style from quaint workers cottages and Chicago bungalows to sleek contemporary houses. Back alleyways hide detached parking garages.
Prices are rising as you move north on the Blue Line. However, Avondale is still cheaper than Logan Square, Bucktown and Wicker Park, though more expensive than Irving Park. In Avondale, you can get a condo between the low $200,000s and the low $500,000s. Single-family homes range from the mid-$300,000s to the mid-$500,000s for older bungalows and workers cottages. Remodeled historic homes and contemporary designs go from the low $900,000s to $1.3 million.
Interstate 90/94 splits the neighborhood in half, with only a few places to cross over. “It’s created two separate commercial corridors,” says broker Lucas Blahnik with @properties. “West Avondale has the Milwaukee Avenue corridor, and on the east side of Avondale, they have a street called Elston.” For the most part, the two halves aren’t too different: Both have retail and grocery stores, but the eastern side has additional green spaces. “They also have the river over there, and they have a trail and a boat launch,” Blahnik says.
“It’s a place that has an abundance of storefronts on Milwaukee Avenue, and they’re not as expensive as nearby Logan Square and Bucktown,” Blahnik says. “If you want to open a hobby shop or something that’s your passion, we see that happening in Avondale.” Blahnik, for instance, is also the owner of Avondale Bowl, a retro bowling alley along Milwaukee. Other fun spots across the neighborhood include:
You're within walking distance of green spaces and parks in Avondale, including:
Avondale is served by Chicago Public Schools. It’s a school-choice district, but there are a couple of schools within walking distance, including Linné Elementary School, which has an English-Spanish bilingual learning program. In Roscoe Village, Lane Tech College Prep High School is one of the highest-rated schools in the state. St. Viator Elementary School is a highly rated private school that’s been in the neighborhood for over 120 years.
Though the interstate cuts through the neighborhood, you can still cross under at certain points, so the neighborhood is still walkable. Buses and bike lanes along major streets offer another way to get around. Commuters can take I-90/94 to get to The Loop in about 15 minutes, but you can also take the train to the airport or downtown. “The Blue Line is their guiding light,” Blahnik says. “Naturally, people are arriving at Avondale because it’s along the train they want and it’s not as pricey.”
Helen Sobel
Baird & Warner
(312) 626-5702
95 Total Sales
1 in Avondale
$200,000 Price
Jennifer Evans Piet
@properties Christie's International Real Estate
(708) 853-6142
79 Total Sales
2 in Avondale
$235K - $365K Price Range
Leslie Glazier
@properties Christie's International Real Estate
(888) 908-3690
172 Total Sales
1 in Avondale
$411,000 Price
Lauren Shimmon
Baird & Warner
(312) 561-3244
169 Total Sales
1 in Avondale
$880,000 Price
Joelle Venzera
Compass
(708) 564-3952
123 Total Sales
1 in Avondale
$649,000 Price
Maureen Moran
@properties Christie's International Real Estate
(855) 934-4348
26 Total Sales
1 in Avondale
$490,000 Price
Airport
Chicago O'Hare International
18 min drive
Subway
Belmont Station (Blue Line)
Bus
Belmont & St. Louis
Bus
Kimball & Avondale & Henderson
Bus
California & Roscoe
Bus
Belmont & Francisco
Bus
Belmont & Albany
Bus
Kimball & Newport
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Avondale | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 1 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 7 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 5 | 4 |
| Robbery | 4 | 4 |
| Burglary | 4 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 4 |
| Larceny | 5 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 4 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
On average, homes in Avondale, Chicago sell after 15 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Avondale, Chicago over the last 12 months is $520,000, consistent with the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
$2,575 - $4,650 per month
Bike Score®
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Historic homes along walkable streets in northern Chicago
Blue-collar community with strong manufacturing roots and rich Latin culture
A north Chicago suburb with a diverse selection of multicultural eateries
