East Pilsen
A variety of residential styles
Constructions ranging from the late 19th century to the early 2000s can be found within the East Pilsen region. “We’ve lived there for years,” says Michael Hoover, Lissner’s husband as well as a fellow team leader and co-founder of the H2LR Group. “Some of the things we find exciting is that there’s an interesting mix of old, multi-flat buildings that have been there forever along with new construction.” The area is a mixture of multi-unit residences, single-family homes and a condo or two. “Newer condos range from $400,000 to around $850,000,” Lissner says. “Newer single-family homes go for between $1 million and $1.5 million. East Pilsen is mostly city lots, brick façade homes and long, narrow lots.” In terms of style, the neighborhood is a blend of old and new Chicago styles, from worker cottages to the multi-flat designs, and they’re usually built with brick Italianate affects or Romanesque limestone influences. Some Queen Anne stylizations can also be found in East Pilsen.A pair of schools to the west
Two schools serve the students living in East Pilsen. Education from pre-kindergarten all the way up through eighth grade can be found at Walsh Elementary School, which scores a C-minus with Niche while offering a student-to-teacher ratio of eight to one. Juarez Community Academy High School follows with grades nine through 12, rating a C with Niche and offering both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs. Both are within the Chicago Public Schools district, which ranks highly in the state in terms of student-athlete provisions, overall diversity and teaching environment.Parks in and beyond East Pilsen
There’s only one established park located within East Pilsen’s boundaries, but it’s the epicenter of the community. “Jefferson Playlot Park is the heart of the neighborhood and the community gathering point,” Lissner says. Spanning about two acres, visitors can enjoy its playground, sprayground or community garden. Across the South Branch Chicago River to the east sits Ping Tom Memorial Park, which unfolds for over 17 acres along the shoreline. Offering a playground, kayak rentals and a center with an indoor pool, fitness programs and sporting facilities, its grounds are a favorite for recreation with area residents.Large marketplaces and local favorites
“The 18th Street Arts District has a ton of restaurants,” Hoover says. “There’s a chocolate shop and bakeries over there, along with Yvolina’s Tamales, Royal Pies and Pleasant House Pub.” On the western boundary of East Pilsen is Kristoffer’s Café and Bakery, famed for its tres leches cake, while in the center of the neighborhood KenTone’s Drive-In offers diner meals. Close to the river, 88 Marketplace is a popular grocery spot that encompasses about 80,000 square feet of shopping space. Customers can find frozen and fresh Asian fare there or grab a bite in its food court. If things other than food are on the daily planner, one of the nonprofit Open Books’ locations is in East Pilsen and offers children’s books for free and pay-what-you-want options for adult readers.Area events throughout the year
Residents of East Pilsen enjoy no shortage of local events, outlets and opportunities to appreciate local creations. “It has an art influence and a lot of good art galleries opening up,” Lissner says. “There’s also Greek festivals, the huge Tacos y Tamales Festival and other events for Cinco de Mayo and more. The culture and identity of the area is so important.” Previously dubbed Pilsen East, the Chicago Arts District is the umbrella term for multiple blocks of space where artists display their work, primarily during “Second Fridays” there. “Every second Friday of the month, the public gets invited to view pieces and take part in events,” Hoover says. “It’s such a melting pot of different communities. The National Museum of Mexican Art is over in Pilsen, a lot of cultural features and many Mexican street festivals in Chicago happen there.” Other showcases include Radius Chicago, situated in southern East Pilsen, which hosts live music and has the Cermak Hall venue within. Sports fans can head to Chicago Cubs games at Wrigley Field less than half an hour north.A short drive from the interstate
East Pilsen residents are minutes away from merging onto Interstate 90, which runs through a large portion of the neighborhood’s western half. Cutting through a small part of Illinois, I-90 on a larger scale goes from Seattle to Boston, passing through 13 states in total. “South Loop is to the east, Chinatown to the south and Pilsen to the west,” Lissner says. Locally, people can get around via the Metra train, the CTA bus or self-propel their transit by biking or driving. “It’s really adjacent to everything and people can walk anywhere,” Hoover adds, “to University Village or even to nearby neighborhoods.” The Chicago skyline, from the Willis Tower to Two Prudential Plaza, is visible from East Pilsen, making for picturesque vistas as the sun sets and glints off the buildings.

Agents Specializing in this Area
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Timothy Rhoten
Red Carpet Investment Group In
(855) 510-0218
103 Total Sales
1 in East Pilsen
$1,200,000 Price
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Eliseo Guzman
RE/MAX 10
(708) 853-6924
122 Total Sales
1 in East Pilsen
$345,000 Price
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Jim Moore
Responds Quickly(219) 356-3719
113 Total Sales
2 in East Pilsen
$285K - $300K Price Range
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Stephanie Andre-Ouellette
Responds Quickly@properties Christie's International Real Estate
(312) 535-6442
269 Total Sales
2 in East Pilsen
$645K - $705K Price Range
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Sera Sousley
Responds QuicklyKeller Williams ONEChicago
(855) 598-0236
59 Total Sales
1 in East Pilsen
$590,000 Price
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Mario Zelaya
Responds QuicklyeXp Realty
(844) 909-1323
56 Total Sales
1 in East Pilsen
$430,000 Price
Schools
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, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.Parks in this Area
Transit
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | East Pilsen | US |
---|---|---|
Homicide | 4 | 4 |
Sexual Assault | 5 | 4 |
Assault with Weapon | 4 | 4 |
Robbery | 6 | 4 |
Burglary | 5 | 4 |
Motor Vehicle Theft | 6 | 4 |
Larceny | 8 | 4 |
Crime Score | 6 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
East Pilsen Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in East Pilsen, Chicago sell after 36 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in East Pilsen, Chicago over the last 12 months is $525,000.
Housing Trends
Neighborhood Facts
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
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Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Finances
Education and Workforce
Weather
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
Excellent Transit
Transit 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.
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