$259,084Average Value$291Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes For Sale
A revitalizing west Chicago neighborhood centered around an expansive park
Set apart from neighboring Westside Chicago communities by its namesake park, Garfield Park’s story is one of perseverance. Originally established at the dawn of the 20th century, the community grew rapidly before hitting a period of economic downturn in the 1930s. The decades to come would bring in a new and diverse population of residents, who envisioned a brighter future for the neighborhood. Today, those grassroots efforts have created a devoted community where locals have started organizations, ministries and businesses of their own to make Garfield Park a safer place for its longtime residents and a welcoming choice for newcomers. “Downtown is less than 5 miles away, and the beautiful Garfield Park Conservatory is within walking distance,” says Willie Moore, a longtime local resident. “It’s a close-knit community and we get along. We like to have barbeques together outside when the weather is nice and help out our neighbors when they need it.”
Historic greystones and early 20th century homes
Most homes in Garfield Park date from the 1880s to the late 1920s. Homes from this era take influence from the Craftsman, Italianate and Greystone styles, with a mix of free-standing properties and rowhouses. A few later properties built from the 1990s on to the 2020s employ their own distinct styles, including a few New Traditionals and bold modern homes with rectangular façades or sharp angles. Single-family homes are available nearby, but most dwellings are multi-family, including condos, two-flat and three-flat properties.
Multi-family properties range widely from $60,000 to over $1 million. More expensive buildings can have multiple units that owner-tenants can rent out for additional income. There are numerous single-family homes and townhouses, as well, ranging from $50,000 to $600,000.
Open land with residential zoning generally ranges from $5,000 to $250,000. Homes on the south side of the neighborhood may have higher noise levels due to the neighborhood’s proximity to Interstate 290.
Two-flats are a popular home style in Garfield Park.
Some beautiful historic homes in Garfield Park are fixed up and shine.
1/2
Important things to know
Garfield Park’s CAP Index scores for violent crime are higher than the national average. While its overall score is 6 out of 10, it scores 10 for homicide and 9 for robbery. The neighborhood is one of several areas included in the City of Chicago’s “Our City, Our Safety” plan to reduce violence. Initiatives happening within the neighborhood include youth violence prevention and mentoring through the University of Chicago’s Choose to Change program and counseling and guidance for victims of violent crimes.
Indoor recreation, outdoor play and botanical gardens at Garfield Park
The 173-acre James Garfield Park sits at the center of the neighborhood. The namesake park’s visual centerpiece is a Baroque-style fieldhouse first built in 1928, popularly known as the Gold Dome thanks to the ornate goldleaf dome on the roof. Inside, residents can find facilities for boxing and general exercise, a dance studio, an auditorium and a ballroom. Outside, the fieldhouse is surrounded by the Garfield Park Lagoon, a prime spot for fishing. Guests can also visit the park’s baseball fields, playground areas or tennis courts, and the outdoor pool is open from June to August each year.
Garfield Park Conservatory sits just north of the park. Originally established in 1908, this botanical museum lets visitors observe plant life native to northern Illinois and specimens from around the world. In addition to its permanent and rotating exhibit collection, locals can visit the conservatory for kid-friendly educational events, beekeeping classes, yoga and performances from Westside musicians.
Residents can also enjoy leisure time at pocket parks in the area, including the playground and basketball court at Gladys Gunderson Park.
The Garfield Park Field House, built in 1928 is an architectural landmark of Chicago.
The Garfield Park Conservatory is one the largest conservatory in the United States.
1/2
Celebrating diversity at Chicago public schools
Cather Elementary School serves students from kindergarten through eighth grade. Each February, the school commemorates Black History Month with lessons, student projects and story readings with Black and African-American authors. Older students continue to John Marshall Metropolitan High School, which has 30 athletic programs for students to join. Both schools hold C grades on Niche.
Garfield Park students can attend John Marshall High School.
Cather Elementary School is one of the school Garfield Park students can attend.
1/2
Fashion and food along Madison Street
Many of Garfield Park’s businesses are situated along Madison Street. Dollar Tree and Madison Foods and Fish Market both sit on the east side of the neighborhood, while the west side has a retail corridor along the road with additional options. King’s Hardware is a go-to for tools and household equipment. Local stops for clothing and accessories include Foot Locker, Rainbow, DTLR and Tops & Bottoms. Go-to picks for groceries include the Save a Lot on Pulaski Road and an Aldi store to the north near Humboldt Park; the Save-a-Lot reopened in 2024 after two years of inactivity.
Life Restaurant specializes in tacos, salads and breakfast fare, while Wiley’s Chicken and Ribs offers barbecue and soul food items. Baba’s Famous Steak & Lemonade has a menu of steak sandwiches, burgers, Italian beef sandwiches and gyros.
Garfield Park residents like to get a steak sandwich at Baba's.
Shopper find fresh produce at Garfield Parks nearby Aldi Grocer.
1/2
Plant-based fashion shows and music performances at Garfield Park Conservatory
Several major Chicago thoroughfares run through the neighborhood, which is bordered by Cicero Avenue on its west side and Roosevelt Road on its south side. Madison Street, Lake Street and Jackson Boulevard are the main east-west travel options for quick trips across the neighborhood, while Interstate 290 runs along the south end for longer trips. Locals are about 5 miles west of the Loop.
For car-free travel, residents can catch the Blue Line ‘L’ train at the Cicero, Pulaski or Kedzie-Homan stations on the south side or ride the Green Line via five stations on the neighborhood’s north side. The Metra Union Pacific West Line also runs through the neighborhood with a stop on Kedzie Avenue, for residents traveling west into the suburbs. CTA bus services are available throughout the area with service from lines 20, 52, 82 and 126.
Ascension Saint Mary Hospital is about 4 miles surrounding northeast of the neighborhood for medical concerns and emergencies. For residents traveling beyond Chicago and surrounding areas, Chicago Midway International Airport is about 7 miles south of the neighborhood, while Chicago O’Hare International Airport is about 17 miles away.
Couples enjoy the spring flowers at the Garfield Park Conservatory.
DJs spin tunes at the Easter Egg Hunt in Garfield Park.
1/2
5 miles west of the Chicago Loop
Twice a month, the Garfield Park Neighborhood Market opens at the Hatchery, a business incubator for food service entrepreneurs. Vendors from the community gather to sell produce sourced from gardens within the neighborhood alongside baked goods, household items and more. Events at the Garfield Park Conservatory include Fleurotica, an annual fashion show where each garment is made solely with natural materials, alongside workshops for kids and adults and performances from Chicago area musicians and dance companies. The conservatory also offers a complimentary membership for locals within the Garfield Park area, giving them early access to its annual honey sale and other perks.
Nighttime hangouts include Brick’s Night Club, a neon-lit hip hop bar with a mechanical bull. Lakeside Bar is a laid-back spot to enjoy cocktails and drafts, with jazz and soul legends painted on the walls and a billiards table.
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?
Reach out to
Reginald Patterson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Garfield Park Conservatory
Garfield Park Bike Polo Courts
Altgeld Park
Humboldt Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Bike Trails
Garfield (James) Park
Baseball/Softball
Fishing
Football
Gladys Gunderson Park
Basketball
Playground
Park #422
Playground
Transit
Airport
Chicago Midway International
13 min drive
Subway
Cicero Station (Green Line)
Subway
Pulaski Station (Green Line)
Subway
Conservatory-Central Park Drive Station
Subway
Kedzie Station (Green Line)
Subway
California Station (Green Line)
Subway
Pulaski Station (Blue Line - Forest Park Branch)
Bus
Madison & California
Bus
California & Polk
Bus
Madison & Hamlin
Bus
Pulaski & Arthington
Bus
Harrison & Kolmar
Bus
Jackson & Kilbourn
Bus
3700 W Congress
Garfield Park Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Garfield Park, Chicago sell after 73 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Garfield Park, Chicago over the last 12 months is $525,000, up 21% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this stunning, fully renovated 2-unit property offering a total of 6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. This is a true turn-key investment, or house-hack opportunity! Located in a rapidly growing neighborhood surrounded by new residential development, this property blends modern comfort with serious income potential. Each unit features a spacious open floor plan that flows seamlessly from the
Located on a picturesque, mansion-lined block, this spacious and sun-filled condo offers the perfect blend of historic charm and modern convenience. The open floor plan features freshly refinished hardwood floors, a cozy fireplace, in-unit laundry, central air, and a private deck ideal for entertaining or relaxing. Additional highlights include garage parking and dedicated basement storage.
Beautiful Single-Family Home, now available for sale and ready to welcome its new family. This home is so much larger than what it looks like from the outside. This unique residence boasts distinctive features that set it apart from typical new constructions, offering a must-see experience to fully appreciate its charm. Recently renovated, this spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom home spans 2,180
Bright and updated 2-bedroom, 2-bath end-unit on the sunny 2nd floor in East Garfield Park-right across from the park! Enjoy an spacious layout with hardwood floors throughout, large windows with south and west exposure, along with a rear deck for outdoor enjoyment. The open kitchen features granite countertops and breakfast bar with black/stainless appliances, including a dishwasher. The primary
Welcome to Jackson. This solid brick 2-unit building features two spacious units - perfect for investors or multigenerational living. The first-floor unit offers 3 bedrooms and 1 full bath, currently leased to a reliable tenant. The second-floor unit, previously owner-occupied, boasts 4 bedrooms and 1 full bath with generous living space and natural light. Both units feature separate utilities
Step into this stunning 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom renovated home in West Garfield Park! The modern kitchen features stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and a large island-perfect for cooking and entertaining. Enjoy a first-floor bedroom and laundry, plus three bedrooms and two baths upstairs. The master suite includes a private balcony, walk-in closet, and spa-like Jacuzzi tub. With
Welcome to this well-maintained building nestled in a peaceful, tree-lined neighborhood. Enjoy the best of both worlds: a quiet, residential atmosphere with the Green Line train just steps away, offering quick and easy access to the city.Perfect for professionals, students, and anyone seeking a calm place to call home without sacrificing convenience. With local parks, cafes, and daily
Fully Rehabbed 3 Bedroom 1 Bathroom High First Floor Unit for rent! This unit features a very spacious floor plan with incredible tall ceilings and natural light. Kitchen boasts maple cabinets with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. Hardwood floors throughout with 3 bedrooms and large closets. Bathroom has beautiful subway tile work and updated vanity. Laundry in the building.
Joeseph Clay@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Reginald Patterson,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
33,016
Median Age
36
Population Density
15 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$28,010
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$44,987
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
78.2%
College Graduates
12.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.1%
% Population in Labor Force
52.1%
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®
78/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
57/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
75/ 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.
