$450,106Average Value$105Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
An old-school neighborhood with a college-town feel
The bustling neighborhood of Little Italy was named for the Italian immigrants who settled there between 1850 and 1950, bringing with them authentic traditions and recipes. Taylor Street, a historic thoroughfare lined with well-loved Italian restaurants and businesses, rests at its heart. “You can walk down the street and see carcasses being unloaded at the butcher shop on the corner,” says Samuel Ciochon, a long-time resident and broker with @properties. “But also, because the University of Illinois Chicago is right there, it’s become this old-school neighborhood with a college-town feel.” The state school borders Little Italy to the east, while Rush University is just west. “We actually get a really heavy influx of doctors and residents because we’re so close to the medical district,” adds Serena Phillips Dunn, a Realtor with Option Realty Group. “A lot of people move here for work and want to live Downtown until they see the prices. Little Italy is a great option with a neighborhood feel that’s still easily accessible to the downtown area.”
The University of Illinois is the largest university in Chicago with over 33,000 students.
Just off Taylor St, Carms is the local go to when tourist crowd the area for shaved ice.
Bar Louis has weekly kereoke and drink specials for Little Italy residents.
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Classic red sauce and fresh meat on Taylor Street
Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap has been owned by the DiBuono family since 1931. The classic Italian joint is a staple in Little Italy, made obvious by the old photographs of customers decorating the walls. But this old-school charm isn’t hard to come by in the neighborhood. “You can’t talk about Little Italy without talking about Fontano’s,” Ciochon says. “It’s one of those sandwich shops that everyone on the outside forgets about, but it’s super popular within the neighborhood. Same thing with Mario’s Italian Ice. I have a framed photo of that place! They have lines around the corner almost every weekend in the summer.” From classic red sauce to fresh-sliced meats and sweet wines, residents shop for ingredients at Conte Di Savoia, a locally owned delicatessen on Taylor Street. Of course, regional chains and big-box stores aren’t too far for the essentials. Jewel-Osco sits on the corner of Ashland and Roosevelt, while Target and Costco are located within a mile radius of the community. “A lot of people head to the West Loop for Whole Foods, too,” Dunn explains. “But Taylor Street is the main focus because of its convenient shops and walkable restaurants. It’s really the heart of Little Italy.”
Established in 1930 Tufano's is a popular al fresco favorite for Little Italy residents.
The "Big L" sandwich at Fontantos is a popular favorite and
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The Little Italy Festa
Held each year in August, the Little Italy Festa celebrates the rich history of Taylor Street. Considered one of Chicago’s most historic avenues, the street was once a hub for some of the city’s first Italian-owned businesses. “It’s not necessarily ‘popping,’ but it’s a nice local street fair for the community,” Ciochon says. Guests can dine on award-winning cuisine and peruse family-friendly attractions like carnival games or cannoli eating. Several Taylor Street restaurants participate, too, including Rosebud, a local spot turned Chicago franchise. “The nice thing is that beyond the Festa, there are plenty of events held at the Credit 1 Arena,” he continues. “The university opened it like 20-something years ago and they have basketball games and shows. I saw Kylie Minogue there once!”
Walkable residential streets in Little Italy
In Little Italy, homeownership is far outweighed by renting because apartments dominate the market. But condos and townhomes aren’t hard to find. Ranging in price between $200,000 and more than $1 million, condos typically average about $650,000. Homebuyers can expect units on the lower end to provide less than 1,000 square feet, while others occupy historic or high-rise buildings with more than 1,500 square feet. Alternatively, townhomes range from $400,000 to $900,000. Many feature a traditional brick façade, offering garages and trash collection in the alleyways out back. The tree-lined streets they decorate consistently provide sidewalks. The neighborhood has a CAP Index Crime Score of 7—compared to the national average of 4. Dunn, however, says it's not such a dangerous place to live. “You’ll find a lot of people are comfortable walking around with their kids or even walking alone,” she says. “You want to pay attention, but walkability is a core value in Little Italy.”
Proud of its Italian heritage, Little Italy remains one of Chicagos most iconic areas.
Multi family town homes are the majority of the Little Italy Housing stock.
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Sustainability and outdoor recreation
Opportunities for recreation abound in Little Italy. Garibaldi Park’s renovated playground is well-suited for families, while Arrigo Park is a dog-friendly space with paved walkways, ideal for cycling. After-school programs and summer camps are offered at Sheridan Park, home to a three-story fieldhouse with an indoor swimming pool and combination gymnasium. Guests gather on the park’s ball fields, dropping by over the summer for the annual Movies in the Park series. Jane Addams Park, however, is the largest of its kind in the area. The ComEd Recreation Center is located onsite, with both indoor and outdoor fields flaunting artificial turf alongside a three-lane track. “The university also just re-did their big track, which is open to the public,” Ciochon adds. On a smaller scale, Taylor Street Farms is a community garden geared toward outreach, encouraging locals to grow produce for the food insecure. The farm also promotes sustainable practices with a compost bin and a bee apiary.
Jane Adams Park has panoramic views of the Sears Tower and a modern sports facility.
Taylor ST Farms offers a bit of urban growing in a quaint green lot on Ada St.
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Riding the Blue Line to Downtown Chicago
Downtown Chicago is just 2 miles from Little Italy, a mere 10-minute ride on the L train. Residents can catch the Blue Line at Racine station or UIC Halsted, both within walking distance. Bus stops are offered throughout the neighborhood as well, largely along Taylor Street, Roosevelt Road and Harrison Street. Similarly, most residential streets have bike lanes. “You don’t need a car in Little Italy,” Dunn says. “If you do have one, it’s definitely a better location parking-wise than somewhere like the Gold Coast. But unless you have a family, you don’t have to have one.” Those who do prefer driving can expect traffic on Interstates 90 and 290, as they’re both heavily used commuter routes heading in and out of the city. Thankfully, nearby buses and L trains head to Chicago Midway International Airport, situated 10 miles southwest. Those traveling into the suburbs will find that the nearest Metra station is Halsted Street, less than a mile south. The nearest emergency room is also within a mile, located at the University of Illinois Hospital.
Commuting to downtown is easy with the 157 CTA Bus line running down Taylor Street.
Little Italy is well connected with both the CTA Blue Line and I-290 expressway to the North.
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College prep at nearby public and private schools
Students are zoned for City of Chicago School District 299, beginning at Smyth Elementary I.B. World School. Enrolling kindergarten through eighth grade, the school provides primary and middle-year International Baccalaureate programs. Wells Community Academy High School similarly offers Advanced Placement courses as well as a College Lab, which provides academic tutoring, ACT/SAT registration and even Financial Aid consultation to prepare students for college admission. Both institutions earn a grade of C-plus on Niche. Notably nearby is St. Ignatius College Prep, a private high school with an A-plus on Niche. “It’s a hugely revered school that’s expensive and hard to get into,” Dunn explains. “But people from the suburbs who live in great school districts will try to send their kids to St. Ignatius. Families move to the area to attend, or even have their kids take the train or public bus to get there.”
Well Community Academy is known for its diverse student population and high performance scores.
St. Ignacius College Prep, teaches students to value faith, love, service and leadership.
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
Mark Raffaelli,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Sheridan Park
Baseball/Softball
Football
Pool
Millenium Park
Trails
Events
Amphitheater
D'Angelo Dog Park
Dog Park
Southbank Riverwalk
Picnic Area
Trails
River
Arrigo Park
Trails
Multi-Purpose Field
Garibaldi Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Thomas Jefferson Park
Baseball/Softball
Football
Pool
Adams (Jane) Park
Baseball/Softball
Football
Soccer
Taylor ST Farms
Transit
Airport
Chicago Midway International
16 min drive
Subway
Uic-Halsted Station
Subway
Clinton Station (Blue Line)
Bus
Halsted & Roosevelt
Bus
Racine & Lexington
Bus
Racine & Cabrini
Bus
Halsted & Taylor
Bus
Ashland & 14th Street
Bus
Taylor & Morgan
Bus
900 W Roosevelt
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Little Italy
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
7
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
8
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
9
4
Crime Score
7
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Little Italy Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Little Italy, Chicago sell after 73 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Little Italy, Chicago over the last 12 months is $460,000, up 193% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Calling All Investors- Great Cash Flow Opportunity!! Discover an extraordinary opportunity at University Commons! This exceptional top-floor unit, featuring its own garage, offers a unique living experience you won't want to miss. With 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and an additional office space, this home provides the ideal mix of comfort and sophistication. The kitchen is equipped with elegant 42"
MATTERPORT/3D VIRTUAL TOUR LINK AVAILABLE! STUNNING CENTRALLY LOCATED/PROFESSIONALLY DESIGNED/DECORATED & EXTRA-WIDE (19'+ INTERIOR) SOLID BRICK/LIMESTONE NEARLY 3000SQFT 4BD/3.1BA SUPER BRIGHT (UNOBSTRUCTED S/W/E-& PARK EXPOSURE) UNIVERSITY VILLAGE END-UNIT/CORNER TOWNHOME W/PRIVATE FRONT DOOR ENTRANCE & 3BDS/2BA & LAUNDRY UP IN SECLUDED COURTYARD SETTING STEPS TO SHOPS, RESTAURANTS, MULTIPLE
Enjoy ultra-low assessments and an unbeatable location in this charming corner-unit Garden Courts townhome, nestled in the heart of Chicago's vibrant Little Italy. Ideally situated next to Sheridan Park and just steps from UIC East Campus, Taylor Street, the CTA Blue Line, UIC/Rush Medical District, Arrigo Park, and more. This inviting interior unit blends modern updates with vintage charm,
Whether you prefer to live solo or with your whole friend group, our West Loop UIC off campus apartments offer floor plans that fit everyone’s living style! Check out which floor plans are currently available and get in touch with us to schedule a tour. Can’t come in person? Our virtual tours make it easy and convenient to catch a glimpse of what life could be like at The Letterman
City living with a suburban feel! Tucked away in a quiet pocket of downtown near UIC, this spacious 3BD/2BA condo includes 1 assigned parking space in the rent. Features include hardwood floors throughout, a cozy wood-burning fireplace, separate dining room, and an updated kitchen with granite countertops and newer appliances. Free laundry and large private storage room in the basement. This
Discover your new home at SCIO at Medical District Apartments in West Loop! We offer a variety of floor plans that include studios, one and two-bedroom units, so you can choose the floor plan that exactly fits your needs. Come home to your own personal oasis that includes efficient appliances, a beautiful balcony with views, hardwood floors, and more! Enjoy our must-have amenities such as a
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mark Raffaelli,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
18,556
Median Age
32
Population Density
18 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.2%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.4%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$69,023
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$96,962
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.1%
College Graduates
61.4%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
31.1%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
61.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
40''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
92/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
92/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
77/ 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.
