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Little Village

Little Village

Neighborhood Reviews
3.3
$252,840 Average Value
$425 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

A sense of growth and potential in an urban setting

Little Village is sometimes known as the “Mexico of the Midwest.” This bustling community is full of eateries, arts venues and other locally owned businesses. The main strip along 26th Street is one of the highest-grossing commercial districts in Chicago – second only to the Magnificent Mile. Furthermore, this neighborhood appeals to homebuyers looking for an investment property, with many of the homes standing ready for restoration. As a result, Little Village presents a mix of current activity and potential to grow. “There’s a lot of momentum coming to this area, partly because I would say it’s not as expensive as other nearby neighborhoods,” says Realtor Grigory Pekarsky, who cofounded Vesta Preferred Realty in 2008. “Revitalization is coming in due to the retail, and people catching wind of opportunities to rehab the homes.”
Downtown Little Village has a variety of shops and restaurants.
Downtown Little Village has a variety of shops and restaurants.
There are many talented street performers in Little Village.
There are many talented street performers in Little Village.
There are so many amazing food vendors in Little Village.
There are so many amazing food vendors in Little Village.
The street vendors of Little Village give the neighborhood its charming character.
The street vendors of Little Village give the neighborhood its charming character.
There are many street vendors all throughout Little Village.
There are many street vendors all throughout Little Village.
1/5

Classic Chicago styles, but comparatively lower prices

The most prevalent styles are cottages, as well as two and three-flats. These brick or wood frame cottages often feature gabled roofs, a narrow stoop and a raised basement. And while homes in nearby South Pilsen can start in the $400,000 range, it’s possible to find homes in Little Village starting at $200,000. However, prices can extend up to around $350,000 for a brick three-flat or a multi-story greystone. All of these styles represent a sense of “classic Chicago.” Houses may have an ornamental strip of land out front, with a single tree or hedge planted behind a fence. But more typically the streetscapes feature wide sidewalks bordered by strips of grass populated with mature trees – a true urban experience.
There are homes of many different sizes in Little Village.
There are homes of many different sizes in Little Village.
There are a variety of housing styles in Little Village.
There are a variety of housing styles in Little Village.
There is a strong sense of community in Little Village.
There is a strong sense of community in Little Village.
There is a large variety of brick homes in Little Village.
There is a large variety of brick homes in Little Village.
1/4

26th Street is vibrant

The dining scene in Little Village is strongly focused on Latino cuisine, but there’s significant variety within that genre. For example, residents can take a traditional route involving homemade tortillas at Milagro Tortilleria, or pursue a festive dinner with a big margarita and steak tacos at Mi Tierra. Eclectic and experimental options are on tap, too: La Casa de Samuel serves fried rattlesnake. Nightlife is vibrant in Little Village. Osito’s Tap is a speakeasy-style bar serving unique drinks like mezcal with tomatillo syrup. Casual breakfast spots are available, like with La Catedral Café & Restaurant, which serves chilaquiles.

Locals will say that shopping along 26th Street is a treat – and not just because Dulcelandia has every type of candy under the sun. With over 500 businesses, there’s always something that catches the eye, whether it’s clothing, groceries or even a pet parakeet. Bigger chains like Aldi and Pete’s Fresh Market also provide the neighborhood with everyday staples.
Downtown Little Village has a variety of shops and restaurants.
Downtown Little Village has a variety of shops and restaurants.
There are so many amazing food vendors in Little Village.
There are so many amazing food vendors in Little Village.
Residents love to eat out for lunch and dinner at Atotonilco in Little Village.
Residents love to eat out for lunch and dinner at Atotonilco in Little Village.
The street vendors of Little Village give the neighborhood its charming character.
The street vendors of Little Village give the neighborhood its charming character.
1/4

Mexican Independence Day is the big event

One of the biggest events all year is the Mexican Independence Day Parade, held on 26th Street every September. In addition, the fall season brings the Little Village Arts Festival, which turns community spaces into pop-up art galleries. Local artists also get recognition throughout the year from the Open Center for the Arts. Residents can go to the Manuel Perez Jr. Memorial Plaza to see colorful murals celebrating this creative community. In the summer, Villapalooza draws big crowds for an all-ages music festival with food vendors. It started in 2011 and, by 2015, drew 10,000 visitors. July brings the annual Golf Fiesta, where locals can build a network with small business leaders and government officials. Cooler weather brings the annual Christmas toy drive with music, pinatas, hot chocolate and traditional concha cookies.
Downtown Little Village has a variety of shops and restaurants.
Downtown Little Village has a variety of shops and restaurants.
Little Village is sometimes referred to as the Mexico of the Midwest.
Little Village is sometimes referred to as the Mexico of the Midwest.
1/2

Magent schools and career academies

Over a dozen public schools live in Little Village, including Kanoon Elementary, a kindergarten through 8th grade institution that earns a C-plus from Niche. This magnet school is housed in a sleek, modernist building and features a mural celebrating the Mexican heritage found across Little Village. Farragut Career Academy, where “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak graduated from, earns a C from Niche. The school has participated in many programs to create consistent student attendance, and in 2010 students won a “Stay in School” contest that resulted in a private concert performed by Kanye West.
Kanoon Elementary Magnet School is in Little Village, Chicago IL.
Kanoon Elementary Magnet School is in Little Village, Chicago IL.
Farragut Career Academy High School in a public high school in Little Village.
Farragut Career Academy High School in a public high school in Little Village.
1/2

Sprawling parks to play in

Two of the most popular parks are situated near the neighborhood’s south. At nearly 24 acres, Piotrowski Park contains several athletic facilities, most notably a skate park and a domed pool for year-round use. La Villita Park is nearly as big and stands out for its community gardens, fitness trail and playground with water spray features. Douglass Park is massive, and sits just north of the neighborhood. Residents can roam across 160 acres and encounter natural sights like a lagoon fit for fishing.
Residents take advantage of the green spaces in Douglass Park near Little Village.
Residents take advantage of the green spaces in Douglass Park near Little Village.
Residents take advantage of the excellent skate park at La Villita Park in Little Village.
Residents take advantage of the excellent skate park at La Villita Park in Little Village.
La Villita Park is the perfect place to play a game of pickup basketball in Little Village.
La Villita Park is the perfect place to play a game of pickup basketball in Little Village.
1/3

Very walkable, with busy stretches

Little Village is bounded on the south by the Chicago River and Stevenson Expressway, with Highway 50 to the west. Many bus lines serve the area, particularly along main thoroughfares like 26th Street. Homebuyers will want to be mindful of the bustle around this area – it can be noisy. For public trains, the Pink Line has many stops along the northern border near Old Route 66. Pedestrians enjoy the walkability of the neighborhood, thanks to the wide sidewalks. Catholic churches are integrated with these residential stretches, particularly on the west end.
There are many affordable housing options in Little Village.
There are many affordable housing options in Little Village.
Residents enjoy the proximity to public transit in Little Village.
Residents enjoy the proximity to public transit in Little Village.
There are many bus stops that conveniently run throughout Little Village.
There are many bus stops that conveniently run throughout Little Village.
1/3
Paul Spencer
Written By
Paul Spencer
Victoria York
Video By
Victoria York

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 Leticia Jimenez, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Chicago Midway International

9 min drive

Subway

California Station (Pink Line)

Bus

Kedzie & 25th Street

Bus

Pulaski & 33rd Street

Bus

California & 23rd Street

Bus

26th Street & Kostner

Bus

Central Park & 24th Street

Bus

26th Street & Karlov

Bus

Cermak & Central Park

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.3 98 Reviews
4.0 Niche User
3/1/2016 Niche Review
Even though, Chicago little village community might have a bad crime rate, the culture and food is amazing. Police just need to protect the community members and stop crime.
4.0 Current Resident
11/6/2018 Niche Review
Little Village is a very inclusive neighborhood in Chicago. People always come together, whether it's during a good or a bad time. Everyone always looks out for the well being of the community.
3.0 Niche User
1/31/2016 Niche Review
I don't see much difference
2.0 Niche User
9/5/2016 Niche Review
The street intersecting of 24th st and Washtenaw has a lot of gang activity, shootings, and homicides.
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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Little Village US
Homicide 7 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 7 4
Robbery 8 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Little Village Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$535,000
Median Sale Price
$667,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$535,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$685,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$357,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
41
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
47%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$425

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
2,889
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Median Year Built
1904
Months of Supply
1.20
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,626
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,921
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,169
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
800
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,049

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Leticia Jimenez, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
53,345
Median Age
34
Population Density
19 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.9%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$39,464
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$56,807

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
62.2%
Significantly below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
11.9%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3%
% Population in Labor Force
52.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
40''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

53 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

74 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

61 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Little Village