$830,982Average Value$456Average Price per Sq Ft67Homes For Sale
Windy City neighborhood teeming with dining and entertainment
In Old Town, capping a grueling work week with a good laugh and some drinks is often a short walking distance from home. Located just a few miles north of the Loop, Old Town is well known in Chicago for its comedy institutions. Among them is Second City, the famous improv troupe that has been the starting ground for some of the most iconic comedic performers to have graced both the small and big screens. Not far on Wells Street is Zanies Comedy Night Club, where both photographed and painted portraits of those who have performed there cover the walls of the more intimate show space. Surrounding these distinct venues is a dense and eclectic lineup of dining establishments and boutiques found in rows of both contemporary and historic buildings in the heart of Old Town. Lincoln Park, one of the most renown urban green spaces in the country, borders the neighborhood to the east. “It’s been so desirable for buyers and tenants. There’s a very lively retail and restaurant scene right on Wells Street and people like to be within walking distance from that,” says Wendi Gordon, a Realtor with @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, who’s made several sales in Old Town. “I think it encompasses all the things people are looking for. They want city living and to be able to walk to bars and restaurants and retail stores. And yet, be able to walk to the lake front and enjoy nature.”
Old Town is located north of River North and West of Gold Coast giving it a mix of amenities.
Old Town residents are known to frequent the main retail strip on Wells Street.
1/2
Enjoying institutions old and new along Wells
Both West North Avenue and North Wells Street are dense with shops and restaurants that occupy the bottom floors of multi-story buildings. The wider and more commercial West North features more chain brands, while Wells houses some of the neighborhood’s most distinct establishments. Many restaurant patrons enjoy taking in the neighborhood vibes during the warmer months as they take up seats on the outdoor patios commonly found along Wells. The dining scene here ranges from long-time staples to newer spots that have been popular with the younger twentysomething crowd. For over three decades, Topo Gigio Ristorante has delighted guests with traditional Italian dishes within its cozy brick spaces. An even older institution is Orso’s, which serves “exquisite” Italian fare under the decorative lighting of chandeliers. Both framed photographs and paintings add to the restaurant’s artistic environ. Then, for beers, slices and a laidback atmosphere, the Happy Camper is another favorite. The grocery options include a Whole Foods just south of Old Town.
Topo Gigio is Old Towns classic Italian gem, serving up great food on their warm patio.
Happy Camper is a popular pizza place to get drinks with friends in Old Town.
1/2
Right on the border of Lincoln Park
Measuring just over 1,200 acres, Lincoln Park features a myriad of amenities and individual destinations ranging from the Lincoln Park Zoo and Conservatory to access to the Lake Michigan beaches. While there are pockets of open green spaces, it features a dense, natural canopy of well over 10,000 trees. Goers can take to the extensive web of trails to explore the expansive space, including roughly 7 miles of lakefront paths that go by nature areas and gardens. Along the way, they might marvel at the Neoclassical rotunda that houses the Elks Veterans Memorial. The Lincoln Park Zoo has free admission and is one of the oldest establishments of its kind in the country. The park is a destination for local athletes and friends who simply enjoy competing against each other. It boasts a number of sports amenities, with baseball, basketball and beach volleyball, just to name a few. On the north end is the state-of-the-art Diversey Driving Range, which features synthetic turf and an 18-hole mini golf course.
Residents of Old Town can explore Lincoln Park Zoo and its wide variety of animals.
Lincoln Park zoo has a great variety of species to explore for Old Town residents.
1/2
Brick condos, townhouses and some historically styled houses
Much of the homes in the neighborhood come in the form of units in one of the many multi-story brick buildings along the bustling, tree-lined streets. Bay windows and Italianate designs are not uncommon on the more vintage structures, and pedestrians can occasionally pass by some colorful artistic installations on the sidewalks. Price points can go from just under $400,000 for a two-bedroom condo to over $650,000 for a three-bedroom unit. There are also townhouses, which can range from over $800,000 for a three-bedroom unit to just over $1 million for a four-bedroom one. There are some Second Empire influenced single-family homes that can go from around $2 million to over $3 million.
Old Town features a number of newer townhouses that have first floor garage doors.
Old Town features a variety of homes from the late 19th century and also newer builds.
1/2
Second City shows and the Art Fair
Among the neighborhood’s distinct festivities is the Old Town Art Fair festival in June. The event, which takes place over a weekend, includes live music and showcases genres like jazz, folk and blues. “They attract artists from all over the country. They set up their artwork up and down the street,” Gordon says. “You pay a small admission fee, but people from all over the Chicagoland area come downtown to come to the Old Town Art Fair.” Then, there are the comedy shows, with the nationally renown Second City being an obvious destination. John Belushi, Chris Farley and Tina Fey are just a few of the many who have taken to the venue’s stage over the decades. “When people come to town, I often try to take them to Second City,” Gordon says.
The LaSalle academy’s world language focus
Some highly rated schools serve Old Town. They include the Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, LaSalle Elementary Language Academy and Lincoln Park High School, which respectfully received an A-minus, A-minus and A from ratings site Niche. Both Abraham Lincoln Elementary and LaSalle serve students from kindergarten to eighth grade. Abraham Lincoln Elementary offers a Virtual Calm Room, which comprises of various therapeutic tools ranging from sounds and music and digital coloring and drawing to guided meditation and yoga. For instance, selecting the sound and music option can lead to extended clips of waterfalls or thunder and rain. As its name suggests, the LaSalle magnet school emphasizes a world language education that starts in kindergarten. Its students regularly take courses in Mandarin, French, Spanish or Italian, and the school typically performs above local, state and national averages on standardized tests.
Main entrance tree lined streets with sitting at the trees, Lincoln Elementary School, Chicago.
The LaSalle Language school is one of the premier choice's for students of Old Town.
1/2
L train lines to Chicago Loop
Old Town has a couple “L” train stations, as well as a number of Chicago Transit Authority bus stops. For those who prefer to drive, U.S. Highway 41 provides a route to the Chicago Loop, which is a roughly 4-mile drive south of the neighborhood. Old Town is a roughly 5-mile drive north of the Illinois Medical District, which has institutions like the RUSH University Medical Center and the John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County. Chicago O’Hare International Airport is a roughly 14-mile drive to the west.
Be sure to catch the train at the historic Sedgwick station in Old Town.
It is super convenient to grab a ride on the CTA train in the Old Town neighorhood.
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
Are you familiar with the Old Town neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Old Town
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
5
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Old Town Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Old Town, Chicago sell after 26 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Town, Chicago over the last 12 months is $550,256, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Charming 2-Bedroom, 2-Bath Townhouse in Prime Lincoln Park Location. This classic Lincoln Park townhouse blends timeless character with modern updates. Featuring exposed brick, wood beams, skylights, and a cozy fireplace, the home exudes warmth and charm throughout. The open-concept kitchen boasts granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a stylish updated backsplash, and newer flooring.
One-of-a-kind house available once in a generation. This stately Greystone was purchased along with the adjacent vacant lot in the late 1980's. Three of the 4 levels were completely rebuilt inside and the top floor remains as a vintage 1376 sq ft 2 Bedroom 1Bath apartment with study, sitting room, 2 decorative fireplaces and renovated kitchen and bath. A new extension was built reaching across
A very special new offering. Fall in love with this luxurious updated 2-bedroom, 2 full bath gem, in a classic, picture-perfect, tree-lined, Old Town location. This stunning unit features two private outdoor spaces, pristine newly refinished hardwood flooring throughout, sleek white open concept kitchen with granite counters, stainless appliances and great center island with distinctive pennant
Stefanie Lavelle@properties Christie's International Real Estate
Presenting this rare new tw0 bedroom home on a high floor (17th) with stunning views. It also has a separate dining/office space. The home has been gut rehabbed and meticulously renovated to the highest standards. Be the first to live in this redesigned floor plan for today's lifestyle and living. Top quality craftsmanship and finishes throughout. The home has all new windows. A brand-new
Welcome to the perfect one-bedroom condo located in Chicago's Old Town neighborhood! This unit features east-facing floor-to-ceiling windows, providing outstanding natural light, and a combined living and dining areas. The bedroom can accommodate a king-size bed with room for additional furniture and a walk-in closet. The kitchen has been updated and boasts a modern feel with stainless steel
Situated in the North end of Chicago's prestigious Gold Coast, this beautiful, rarely available, updated, 2 bed, 2 bath condo, offers sophisticated urban living paired with resort style amenities. Located in a 5-story building with only 96 units. The unit was fully renovated and has bamboo floors throughout with the exception of the kitchen and baths which are tile. The floor plan provides a
BEAUTIFUL NEWER RENOVATION THAT OFFERS 3 BEDS PLUS FAMILY ROOM/DEN 2.5 BATHS IN A 2 STORY 2138 SQUARE FOOT TOWN HOME W PRIVATE TERRACE! THIS TOWN HOME IS ATTACHED TO AN AWARD WINNING LUXURY HI-RISE ACROSS FROM LINCOLN PARK & NORTH AVENUE BEACH! ALL 3 BEDROOMS ARE ON THE SECOND FLOOR (CARPETS REMOVED AND NOW OFFER PLANK FLOORING THROUGHOUT), ALONG WITH IN UNIT WASHER/DRYER. HIGH RISE OFFERS 24
Discover luxury living at The Scott Residences in Old Town Chicago. Choose from convertible, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments featuring modern finishes and spacious layouts. Enjoy the convenience of an on-site Starbucks and easy access to top dining, shopping, and entertainment. Community amenities include a stylish club lounge, rooftop deck with skyline views, fire pit, fitness center,
Beautifully updated 1-bedroom featuring a private balcony and modern finishes throughout. Enjoy stylish cabinetry, granite countertops, newer flooring and windows, and a bright west exposure that brings in excellent natural light and beautiful sunset views. Residents enjoy great amenities at Sandburg Village, including two Olympic-size outdoor heated swimming pools, tennis courts, landscaped
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.
