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Prairie District

Prairie District

Urban Core Neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois

Cook County 60605 , 60616
$508,258 Average Value
$351 Average Price per Sq Ft
7 Homes For Sale

Historic neighborhood in Chicago’s South Loop

The Prairie District has a rich history. The neighborhood evolved from a Native American trail connecting Chicago’s Fort Dearborn to Indiana’s Fort Wayne into a millionaire’s row where the city’s leading industrialists built grand estates along Prairie Avenue in the late 19th century. Several of these homes remain standing today, and the community maintains its individuality while embracing a central location in the South Loop. “The Prairie District offers historic character and more of a neighborhood feel than you’ll find a couple of blocks over,” says Tina Feldstein, a Broker Associate with Berkshire Hathaway and founder of the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance. “This area is also a dream for transportation and access to everything Chicago offers.”

Prairie District is located in the south loop and just a short ways from downtown Chicago.
Prairie District is located in the south loop and just a short ways from downtown Chicago.
There are several historic mansions that are still present in Prairie District.
There are several historic mansions that are still present in Prairie District.
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Sprawling estates and modern townhomes

The remainder of the Prairie District’s historic homes are clustered around South Prairie Avenue and the thoroughfare is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Many have been redeveloped into townhouses and condos, but several 19th-century estates inspired by Queen Anne and French Chateau Architecture line the street. Single-family homes are less common, and prices range from around $1.8 to $3.9 million. Modern townhomes built in the early 2000s sit along tree-lined streets, with prices ranging from about $600,000 for a two-bedroom unit and up to $1.9 million for a five-bedroom unit with a private elevator.

There are a few remaining 19th century estates in Prairie District.
There are a few remaining 19th century estates in Prairie District.
Three story row homes line the streets of Prairie District.
Three story row homes line the streets of Prairie District.
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Community park with historic house museums

Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens provides a quiet respite for locals. “This is really the anchor of the Prairie District,” Feldstein says. “There’s both passive green spaces and a fieldhouse with community events for families and adults.” The fieldhouse offers several fitness studios, meeting spaces and a unique indoor playground complete with a climbing wall for kids to explore. Outside, locals can relax among nature or stop by the park’s community garden. The park is nestled between two historic house museums – the Clarke-Ford House and the Glessner House. Residents can tour both houses, with the Clarke-Ford House dating back to 1836 and being the oldest home in Chicago.

The Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens hosts a variety of events for Prairie District residents.
The Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens hosts a variety of events for Prairie District residents.
Residents of Prairie District can tour the Clarke Ford House, which dates back to 1836.
Residents of Prairie District can tour the Clarke Ford House, which dates back to 1836.
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Locally owned spots in Chicago’s South Loop

La Cantina serves authentic Mexican dishes and vibrant cocktails in a cozy, candlelit interior, while Chicago Oyster House offers an upscale dining experience with fresh seafood served over white tablecloths. Neighbors gather in cozy booths at Spoke and Bird Café for homemade pastries and cups of coffee. With Women’s Park and Gardens next door, locals can also take their purchases to go and enjoy them on a scenic walk through the park. For groceries, the independently owned South Loop Market sells staple products and specialty goods from local suppliers.

South Loop Market in Prairie District is an independently owned grocery store.
South Loop Market in Prairie District is an independently owned grocery store.
La Cantina serves authentic Mexican dishes and cocktails in a cozy setting in Prairie District.
La Cantina serves authentic Mexican dishes and cocktails in a cozy setting in Prairie District.
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Events in the Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens

The Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens hosts a variety of events for the community. Locals gather for free movies, concerts and crafts in the park.

Students attend Chicago Public Schools

Kids in grades K-8 attend National Teachers Academy, which earned a B from Niche, before moving on to Wendell Phillips Academy High School, which earned a grade of C-minus. “Schools are a big draw here and the National Teachers Academy is becoming better and better,” Feldstein says. The high school offers a three-year program – Embarc – designed to prepare low-income students for success in their future studies or careers. “There are also multiple private schools, so there are a lot of options for young families.”

National Teachers Academy offers a safe and secure campus for students to learn and play.
National Teachers Academy offers a safe and secure campus for students to learn and play.
Main building and entrance to Wendell Phillips Academy High School.
Main building and entrance to Wendell Phillips Academy High School.
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Proximity to the CTA bus and the L

“Access to transportation is probably the biggest draw here,” Feldstein says. The Chicago Transit Authority provides local bus service to the community, with several stops along South Michigan Avenue. Locals are less than a mile from the Cermak-McCormick Place Train Station. “You can easily get on the L and take the green, red or orange line.” Residents are also near the intersection of Interstate 55 and Interstate 90, with O’Hare International Airport about 25 miles away.

Residents of Prairie District are less than a mile from the Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line.
Residents of Prairie District are less than a mile from the Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line.
The Metra located in McCormick Plaza takes Prairie District residents to and from the Loop.
The Metra located in McCormick Plaza takes Prairie District residents to and from the Loop.
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Sally Stimpson
Written By
Sally Stimpson
Jacob McAllister
Video By
Jacob McAllister

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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Chicago Midway International

16 min drive

Bus

Michigan & 18th Street

Bus

Michigan & Cullerton

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Prairie District US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 7 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 6 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
1,205
Number of Homes for Sale
7
Median Year Built
2006
Months of Supply
1.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
10,507
Significantly above the national average
1,932
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
3,099
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,285
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
809
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
690

Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 30
    12 - 2pm

    1816 S Calumet Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

    $850,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,500 Sq Ft
    • 1816 S Calumet Ave
    • New 21 days ago

    Desirable Prairie District townhome featuring two bedrooms plus top floor bonus room or third bedroom, two and half bathrooms and multiple outdoor spaces. Situated on a park like setting with gated front patio entry. The spacious open concept living and dining area is filled with natural light from the large windows and has beautiful dark stained hardwood floors and an inviting gas fireplace. The

    Nadine Ferrata Compass

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
11
Median Rent
$3,300
Median Townhouse Rent
$4,160
Median 2 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$4,160
Median Condo Rent
$2,800
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$3,250

Demographics

Total Population
3,076
Median Age
40
Population Density
75 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.4%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$155,711
Significantly above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$173,918

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
99.3%
College Graduates
90.9%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
61.6%
Significantly above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
83.3%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Moderately friendly

Bikeability®

70 / 100

Exceptionally friendly

Walkability®

90 / 100

Exceptionally friendly

Transit®

90 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

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
Prairie District
Lisa Magidson
North Clybourn Group, Inc.
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