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South Chicago

South Chicago

$187,676 Average Value
$114 Average Price per Sq Ft
49 Homes For Sale

Lakefront neighborhood 10 miles south of downtown Chicago

With Lake Michigan as its eastern border, South Chicago sits about 10 miles southeast of The Loop and was once the location of a major steel manufacturer. From the late 19th century into the mid-20th century, the neighborhood was home to immigrants from Ireland, Eastern Europe, Italy and Scandinavia—with many working in the steel mill. “They moved to the south suburbs, and in the 1950s and 1960s, African Americans moved here, and they passed their houses onto the next generation,” says Shaena Flanagan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Realty. “Today, there’s a mixture of people living here.” Heading to downtown Chicago may be quicker via Interstate 90 or more scenic taking Lake Shore Drive.

Chicago-style bungalows abound in South Chicago

The houses in this neighborhood sit closer together on small lots. The streets are narrow and have many brick Chicago bungalows. They closely resemble Cape Cod-style houses in other parts of the country and are one-and-a-half stories with a full basement. Many have been remodeled, along with mid-20th-century Georgian Revival and ranch-style homes. The price for single-family homes generally ranges between $100,000 and $400,000. Properties requiring significant rehab work start have recently sold for as low as $35,000. While there are many apartments in the area, very few sell as condos, with recent sales ranging between $70,000 and $100,000. Two-flat buildings and other multi-family properties are fairly common and range from $50,000 to $450,000. The neighborhood contains more renters than homeowners by a ratio of 3-to-2. The area scores a 5 on the CAP crime score scale, slightly above the national average. Some violent crimes have a higher number.

In addition to Chicago style bungalows, South Chicago has an abundance of modern 1950's bungalows.
In addition to Chicago style bungalows, South Chicago has an abundance of modern 1950's bungalows.
Two-flats with Victorian flair add to the diversity of the housing stock of South Chicago.
Two-flats with Victorian flair add to the diversity of the housing stock of South Chicago.
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Three K-8 options in South Chicago

Three elementary schools in the South Chicago neighborhood cater to kindergarten through eighth-grade students. Arnold Mireles Elementary Academy and Ninos Heroes Elementary School get C grades from Niche, while James N. Thorp Elementary School gets a C-minus. Most advance to Bowen High School, which gets a C-minus. Epic Academy High School is also part of the Chicago Public School District and specializes in the arts. The school receives a C grade. Our Lady of Guadalupe School is a private Catholic elementary school serving kids through eighth grade.

Bowen High School has a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 and scores a C- on Niche.com.
Bowen High School has a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 and scores a C- on Niche.com.
Ninos Heroes Elementary School scores a C overall in South Chicago.
Ninos Heroes Elementary School scores a C overall in South Chicago.
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Parks by Lake Michigan

Steelworkers Park is near the site of the former U.S. Steel mill, which closed in 1992. The 16-acre site lets visitors enjoy nature in the city. Once part of the factory, an ore wall is now a community rock climbing wall. There are also many trees, walking paths and picturesque views of Lake Michigan. Rainbow Beach Park has a beach, community garden, basketball, tennis and handball courts and multiple baseball diamonds. “During warm weather, various leagues play there, and it’s always crowded,” Flanagan says. Norman’s Bistro on the Lake is open year-round, even if nobody is on the beach. The park also has the Rainbow Dunes Natural Area. Bird watchers have spotted over 250 species. Further inland, Eckersall Park has a playground, soccer fields and a full basketball court. Eckersall Stadium on the park’s south side is where various Chicago Public High School football teams play. Russell Square Park has indoor and outdoor recreation options. The indoor fitness center and gym offer cold-weather options for staying in shape, while outside, there are three baseball fields, a swimming pool and sand volleyball courts.

South Shore residents are steps away from the sandy shores of Lake Michigan's Rainbow beach.
South Shore residents are steps away from the sandy shores of Lake Michigan's Rainbow beach.
Rock climbers scale the public rock wall in South Chicagos Steelworkers Park.
Rock climbers scale the public rock wall in South Chicagos Steelworkers Park.
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Pizza and Mexican restaurants in South Chicago

DeArco's on 87th Street serves both stuffed pizza and thin-crust tavern-style pizza. Sandwiches, wings and chicken are also served in a small, casual atmosphere that feels like home in a converted two-story brick house. Commercial Avenue offers more options, like Birrieria Ocotlan or Maxi Bakery, which serves breakfast, lunch and various sweet treats. Grocery stores in the neighborhood include specialized markets like La Fruteria, which sells African, Caribbean, and Hispanic foods, and La Primavera, a Mexican grocer.

Birrierias Ocotlan in one of the highest regarded birrieria's in all of Chicago.
Birrierias Ocotlan in one of the highest regarded birrieria's in all of Chicago.
Maxi Bakery does more than baked goods, they offer wings, burgers, and burritos.
Maxi Bakery does more than baked goods, they offer wings, burgers, and burritos.
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Urban farm addresses food desert in South Chicago

The South Chicago neighborhood is where one of eight urban farms on Chicago’s South Side is located. The South Chicago Farm is part of the Urban Growers Collective, which grows food during the growing season to provide for those who don’t have enough healthy choices or if a grocery store is too far to travel. In addition, the garden educates those who want to grow their food. The Fresh Moves Mobile Market is a farmers’ market on wheels inside a discontinued CTA bus. It’s available year-round and delivers food to community centers, churches and other places where the community gathers.

The South Chicago Farm is one of eight urban farms on Chicago's South Side.
The South Chicago Farm is one of eight urban farms on Chicago's South Side.
The South Chicago Farm addresses the area's food desert and brings produce to those in need.
The South Chicago Farm addresses the area's food desert and brings produce to those in need.
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CTA buses and commuter trains

Public transportation is abundant in South Chicago. Numerous CTA buses stop on 79th, 87th, and 91st Streets and main north/south roads like Commercial Avenue and South Shore Drive. Metra stations are located at the South Chicago stops on 93rd, 87th and 83rd Streets. The CTA ‘L’ train is about 5 miles west at 95th Street and Interstate 94. That line runs in the median of the Dan Ryan Expressway. Midway International Airport is 13 miles away, while O’Hare is a nearly 50-mile trip.

Jeff Stapleton
Written By
Jeff Stapleton
Brett Bulthuis
Photography Contributed By
Brett Bulthuis
Pasha Chichagov
Video By
Pasha Chichagov

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

24 min drive

Train

South Chicago (93Rd Street) Station

Train

87Th Street Station

Train

83Rd Street Station

Bus

91st Street & Brandon

Bus

87th Street & Baltimore

Bus

Jeffery & 81st Street

Bus

91st Street & Houston

Bus

Buffalo & 92nd Street

Bus

87th Street & Burnham

Bus

Exchange & 92nd Street

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime South Chicago US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 8 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 7 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
3,938
Number of Homes for Sale
49
Median Year Built
1923
Months of Supply
5.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,679
Below the national average
1,932
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,260
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,267

Open Houses

  • Saturday, May 16
    1 - 3pm

    8319 S Crandon Ave, Chicago, IL 60617

    $209,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,024 Sq Ft
    • 8319 S Crandon Ave

    Welcome to this charming South Chicago brick bungalow offering 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, and a finished loft-style attic. Well-maintained home features 2 bedrooms on the main floor with a large additional room that can be used as a walk-in closet, office, etc. The main level features a comfortable living room, dining area, kitchen, and full bath. Upstairs, the finished attic includes a bedroom with

    Agent Photo
    Reginald Patterson
    eXp Realty
    (312) 667-4041
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  • Saturday, May 16
    11am - 1pm

    9020 S Burley Ave, Chicago, IL 60617

    $388,000

    • 9 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 9020 S Burley Ave
    • New 7 days ago

    Welcome to South Chicago at 9020 S. Burley Ave, a well-maintained legal 3-unit building located near Lake Michigan. This fully occupied income-producing property offers an excellent opportunity for investors seeking stable rental income with future upside potential. All three units are currently rented on month-to-month leases, providing immediate cash flow and future flexibility. Each spacious

    Marco Ponce Coldwell Banker Realty

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  • Sunday, May 24
    12 - 2pm

    7931 S Paxton Ave, Chicago, IL 60617

    $389,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,917 Sq Ft
    • 7931 S Paxton Ave
    • New 17 days ago

    Beautifully rehabbed and move-in ready brick Georgian offering 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Features include an open-concept floor plan, hardwood flooring, wainscoting, modern fixtures, and a fireplace with brick and wood-plank accents. Updated kitchen with new cabinetry, subway tile backsplash, large island, and stainless steel appliances to be installed prior to closing. Spacious bedrooms

    Christin Willis Coldwell Banker Realty

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
40
Median Rent
$1,525
Median Single Family Home Rent
$1,600
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$2,375
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,500
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$1,500
Median Condo Rent
$1,400
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,325

Demographics

Total Population
25,219
Median Age
39
Population Density
13 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.5%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$37,739
Significantly below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$51,625

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
79.6%
Below the national average
89%
College Graduates
19.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.2%
% Population in Labor Force
57.4%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
42''

Area Factors

Moderately friendly

Bikeability®

60 / 100

Moderately friendly

Walkability®

70 / 100

Fairly friendly

Transit®

50 / 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
South Chicago