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Washington Park

Washington Park

Neighborhood Reviews
2.5
$225,224 Average Value
$223 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

An active urban community

Washington Park has more going for it than the namesake green space bordering University of Chicago. It’s also a bustling hub where entrepreneurs and professionals can find plenty of activity and access to train stops. The housing options present an interesting mix, too. New condos went up along Michigan Avenue as recently as the 2010s, but there are classic Chicago greystones as well. It all creates an atmosphere geared towards those who want a true city experience. “There are about three rush hours in the area during the day,” says Andrew Peart, a bookseller at local retail destination Powell’s, and a former teacher at the University of Chicago. “You’ll see a mix of students and professionals out in the morning, then the afternoon rush when public schools let out. There’s an evening rush, too. People will swing by Woodlawn Tap, grab a drink, then meet up with friends.”
Washington Park totals 350 acres on the south side of Chicago.
Washington Park totals 350 acres on the south side of Chicago.
New construction condos are one of many housing styles in Washington Park.
New construction condos are one of many housing styles in Washington Park.
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Trendy destinations that feel truly unique

For grocery shopping, there’s a Jewel-Osco in the southeastern corner. The restaurant scene remains congruent with Washington Park’s innovative and historic spirit. For example, Daley's has been running since 1918, making it Chicago's oldest restaurant. Classic American dishes served in a diner setting feel like a return to yesteryear.

The industrial inspired Robust Coffee Lounge is a good example of the forward moving spirit sweeping through Washington Park. It's the kind of hip spot where residents can grab a specialty drink and chat, or even meet for a meal. Additionally, there are efforts between local entrepreneurs and the University of Chicago to revitalize the Arts Block along Garfield Avenue. Various creative and music venues are anchored by the Arts Incubator, which contains studios, a woodshop and gallery. Organized tours of this district are available. Additionally, in 2022, local entrepreneurs announced a new mixed development building on 51st Street that will include a gym, retail stores, restaurants and housing.
Jewel Osco is the primary grocery store for Washington Park residents.
Jewel Osco is the primary grocery store for Washington Park residents.
Robust Coffee near Washington Park is a popular place to grab a bite or coffee with friends.
Robust Coffee near Washington Park is a popular place to grab a bite or coffee with friends.
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New condos and classic greystones

Besides new condos, current homebuyers can continue to see construction popping up for brick three-flats and wood frame homes. But Washington Park is a neighborhood with deep history, tracing back to its time as a center for railroad workers and meatpackers in the mid-19th century. Older mansions can be found along Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Drive. Many greystones and multi-story brick homes have been renovated. Or, for those who prefer to customize their home, plenty of properties are awaiting restoration, too. Prices can range from a $135,000 three-bedroom condo unit to a $385,000 multi-story greystone.
Lovely unique single family homes are found in Washington Park.
Lovely unique single family homes are found in Washington Park.
Historic greystone row homes are found in Washington Park.
Historic greystone row homes are found in Washington Park.
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A massive namesake park

The namesake park takes up much of the neighborhood’s east end. Totaling 350 acres, it contains two gyms, a photo lab, dance studio, lagoon, arboretum and many athletic facilities. Inside is the Fountain of Time, the world’s earliest art piece made from concrete. Built in 1922, it depicts 100 figures passing before Father Time, signifying 100 years of peace between the U.S. and Britain after the Treaty of Ghent.
Washington Park has a huge green space with numerous sport fields for residents.
Washington Park has a huge green space with numerous sport fields for residents.
The Fountain of Time in Washington Park is a popular spot to get a snapshot.
The Fountain of Time in Washington Park is a popular spot to get a snapshot.
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From jazz concerts to parades

The DuSable Black History Museum is one of the largest museums in the country devoted to the preservation of African American art. The collection contains more than 15,000 art pieces, and regular events are hosted at the museum, ranging from jazz concerts to art fairs.

One of the biggest events all year is when the Bud Billiken Parade ends in Washington Park with a picnic. Started in 1929, the parade celebrates local African American history and education especially, as it’s held every year during back-to-school season. Celebrities like Oprah have participated in the past, and usually the parade is broadcast live. In February, the park plays host to Ashaki Black History Month festivities, which includes cultural exhibits, live entertainment and food. Every December there is a Christmas tree reveal and lighting ceremony here.
The DuSable Museum of African American Culture is a celebrated museum in Washington Park.
The DuSable Museum of African American Culture is a celebrated museum in Washington Park.
Visitors take in an exhibit at DuSable Museum of African American Culture in Washington Park.
Visitors take in an exhibit at DuSable Museum of African American Culture in Washington Park.
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Specialized studies at Philips Academy

Students in kindergarten through 8th grade attend Beethoven Elementary, which earns a C-minus from Niche. Philips Academy High earns the same, and has a longstanding reputation in the area – it’s been open since 1904. Partnered with local institutions like the University of Chicago, Philips Academy offers Advanced Placement courses as well as Education to Careers programs in specialized topics like fashion design.
Philips Academy High has been serving students of Washington Park since 1904.
Philips Academy High has been serving students of Washington Park since 1904.
Students in kindergarten through 8th grade in Washington Park attend Beethoven Elementary.
Students in kindergarten through 8th grade in Washington Park attend Beethoven Elementary.
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A revamped Green Line station

Multiple stops on the Green Line pass through here, and the Dan Ryan Expressway tracks the neighborhood’s western border, ensuring connection to wider Chicago. The Garfield Avenue Green Line station is part of the neighborhood’s creative identity. It’s one of Chicago’s oldest L stations, dating back to 1892. Much of the original structure was preserved when it underwent renovation in 2019, and its tenant is the L1 Creative Business Accelerator — a symbol of bridging old and new in Washington Park.
The CTA green line has several stops in the Washington Park neighborhood.
The CTA green line has several stops in the Washington Park neighborhood.
The Dan Ryan Expressway lies on Washington Parks western border, connecting it to wider Chicago.
The Dan Ryan Expressway lies on Washington Parks western border, connecting it to wider Chicago.
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Paul Spencer
Written By
Paul Spencer
Justin Schmidt
Photography Contributed By
Justin Schmidt

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 Cynthia Frye, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Chicago Midway International

14 min drive

Subway

Garfield Station (Green Line)

Subway

Garfield Station (Red Line)

Subway

King Drive Station

Subway

Cottage Grove Station

Bus

State & 54th Street

Bus

Cottage Grove & 62nd Street

Bus

61st Street & Langley

Bus

Garfield Red Line Station

Bus

55th Street & Payne Drive

Bus

59th Street & Perry

Bus

Cottage Grove & Payne

Reviews

Niche Reviews
2.5 17 Reviews
3.0 Niche User
1/14/2015 Niche Review
The local businesses are good.
1.0 Current Resident
3/2/2021 Niche Review
Horrible very bad experience and always shootings and police sirens and loud music just not use to this type of environment management company is slums
1.0 Niche User
11/20/2014 Niche Review
They don't have a lot of job opportunities in this area a lot of them are for over aged people.
3.0 Niche User
6/2/2016 Niche Review
the area is very quiet.
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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Washington Park US
Homicide 10 4
Sexual Assault 7 4
Assault with Weapon 8 4
Robbery 9 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Washington Park Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$340,000
Median Sale Price
$340,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$340,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$224,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$196,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
90
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-9%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$223

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
989
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1910
Months of Supply
0.10
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,218
Above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,352
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,015
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
796
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,920

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Aug 3
    12 - 2pm

    5850 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60637

    $675,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 4.5 Baths
    • 1,100 Sq Ft
    • 5850 S Indiana Ave
    • New 5 days ago

    Family moments are best spent at HOME and I'm here to tell you that this is the HOME of your dreams. This expansive residence sits in an oversized lot (32X150) and offers eight generously sized bedrooms (5 above grade and 3 in basement) plus a loft currently serving as an office, and a TV Room/Den along with 4.5 impeccably updated bathrooms (one of them in the basement). The main level flows with

    Karla Mina MPower Residential Brokerage LLC

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  • Sunday, Aug 10
    12 - 2pm

    5743 S Michigan Ave Unit 2S, Chicago, IL 60637

    $240,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 5743 S Michigan Ave
    • Unit 2S
    • New 7 days ago

    Bright & Spacious 3 Bed, 2 Bath Condo in Washington Park! This beautifully maintained second-floor condo offers 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a bright, open layout perfect for comfortable city living. The sun-filled living and dining area flows into a well-appointed kitchen with modern cabinetry, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances ideal for both everyday living

    Tene' Gray Real People Realty

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  • Thursday, Jul 31
    5 - 7pm

    5636 S Prairie Ave Unit 3S, Chicago, IL 60637

    $195,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,400 Sq Ft
    • 5636 S Prairie Ave
    • Unit 3S
    • New 12 days ago

    ENJOY YOUR WASHINGTON PARK CONDO FROM THE TOP FLOOR WITH EXQUISITE VIEWS! Features 2 bedrooms, 1 master en-suite, large living room, in unit laundry, open kitchen layout with plenty of cabinet space and stainless steel appliances. Then walk out onto your back balcony to indulge and relax after a long day. 2 parking deed parking spaces are available for you, partner or guest. Do you need a quick

    Rania Njiemoun Keller Williams ONEChicago

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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 Cynthia Frye, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
18,209
Median Age
34
Population Density
15 ppl/acre
Population under 18
30.1%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
12.4%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$23,555
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$40,738

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
83%
College Graduates
18.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7%
% Population in Labor Force
55.6%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

70 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

68 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

72 / 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
Washington Park
Cynthia Frye
Cynthia Frye
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