$314,125Average Value$690Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
Laid-back living in a west Chicago suburb with vintage charm
Requesting permission to land: for those looking for a community with proximity to O’Hare International Airport that still has the soothing feel of a suburb, check out West Grand Avenue. Formerly the site of an airport used during WWII, this quiet, residential community within Leyden Township is home to a "Real sense of community and charm," says Jimmy Caporusso, a lifelong resident and local Township Administrator. He explains that "I love the area, it's very diverse" and that "There's a bunch of different cultures, so its fun when we all get together during community events in the park." North of Grand Avenue, which runs east to west through the neighborhood, parts of West Grand Ave are unincorporated, which Caporusso says, "lends to the comfortable, residential vibe so many people like here." Although there are no sidewalks throughout the neighborhood's suburban streets, smooth paving and a friendly grade encourage people to get out by walking and biking and enjoy seeing vintage homes and tall trees on their way. In addition to the old construction so common throughout West Grand Ave, Leyden Township also has plans to "improve the community by "redoing the parks and redeveloping Mannheim Road to bring in more businesses," says Caporusso. With parks and dining close to home, a Metra train station just a few minute's ride away and access to "almost every major highway nearby," residents of West Grand Ave benefit from being able to easily get around both their neighborhood and the greater Chicago area, while still enjoying a peaceful, old-school vibe at home.
There are many affordable home options in West Grand Ave.
Residents can expect local airplane traffic on account of O'Hare Airport in West Grand Ave.
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Diverse and affordable homes in West Grand Ave
Walking along the quiet, suburban streets of West Grand Ave, residents will see closely mowed lawns shaded by tall, mature trees and homes spaced out along half to full-acre lots. There's an old-fashioned air about the neighborhood that conveys a sense of ease and comfort, says Caporusso, noting that "Many homes were built as early as the 1940s" and that he likes how "you can't hear a lot of traffic or anything, just birds chirping and kids playing outside." With an average sales price of about $280,000, homes in West Grand Ave are also considered relatively affordable compared to surrounding areas, especially considering their generous lot sizes. Homes in the neighborhood range from cottage and ranch-styles built before World War II selling for as low as $125,000 dollars to more spacious three-bedroom bungalow options and larger, traditional homes with up to 1,500 square feet and five bedrooms that sell for up to $375,000. While the exteriors of many homes in West Grand Ave reflect the time period they were built in with neutral siding and awnings over their front doors, the interiors are another matter altogether. In some homes, homebuyers can expect to see state-of-the-art appliances, new floors and sleek bathrooms with marble finishes. Other homes are ready for a buyer who wants a blank canvas to work on their dream renovations.
Cape Cod style houses with long driveways give West Grand Ave residents ample yard space.
Many homes in West Grand Ave are accessible to first time homebuyers.
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Getting around Leyden Township
Other than walking or biking to nearby destinations, residents of West Grand Ave have access to several public bus lines that help circulate them throughout the area's main thoroughfares, as well as the Mannheim Metra train station, which is just over a mile from the neighborhood. Mannheim Road, which forms West Grand Ave's easternmost border, is also a seamless way to merge onto Interstate 294, also known as "The Tri-state." Once residents have fueled up their cars and their bellies at the many local options along Mannheim, they can head about 16 miles, or roughly 30 minutes, east to downtown Chicago for some nightlife fun or pick any other destination in the greater Chicago region. For the closest hospital, residents can head down to Kindred Hospital Chicago Northlake, which is right along North Avenue a couple miles south of West Grand Ave. With O'Hare International Airport right next to the neighborhood as well, traveling outside the city is also convenient for residents of West Grand Ave. Despite this proximity, Caporusso says, "The planes aren't too noisy anymore; the airport reconfigured its runways so we're not under the main flight paths like we used to be."
Public transit options in West Grand Ave include the 319 Pace Bus.
Residents enjoy having close access to I 290 in West Grand Ave.
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Local shopping and dining options along Mannheim Road
Fortunately for residents of West Grand Ave, plenty of options for shopping and dining can be found along Mannheim Road, just east of the neighborhood. In addition to popular retailers like T.J. Maxx and Menards, residents can find local grocery stores like their neighborhood Jewel-Osco and a location of Tony's Fresh Market, a family-owned chain. For a quick bite, there are plenty of fast-casual chain eateries here, from Chipotle to Jersey Mike’s Subs, but for a more local option, try the subs and signature sausages at Ozzie's Deli before picking up something to drink or a few grocery items. For a night out, El Pollo Vagabundo is a popular choice where patrons can watch tortillas being made by hand and dip into a voluminous salsa bar while enjoying authentic Mexican cuisine.
Residents can get their groceries at Rio Valley Market in West Grand Ave.
West Grand Ave's Tony's Grocery has a robust selection of deli goods and produce.
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Heading outdoors in West Grand Ave
Besides walking through the neighborhood's quiet streets, residents often head to local spots like Westdale Park to get outside. Set on 3.5 acres, Westdale Park has a large pavilion for friends and families to congregate under, a playground to explore and a pond to relax by. Large, mature oaks keep the park cool in the summer, while the baseball field and wide-open green space provide room for friendly sports and games. There are also "Plans for a splash pad and the baseball field is getting redone," says Caporusso.
Kids love the climbing ropes on the playground at Westdale Park.
The swings are fun for all ages at Westdale Park in West Grand Ave.
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Chicago public schools in the neighborhood
Thanks to Mannheim School District No. 83, students of West Grand Ave can attend public schools close to home. Young students start out at Westdale Elementary and Mannheim Middle, which both receive C ratings from Niche. Roughly 830 students in grades 6-8 are served at Mannheim Middle, and the school offers bilingual instruction. Older students go on to West Leyden High, which has been open since 1959 and receives a B-plus from Niche. Right next to Westdale Elementary, West Leyden High is home to famous alumni like Frankie Sullivan, who co-wrote the famous song “Eye of the Tiger," and the Chicago Bulls announcer Tom Dore.
Westdale Elementary School has great academic opportunities for students in West Grand Ave.
West Leyden High School provides a safe environment for students in West Grand Ave.
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Community events year-round at Westdale Park
The West Grand Ave and surrounding communities get together throughout the year for fun, family-friendly events, from the Boo Fest at Halloween to the annual Christmas tree lighting. During the summer, residents can come attend Wild Wild Westdale, a free community event with a petting zoo, hayrides, vendors and other fun activities from line dancing to face painting. During Easter, kids can hunt for eggs at the Bunny-Bash Egg-Stravaganza or jump on the bouncy house.
Residents love the quiet streets and proximity to a variety of stores in West Grand Ave.
West Grand Ave features a graveyard with reflective statues to commemorate those who have passed.
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The Northlake Public Library
Another community resource nearby is the Northlake Public Library, which expanded by 20,000 square feet and added a second story in 2007. Recently, the library announced $2 million expansion: most of this money was already raised by June 2021. Expansions include a bigger children’s area, a maker’s space with a 3D printer, more seating and a coffee shop. Community events include a children’s story hour and lectures in the humanities.
There is a wide selection of books at Northlake Public Library in West Grand Ave.
Residents take advantage of the quiet space at the Northlake Public Library in West Grand Ave.
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
Venny Rivera,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Kahl Park
Baseball/Softball
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Westdale Park
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Playground
Ful Roy Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Playground
Coach Jim Wagner Park
Baseball/Softball
James Park
Basketball
Picnic Area
Skateboard
Lincoln Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Transit
Airport
Chicago O'Hare International
11 min drive
Bus
Grand & Harold
Bus
Grand & Alcoa
Bus
Grand & Prater
Bus
Grand & Laporte
Bus
Mannheim & Diversey
Bus
Mannheim & Nevada
Bus
Grand & Wolf
West Grand Ave Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West Grand Ave, Franklin Park sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in West Grand Ave, Franklin Park over the last 12 months is $539,950, down 12% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Beautiful 3 bedroom ranch situated on a quiet dead end street, offering peace and privacy. The spacious layout features a comfortable living area, a modern kitchen, and 3 cozy bedrooms perfect for a family. The oversized backyard provides ample space for outdoor gatherings, gardening, or simply relax in a serene setting comfort. Roof only 3 years old, Hvac new 2025, Hot water tank 3 years old.
2bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home ..Master bedroom on main floor 2bdrm on 2nd floor with a open/loft concept including a closet with a custom addition in desirable unincorporated Melrose Park! This expanded layout offers generous living space, including a large addition perfect for entertaining. Features includes a spacious backyard. Enjoy convenient location near schools, shopping, major expressways
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Venny Rivera,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
5,199
Median Age
38
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
25.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.9%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$72,269
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$84,947
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
79.5%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
13.8%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.4%
% Population in Labor Force
71.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
84°F
Annual Snowfall
35''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
43/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
45/ 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.
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.
