Affordable homes near industrial employers and outdoor recreation
Located in northeastern Lake County and situated along the Deep River waterway, New Chicago is a close-knit community near industrial employers and outdoor spaces. “It’s a smaller neighborhood with a lot of parks, and the lines between New Chicago and Lake Station sometimes blend. A lot of people work at the mills that are close by, but some end up commuting to Chicago since there’s still access to urban areas,” says Kristina Vega, a Realtor with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate who has served the area for 16 years. With numerous community events and comparably affordable housing, New Chicago is a relaxed neighborhood 40 miles from Chicago.
Rows of updated bungalows are scattered throughout New Chicago.
Fishing is common in Lake George because the fish are always biting.
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Small bungalows and ranches populate New Chicago
“Affordability is a big draw to the area. Some houses may need some work, but most are in the $100,000 range,” Vega says. Properties in New Chicago sit along residential, tree-lined streets that are arranged in a grid pattern. Most homes were built in the 1940s and 50s and feature grass lawns with narrow concrete walkways and wide driveways. Modest bungalows and ranches populate the neighborhood — homebuyers can find a two-bedroom bungalow for as low as $80,000, but most properties cost between $120,000 and $200,000. Occasionally, a bi-level home built in the last 20 years or a recently renovated ranch will go on the market, priced between $210,000 and $270,000.
Beautiful bungalow style homes can be found scattered throughout New Chicago.
Single family bungalows are common throughout New Chicago.
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Bike or jog around the lake at Three Rivers County Park
Hillman Park hosts athletic fields, including baseball diamonds for youth recreational and coed leagues. For a more relaxing lakeside walk, there’s Three Rivers County Park, which hosts a mile-and-a-half of paved nature trails and a fishing dock. Children can run around on the playground at Twin Oaks Park, while adults enjoy the park’s shaded picnic area by a small pond. The neighborhood is also 6 miles from the sandy beaches along the southern edge of Lake Michigan.
Chain your bike up at this unique bike rack at Twin Oaks Park.
Three Rivers County Park and Trail is a perfect place to connect with nature in New Chicago.
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Stop in for a quick lunch from George's Gyros Spot 2
37th Avenue hosts most of the neighborhood’s restaurants, like George's Gyros Spot 2, where locals can grab a gyro sandwich or Philly cheesesteak and fries. “El Ranchero is a great Mexican restaurant, and it has a bakery, too,” says Vega. Residents can shop for groceries and everyday essentials from the regional grocery chain Strack and Van Til and drive 8 miles south to the Southlake Mall to browse retail stores.
Stop in at Georges Gyros for authentic Greek Gyros and more.
El Ranchero restaurant is centrally located on 37th Ave in New Chicago.
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Challenge neighbors to mud volleyball at Hillman Park
The New Chicago community gathers for seasonal events at Twin Oaks Park, like an Easter egg hunt in the spring, a monthly food truck event, a farmers market and a costumed Halloween event. The community’s most adventurous bonding activity is an annual mud volleyball tournament at Hillman Park, which takes place in the spring.
Hillman Park is a perfect place for all types of sports and home to the Hobart Soccer Club.
Twin Oaks Park in New Chicago is a great place to spend time with family and play basketball.
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Career certification programs at Hobart High
Depending on their location in the neighborhood, children are either zoned to the River Forest Community School system or the School City of Hobart system. Children may begin at the Early Learning Center at George Earle Elementary, which has a B-plus rating from Niche. Students advance to B-minus-rated Ridge View Elementary, and then to Hobart Middle and Hobart High, which both have B ratings. The high school offers certifications and associate degrees through its college and career readiness program so students can begin studying business administration, healthcare and criminal justice.
George Earle Elementary School is home to 319 students and has a B rating on Niche.
Hobart High School is home to just over 1200 students with an overall rating of a B from Niche.
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Merge onto the interstate and drive northwest to Chicago
Many roads are lined with narrow sidewalks, allowing residents to walk to some stores along 37th Avenue. However, most rely on personal vehicles to commute or run errands, and major interstates are nearby. Interstate 80 creates the neighborhood’s northern border, while Interstate 65 descends along the neighborhood’s western edge. The neighborhood is about 40 miles southeast of Downtown Chicago.
Written By
Michael Stagno
Photography Contributed By
Jace Hirosky
Video By
Syd Silberman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jason Moon,
an experienced agent in this area.
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