$126,384Average Value$109Average Price per Sq Ft12Homes For Sale
A promise of hope for one of the nation's first Black-run communities
In the early 20th century, a Chicagoan named Thomas J. Kellar had a dream of a Black-run municipality, where he and his neighbors could self-govern and be free from the hardships they faced in the city. Despite resistance, he was able to incorporate Robbins, the first municipality in the North governed entirely by African Americans. The village became an oasis for Black Chicagoans, who would hang out in its parks and restaurants even if they didn't live there. The village reached its peak population in 1970 with nearly 10,000 people, but it's since tapered off and today has a population of just under 5,000. Leota Murphy, who settled in the community over 50 years ago and now serves as coordinator for the Village of Robbins Block Clubs, is one of many residents working to revive the village's foundational vitality. For many, the 2021 election of Mayor Darren E. Bryant, the youngest Black mayor in Illinois history, offers a light of hope for the community. Bryant plans to increase the area's commercial and residential development as well as job training and opportunities. "The mayor and community members have a vision of how they view the future of Robbins. We see it," Murphy says. "If you ride through Robbins, you'll see we are clearing trees and demolishing old houses and buildings. We're preparing to build new structures — to build a football and soccer field. Oh, we're doing things here in Robbins. We just need younger minds and hands to come and help us."
Robbins is located in the south suburbs of Chicago.
There is motivational art all around in Robbins.
1/2
Getting around Robbins
Robbins is about 20 miles or a 30-minute drive south of Chicago, and the neighborhood has a Metra station that gets residents into the city in about 25 minutes. The Pace Bus serves Robbins with routes throughout the community. The closest hospital is UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial, less than five miles away, and the nearest airport is Midway, about 30 minutes away.
There are many bus stops conveniently located throughout Robbins.
The Robbins Metra stop connects Robbins to Chicago.
1/2
An open-air market and collection of local eateries
Residents can stop for tacos and shop for discounted items at the Village of Robbins Open-Air Market, which is open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and on weekends, they can shop at the giant Swap-O-Rama Flea Market just north of the neighborhood. Robbins restaurants include the Mexican-American Little Coloso Grill, Tacos El Diablo and Ding Kong, which serves sandwiches and breakfast specials. Original Maxwell Street South has tacos and burritos but is best known for its Polish sausage and pork chops, and at Robbins Grocery & Liquors, residents can fill up their tanks and pick up snacks and other essentials. The neighboring village of Crestwood offers additional dining options, like gyros from Nicky's, Mexican seafood from Mariscos La Sirena and hot dogs from Portillo's. Residents can get groceries in Crestwood at Walmart or ALDI and shop from retailers like PetSmart, Menards and Kohl's.
Robbins residents hold their own open air market during the warmer months of the year.
The Original Maxwell Street South in Robbins has pork chops and fried perch.
1/2
Staying active at Celebration Park and the Glenn Hudson Boxing Academy
Robbins residents get to know their neighbors at Celebration Park, where a playground and picnic tables provide framework for community building. Just south of the neighborhood, Memorial Park offers recreational amenities like batting cages, baseball fields and bocce. MMA lovers attend the neighborhood's Glenn Hudson Boxing Academy, where Coach Hudson provides a challenging workout for kids and adults alike.
Celebration Park is a wonderful place to take the family in Robbins.
Residents enjoy the many options for reading at the William Leonard Public Library in Robbins.
1/2
Robbins' housing offers relative affordability
Housing in Robbins is mostly brick bungalows, but there are also some condos and new traditional homes. Many homes have been recently remodeled, and Mayor Bryant plans to continue to prioritize residential development in his service to the community. Homes sit on well-sized lots surrounded by lush greenery, and they're close enough to each other that residents can still feel the sense of community. Murphy says that because of this sense of community, many young people choose to stay in Robbins after growing up there. "Young people that grew up here are buying homes. And we have enough land to offer them. Instead of leaving and going somewhere else, we hope that residents stay in the community and make it theirs," she says. Prices here fall between $50,000 and $300,000 with a median list price of $110,000, offering greater affordability than surrounding communities.
Robbins homes come in a variety of architectural styles.
There are many interesting home styles in Robbins.
1/2
Educational opportunities in Robbins
Students in Robbins can attend Turner Elementary from infancy through kindergarten, Childs Elementary for kindergarten through third grade, Posen Intermediate for fourth and fifth grade and Keller Middle for sixth through eighth. Then, they continue to Eisenhower, Richards or Shepard High. On the educational review site, Niche, Childs Elementary received a C-plus rating, Posen Intermediate and Keller Middle received C-minuses, Eisenhower received a B-minus, Richards received a B-plus and Shepard received an A-minus. Turner Elementary has not been rated. At Shepard High School, students can participate in activities like Business Professionals of America, a coding club and National Honor Society.
Educational opportunities abound at Dwight D. Eisenhower High School.
Kellar Middle School has a C minus rating on Niche.
1/2
Robbins’ annual Back-to-School Parade & Festival
Robbins' biggest community event is its annual Back-to-School Parade & Festival, held each year on the first weekend of September. Friday kicks off the weekend with a DJ-driven backyard house party, and on Saturday, kids get their faces painted and explore obstacle courses while adults try virtual golf and take classes on entrepreneurship. An annual talent show opens up for an evening of soul music, and on Sunday, the community comes together for its annual parade and gospel concert. "It is really something to witness," Murphy says. "People that used to live here come back just for the festival."
Written By
Ellen Daly
Video By
Luke Basinger
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Subica Rauf,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
On average, homes in Robbins, IL sell after 30 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Robbins, IL over the last 12 months is $118,500, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Opportunity Knocks: Solid 4-Bed Tri-Level with Modern Updates in Robbins, Illinois. Welcome home to this meticulously maintained 4-bedroom, 2-full bathroom tri-level, perfectly suited for the first-time buyer or anyone looking for space and functionality. Situated in a desirable Robbins location, this home offers an exceptional blend of comfort and immediate value. The Main Level & Flow: Step
Excellent development opportunity at 3744 W 137th St in Robbins. Vacant residential lots located on an established street with surrounding homes. Ideal for builders, developers, or investors looking for new construction or long-term hold. Convenient location with easy access to schools, parks, shopping, and major transportation routes. Utilities on property (buyer to verify). Please don't enter
Located right around the corner from Cicero and 135th st., so close to all of the shopping you need but not in a busy area. Across the street from an open field and ready for your new home. Drive by this great corner lot and start dreaming!
A great opportunity to build on this rarely available vacant lot in Midlothian!! Within walking distance to Midlothian Train Station, close to I-294 and I-57. Single Family Home with developed neighborhood. Biking and parks in the area!
Incredible investment opportunity with significant upside potential. Current layout 16 dorm-style bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, multiple office areas, and large kitchen spaces. Full basement, an approximately 30-car parking lot, and a generously sized lot. Zoned R1 and presents a wide range of potential future uses. Buyer to conduct their own due diligence with the city regarding permitted uses, zoning,
Turn-Key 5-Unit Investment Opportunity in Robbins! This income-generating property is an excellent addition to any investor's portfolio, offering immediate cash flow and long-term appreciation potential. The building features two 2-bedroom, 1-bath units and three 1-bedroom, 1-bath units, providing diversified income streams from fully occupied rental units. Ideal for real estate investors,
This well-kept 3-bedroom, 1-bath home offers a bright, functional layout with room to grow. Step into a spacious living area with bay windows that flow seamlessly into a designated dining space-perfect for mealtime or entertaining. The kitchen features modern appliances, ample cabinetry, a gas stove, and a beautiful skylight that fills the space with natural light. An exterior door off the
Excellent development opportunity at 13717 S Sawyer Ave in Robbins. Vacant residential lot located on an established street with surrounding homes. Ideal for builders, developers, or investors looking for new construction or long-term hold. Convenient location with easy access to schools, parks, shopping, and major transportation routes. Utilities available nearby (buyer to verify). Strong
See the potential in this bungalow styled home in Robbins. Home has 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, living room, dining room and kitchen. Home sits on a large lot. This property is being sold as is and the room sizes are estimated.
Charming GUTTED Single-Family Home on Spacious Double Lot - Sold As-Is! Nestled in a highly private location, this unique property offers endless potential. Situated on a generous double lot, the home provides plenty of space for expansion, outdoor enjoyment, or future development. Featuring 3 bedrooms and 1 bath, this home is ready for your vision and creativity. Whether you're an investor or a
Investor special located in Robbins, IL! Spacious 4-bedroom 1.5 bath with a potential for a 5th bedroom. Ideal for investors looking to buy and hold or fix and flip. With strong rental income potential or resale value, this property is a smart addition to any portfolio. Schedule your private showing today.
Beautifully maintained 3bdrm 1bath ranch house for rent. Home has wood laminate floors throughout. New kitchen cabinets, countertops, refrigerator, stove. Washer dryer included. Home is very clean with only 1 previous owner. Side drive leading to 1 car garage. Central air. 600 minimum credit score. No exceptions. No co-signers excepted. Section 8 ok with 3bdrm voucher. Income requirement $4200
**This is the kind of home people wait for and regret missing! Located in a clean, pride-of-ownership neighborhood in Blue Island, this property sits on a quiet corner surrounded by well-kept homes and neighbors who care. This is the kind of block where values stay strong and ownership means something. For families who prioritize education, Nathan Hale Elementary is a powerful advantage. Inside,
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
