$125,447Average Value$118Average Price per Sq Ft7Homes 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Nancy Gudino,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Robbins, IL sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Robbins, IL over the last 12 months is $130,000, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This cozy and charming updated property is new to the market. Features 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, laundry area, new laminated floors, recess lights, modern ceiling fan, fenced-in backyard and ready for entertaining. Schedule your showing today!
Escape the city and discover your private retreat in this beautifully rehabbed home perfectly tucked away in a quiet, wooded setting. Weather you're looking for peaceful charming residence or an income generating property, this home has it all. -Fully renovated inside and out- modern finishes, new flooring. -2 cozy bedrooms filled with natural light -Secluded location surrounded by
RANCH STYLE HOME NESTELED ON A LOVELY LOT WITH LARGE BACK YARD AND WOODED SIDE LOT. 2 BEDROOM/ 1 BATH FRESHLY PAINTED WITH NEW CARPETING AND ALL NEW STAINLESS-STEEL APPLIANCES. (Oven Range, Microwave, Refrigerator and Dishwasher) New Carpeting, Ceramic kitchen floor, updated bathroom. Pella Windows with Between the Glass Blinds ****NO SMOKING AND NO PETS ALLOWED**** ADT SECURITY SYSTEM PAID BY
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