Centrally located off one of Waukegan's busiest thoroughfares, Washington Street, West Waukegan is a small residential pocket neighborhood in the North Shore area of Chicago. Upcoming development and several active community organizations make it an affordable choice with a growing selection of resources. It’s also close to local schools, restaurants and one of the city's most popular parks. As Waukegan embarks on renovating its downtown and waterfront, the neighborhood will have front-row seats for the new development. "The city is working on projects that will reinvigorate downtown," says Niya Simone, Waukegan's public relations specialist. "And we are shifting to add programs down the main corridor of Washington Street."
Affordable homes under 1,500 square feet
West Waukegan's gridded streets are filled with classic architecture from the early 1900s. Bungalows and Cape Cods from the 1920s are complimented by ranch-style houses from the 1950s. Homes tend to stay under 1,500 square feet, so their prices are relatively affordable for the area, typically ranging from $150,000 to $250,000. "Waukegan is definitely more affordable than the other Chicago suburbs," says Frank Cox, a Realtor with Century 21 Circle who has 15 years of experience in the area. "That's one reason people choose to move there."
Although Washington Street is a busy road, this residential pocket stays quiet. Streets are lined with sidewalks, and the speed limit is reduced near the local elementary school. "It's out of the louder vicinity of the city and is a more residential area," Simone says.
Cape Cod styles and bungalows decorate the landscape of West Waukegans housing options.
Quaint ranch styles offer affordable entry points for new residents of West Waukegan.
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A newly renovated splash pad at Corrine J. Rose Park
Corrine J. Rose Park was completely renovated in 2019 to include a three-story playground and a splash pad-style water park. "The park is amazing; it was really beautifully redone," Simone says. The park has restrooms and a concession stand and gets busy with summer camps. Even when the water park is closed, the tennis, basketball and volleyball courts stay active. The park is also home to the Patricia A. Jones Center. The center is a senior-focused facility with programs ranging from community gardening to Alzheimer's support. West Waukegan is 2 miles from the city’s harbor and Waukegan Municipal Beach for lakeside recreation.
Corrine J Rose Park was completely renovated in 2019 to include a playground and splash pad.
Patricia Jones senior center offers a commuity outlet for the elderly of West Waukegan.
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Community support in southwest Waukegan
Several local organizations offer support to the southwest side of Waukegan. Just across Washington Street, the Family First Center of Lake County strives to empower families by providing a wide range of services. Some of their most influential programs include youth programs, family field trips and mental health services. Their Unity in the Community events are also popular, with themes like "Family Beach Day" or "Super Scientist Soar STEM Fair."
Local churches also engage in the community. Just two blocks away from West Waukegan, the Most Blessed Trinity Parish of the Holy Family Catholic Church supports a regular food pantry and soup kitchen. A mile south, the Catholic Charities Cardinal Bernardin Center is a government-funded organization that connects people with basic needs, healthcare support and subsidized housing.
Catholic Charities Center is a government-funded organization that provides basic needs.
The Fmailies First community origination provides support and resources to West Waukegan.
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Free meals and other resources at Waukegan public schools
All schools in Waukegan District 60 offer free breakfast and lunch to the students. Neighborhood children can attend Washington Elementary School, which gets a D-minus from Niche and is walkable from many homes. It’s one of the district’s locations for free meals during the summer break. Robert E. Abbott Middle School rates C-minus.
Each student in the district attend Waukegan High School, which is split into two campuses and gets an overall C-minus rating. The campuses are split by grade level, with freshmen and sophomores attending the Brookside campus and juniors and seniors attending the Washington Campus. The Washington Campus is less than a mile away and has a popular Back to School Resource Fair. The event, which has food trucks and live entertainment, also provides all local families with a free backpack full of school supplies.
Washington Elementary School serves just over 400 students.
Robert E. Abbott Middle School has approximately 700 students.
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Sample some of the city's authentic Hispanic cuisine
Thanks to the city's diverse population, Waukegan is known for its authentic Hispanic restaurants and shopping options. According to the 2010 United States Census, the city's residents were more than 50% Hispanic. Within a few blocks of West Waukegan, Tony's Bakery has pan dulce, and Rubi's Bakery is popular for its tres leches cake. La Michoana Premium has a variety of flavors of Mexican ice cream, and Monica's Diner has a blend of Mexican and American classics for brunch. There are also several international grocery stores within a few blocks. The Belvidere Discount Mall is less than a mile from West Waukegan and offers a variety of Hispanic eateries, stores, and a Home Depot. "Belvidere Mall was a hub of attention and energy in the past, and it still has a lot of great options for Hispanic cuisine," Simone says.
Grab a quick bite to eat at the food trucks in Downtown Waukegan.
Tony's bakery near West Waukegan is the go to spot for pan dulce.
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Downtown development and a Metra Line into Chicago
Downtown Waukegan is 2 miles away, about a 12-minute bus ride along Washington Avenue. Several bus lines run through the neighborhood, connecting all over the city. The city's master plan focuses on bringing development and walkability to the downtown area, which is expected to benefit surrounding neighborhoods like West Waukegan. "The city wants to promote a pedestrian-friendly community and is seeking grants for projects that will address that," Simone says. "Especially for busy corridors like Washington Street."
Waukegan has its own Metra stop connecting to Chicago, which typically takes 80 minutes. O'Hare International Airport is 30 miles away, and the Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois's largest military training installation, is 5 miles south.
The Metra train runs hourly at the Waukegan station located downtown.
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 neighborhood?
Reach out to
Christine Kernes,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Corrine J. Rose Park
Larsen Nature Preserve Park
Greenbelt Forest Preserve
Bike Trails
Fishing
Lake
Dugdale Park
Park in the Glenn
Plonien Park
Transit
Airport
Chicago O'Hare International
43 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
West Waukegan
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West Waukegan, Waukegan sell after 6 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in West Waukegan, Waukegan over the last 12 months is $250,000, up 30% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$250,000
Median Single Family Price
$250,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$192
Last 12 months Home Sales
1
Median List Price
$250,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
0%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
22%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
161
Median Year Built
1935
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Christine Kernes,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
573
Median Age
36
Population under 18
27.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.1%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$54,375
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$79,220
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
75.1%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
13%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7%
% Population in Labor Force
71.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
34''
Average Winter Low Temperature
16°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
30''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
49/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
64/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
31/ 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.
