Search West Town Homes For Sale

 

Living in West Town

NEAR THE LOOP •  NEIGHBORHOOD FESTIVALS  • PUBLIC ART •  DELICIOUS EATS •  CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS

West Town Neighborhood Chicago

West Town Neighborhood Chicago

West Town is one of Chicago’s largest community areas, and is a favorable location for those relocating to Chicago because of its quick accessibility to the city’s downtown Loop. The area is beaming with an eclectic energy that combines art, ethnic heritage and history, trendy breweries and cafés, a wide spectrum of cuisine, and a varied collection of local, small businesses. There is not a shortage of things to do, shops to check out, restaurants to try or cultural experiences to learn from while living in West Town.

A rise in modern condo buildings and sleek architecture have given West Town a revival from its former industrial appearance. The area is bustling with shops, restaurants, coffee houses and a couple of neighborhood hotels.

West Town, like many other Chicago neighborhoods, was first settled by German, Italian and Eastern European immigrants, largely from Poland and Ukraine. The eastern parts of Pulaski Park were once home to a vibrant Polish community, and Smith Park along with the southeast stretch of Grand Ave attracted many Italian families. These neighborhoods are now a mix of diverse ethnic groups, but the influence of their first settlers remains, especially in the restaurants and small businesses that call West Town home.

Smith Park West Town

Smith Park West Town

Ukrainian Village gets its name from the concentration of Ukrainian families and individuals that came to populate the area. Having built a community for themselves in West Town, they also established several cultural institutions that are now fixtures of the neighborhood including the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, the Ukrainian National Museum and the Ukrainian Cultural Center.

Wicker Park is perhaps the most well-known of the neighborhoods as it blossomed in the last twenty years as one of Chicago’s trendiest parts of town. Wicker Park continues to be a popular destination for dining, shopping and nightlife. It’s a destination in itself, spurring the development of two hotels, the Robey Chicago and Hyatt Place Chicago - convenient stays for out-of-town guests. 

Each summer, the streets of West Town’s distinct neighborhoods play host to several local festivals, including but not limited to Dancing in the Streets, Do Division, Renegade Craft, West Town Art Walk, West Fest Chicago, West Town First Fridays, Winterfest.

 
 

 
Division Street West Town Chicago

Division Street West Town Chicago

Smith Park Field West Town Chicago

Smith Park Field West Town Chicago

Where is West Town?

West Town sits just northwest of Chicago’s downtown, spanning a large area of the northwest side. The boundaries of West Town fall primarily with the 43rd Ward of Chicago and the 2nd Ward. Its eastern edge is the Chicago River, and to the west a portion of the sprawling Humboldt Park neighborhood forms its border. The defunct-railroad-turned-elevated trail called The 606 Trail makes up its northern boundary, and to the south is the Union Pacific railroad, which divides West Town from its neighbor the West Loop. The West Town neighborhood communities make up parts of the 60612, 60622, 60642, and 60647 zip codes.  

West Town Transportation

West Town is serviced by several bus lines as well as the CTA Blue line train, with stations located at the intersection of Damen Ave/North Ave/Milwaukee Ave (Damen Ave stop), the intersection of Division St/Ashland Ave/Milwaukee Ave (Division St stop), and also the intersection of Chicago Ave/Milwaukee Ave/Ogden Ave (Chicago Ave stop). The main bus routes that go through the West Town community area include the #9 Ashland, #X9 Ashland Express #49 Western and #X49 Western Express, #50 Damen, #56 Milwaukee, #65 Grand, #66 Chicago, and the #70 Division.

The Kennedy Expressway (I-90/I-94) also runs through West Town providing quick accessibility for those driving into Chicago’s downtown area or out to O’Hare International Airport and the northwest suburbs. Entrances to the eastbound and westbound Kennedy Expressway lanes are located at Division St between Noble St and Throop Ave, Armitage Ave and Hermitage Ave, and Ogden Ave just east of Racine St.

 

 

West Town Real Estate Market Snapshot

Wicker Park Realtor

WICKER PARK REALtor
MICHAEL SAMM | KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY

RED BRICK BUILDINGS •  LUXURY CONDOS  • MULTI-UNIT HOMES •  MIX OF OLD AND NEW •  STUNNING ARCHITECTURE

West Town’s housing inventory is largely characterized by refreshed old, industrial multi-family brick buildings and modern builds. A quick glance through the area, one will quickly note that the neighborhood's architecture is marked by an affinity for red brick. This populous community area favors one-, two- and three-bedroom condos and apartment units, many offering open concept living and dining areas, or loft-style tall ceilings with clean lines and luxurious finishes. While single-family residences are not as common, there are still several frame, ranch and newly-built, multi-story homes available for sale. Condos for sale range from the mid-$400k’s to the high $700k’s depending on the number of bedrooms, amenities and updates. Single-family homes for sale generally run upwards of $800k.

Learn more about the housing market trends with a West Town real estate expert: 

Michael Samm, West Town REALTOR®
312-767-7504 | mike.samm@kw.com

 

Call to access private pocket listings in West Town before they are available to the public!

 
Graystone Buildings in West Town

Graystone Buildings in West Town

Traditional West Town Residential Architecture

Traditional West Town Residential Architecture

Smith Park Homes Chicago

Smith Park Homes Chicago

Tree Lined Street in West Town Chicago

Tree Lined Street in West Town Chicago

 

 

Live Like a Local in Chicago’s West Town Neighborhood

Beatnik on Chicago Ave in West Town

Beatnik on Chicago Ave in West Town

Set up an apartment or condo viewing with a West Town real estate agent and then explore the neighborhood on your own.

Here’s a quick self-guided tour of West Town.

Start your day with some French toast or an omelet at Breakfast Club & Grill (1381 W Hubbard St.), a local neighborhood staple for more than 30 years. Following breakfast, take a stroll down Hubbard St before veering off unto Grand Ave to see the collection of street art adorning the concrete walls of the elevated tracks. Then head over to local design shop, Neybir (2246 - 2248 West Grand Ave) in the Grand Avenue Design district for some inspiration on home decor and design. You may very well find some pieces to take home for your newly rented apartment or recently purchased condo. Afterward, consider popping in to Aya’s Cakes & Pastries (1332 W Grand Ave) and grab something sweet or savory to enjoy before, after or with dinner, like a coconut demera scone, a scallion cheddar biscuit or black truffle butter paired with some country sourdough

If you’re feeling bold and ready for a challenge, head over to First Ascent Climbing & Fitness (2950 W Grand Ave) for some indoor rock climbing. A variety of programs are offered, including yoga classes. For dinner, book a reservation at the funky, bohemian-inspired Beatnik West Town (1604 W Chicago Ave) and enjoy creative Mediterranean dishes and cocktails in a lively and artistic ambiance that conjures the spirit of places like Morocco, France and Italy.

 

West Town Dining

Forbidden Root Brewery West Town Chicago

Forbidden Root Brewery West Town Chicago

West Town’s dining is just as eclectic as its collection of distinct neighborhoods. The area proudly boasts some of the city’s top rated restaurants.

Make plans to check out some of these neighborhood hot spots.

Mama Delia Division Street Chicago

Mama Delia Division Street Chicago

  • Soulé (1931 W Chicago Ave) - this newest addition to West Town’s dining scene brings the flavors of southern creole-style cooking to Chicago. It books up quickly, so reservations are a must.

  • Noble Thai (1371 W Chicago Ave) - the airy, modern interior to this neighborhood Thai restaurant is just as attractive as its food, featuring noodle and fried rice dishes.

  • Fry the Coop (1529 W Chicago Ave) - Fried chicken? Why not? Though based in Nashville, this fried-chicken chain quickly became a go-to spot for West Town locals.

  • Junebug Cafe (851 N Ashland Ave) - The fuschia exterior is hard to miss, but make sure not to miss the cafe’s beignets.

  • Boeufhaus (1012 N. Western Ave) - meat lovers will appreciate the special attention the team at Boeufhaus gives in sourcing the animals and cuts for its menu.

  • Publican Quality Bread (1759 W Grand Ave) - you’ll want to make regular trips to this local wholesale bread bakery by the same team behind Publican Quality Meats. Sandwiches, pastries and salads are also available for purchase.

  • Roots Pizza (1924 W Chicago Ave) - Chicago is a pizza town and the team at Roots Pizza, take great care in their Quad-Cities-style-pies, starting with their homemade sausage and housemade sodas. Plus, regional beers and ingredients are menu highlights.

  • Porto (1600 W. Chicago Ave) - the coastal cuisine of Spain and Portugal are showcased at this elegant and colorful West Town restaurant outfitted with an artistic combination of patterns and textures. The best way to experience Porto is through its tasting menu.

  • Forbidden Root (1746 W Chicago Ave) - this botanical brewery established roots in West Town in 2016 and has since grown as a popular local brewpub. A creative beer list and tasty bites keep patrons coming back to sample the latest brews.

  • Kasama (1001 N. Winchester Ave) - Pastries by day and an elevated 13-course tasting menu by night, are signature attractions of this modern Filipino restaurant. Loved by locals and Michelin alike, Kasama is a spot to add to your must-try list.

 

 

Anchoring the Area in West Town

West Town Chicago Foxtrot Cafe

West Town Chicago Foxtrot Cafe

The West Town community area is both vast and diverse and also has several neighborhood amenities. It’s a prime option for those moving to Chicago and looking for a conveniently-located area with numerous places for dining, shopping, and activities. 

Chicago is a city of parks and there are several in the West Town neighborhood,including and most notably, Smith Park (2526 W. Grand Ave). Located between Grand Ave and Huron St (southern and northern borders) and Rockwell Ave and Campbell Ave (western and eastern borders), Smith Park spans more than 10 acres and has an outdoor swimming pool, a few athletic fields, tennis courts and a playground. Similarly, Eckhart Park (1330 W. Chicago Ave), by Chicago Ave and Noble St, also has a pool, though indoors, and offers several youth and summer programs including gymnastics, football, basketball, boxing and more. 

Target Division Street Wicker Park

Target Division Street Wicker Park

Families with kids will also appreciate places like Altitude Trampoline Park (404 N Armour St) for additional neighborhood activities to enjoy year round. When it comes to schooling, parents of children in their elementary and middle school years can look to enroll at Otis World Language Academy (525 N Armour St) for public education, or a private institution like Humboldt Park Montessori (2540 W Division St). For grades 9-12, a couple of neighborhood options include Wells Community Academy High School (936 N. Ashland Ave) and The Chicago High School for the Arts (2714 W Augusta Blvd), both of which are Chicago Public Schools.

Grocers in the area include larger, regional chains like Mariano’s (2021 W Chicago Ave) as well as smaller, local grocers like Green Grocer (1402 W Grand Ave) focusing on local natural and organic products, and D’Amato’s Bakery (1402 W Grand Ave), a family-owned shop known for the sub sandwiches, baked goods and selection of Italian specialty items.

Cultural experiences are not far from reach either. The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art (2320 W Chicago Ave), for example, is a local museum showcasing contemporary and modern artists who express and capture Ukrainian and American life through their work. And for a deeper look at the history and culture of the Ukrainian community there’s the Ukrainian National Museum (2249 West Superior St). An appreciation for art of all kinds is found in West Town, including at museums like Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art (756 N. Milwaukee Ave), but also on display throughout the neighborhood streets. Residents of West Town have a plethora of places to explore.

 

 
Keller Williams Agent West Town Chicago

West Town Real Estate Expert
MICHAEL SAMM | KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY

Michael Samm, West Town Chicago Real Estate Expert
312-767-7504 | mike.samm@kw.com

Ready to make the West Town neighborhood your home? I’m here to help.

Home hunting in West Town, Chicago? Set up time to talk with a West Town Real Estate agent who is well-versed in the area and can help guide your home search. Looking to buy or sell a condo in the West Town neighborhood?  Be sure to schedule a call with a West Town Chicago real estate expert who can supply you with details for homes for sale in West Town that best match your home wishlist criteria. We can help if you are in the market to buy a home, or if you’re ready to sell your home we can set you up for market success and help you get the most money for your home sale in Chicago.