WEST TOWN
Quick Facts
Current Prices: $175,000 to $4,000,000
Closed Prices: $153,500 to $2,300,000
Median Sale Price: $545,000
Average $ per sq ft: $308
Association Fee Ranges: $480, $0, $0 to $654/mo
Type: Attached Home (Condo, Townhouse, Loft, etc.), Single Family Home
Age: 1875 to 2021
Sq. Ft.: 544 to 10,000sq. ft.
Bedrooms: 1 to 7 bedrooms
Bathrooms: 1 to 6 bathrooms
(based on data from the last 12 months)
Price Vibes
Being an expansive neighborhood means that price points in West Town are difficult to pin down but, generally speaking, this area is going to have a higher price-per-square-foot than surrounding neighborhoods, especially compared to neighborhoods like Humboldt Park and East Garfield Park. The closer you move towards the Downtown area--into the notable neighborhoods of the West Loop and River West--the pricier the real estate becomes. This is a given considering the area's proximity to the Loop, which puts most residents within walking distance of their offices.
The eastern side of the neighborhood hosts, for the most part, recently refurbished condominiums that house residents around the corner from the city's renowned "Restaurant Row." Farther west in the neighborhood is where residents will find West Town's collection of single-family homes, and a slightly friendlier price-per-square-foot to go with it.
Where to Live
Along the eastern side of West Town, in the area known as the West Loop, residents will find luxury condominium developments with a scattering of single-family homes in proximity to one of the premier restaurant scenes in the city. Farther west, the neighborhood becomes quieter, especially along the Kinzie Industrial Corridor, which houses mostly warehouse space. Moving farther north, the historical single-family homes dominate and the area becomes more tranquil.
Being close to the square ensures that you're near all the action, while the rest of the neighborhood tends to be quieter with minimal foot traffic.
All main avenues provide bus routes that connect residents to other neighborhoods. Downtown commuters can hop on the Logan Square Blue Line, the train route that runs 24 hours and connects downtown to O'Hare International Airport.
Where to Eat
Along Randolph Street, the number of acclaimed restaurants has led the area to be dubbed "restaurant row" and is a favorite for locals and visitors who want to experience the most exciting cuisine Chicago has to offer. Farther into West Town is a mix of Irish pubs, low-key diners, and warehouses converted into cavernous bars and restaurants that maintain the industrial roots of West Town, mostly along Lake and Fulton Market.
There are more options north along Milwaukee Avenue from the square, where the restaurants tend to change as quickly and dramatically as Chicago's weather. South along Milwaukee Avenue tends to have more bars than restaurants, but is still a favorite area for residents.
What You'll See
West Town has seen a new generation move into the area sharing space with descendants of West Town's original residents. The area skews towards the professional class who enjoy the easy commute to downtown. With Ukrainian Village and Wicker Park in close proximity, however, West Town has seen an influx of trend-setters attracted to the neighborhood's affordability and continued expansion into the arts scene.
Friday Night Fun
Start along restaurant row for drinks before your dinner or visit a gallery opening in the area. Live music venues are scattered throughout the area that represent a wide range of musical tastes. You can also catch a show at any of the mainstay theaters in Wicker Park or Noble Square. Go bar hopping along Chicago Avenue or to some of the destination bars along Ogden or Grand.
The Perfect Sunday
Popular brunch spots can be found along Ogden and Chicago Avenues, while Randolph is great for an early lunch. Go for a stroll through Union Park or Eckhart Park. Browse one of the antique stores or galleries in the area. Visit the Ukrainian National Museum, The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art, or the Polish Museum of America.
Transportation Options
What West Town lacks in 'L' stations (the sole exception being the Ashland Green and Pink Line stop), it more than makes up for in walkability and major bus routes. The Grand and Chicago buses will take you straight east into River North or west to Humboldt Park.
If you like going out on the town, you could hardly ask for a better place to live. West Loop's collection of restaurants and bars are just a short walk away from the neighborhood's east side, while the neighborhood's west side and its northern neighbor, Ukrainian Village, have multiple bars and music venues that are stumbling distance from each other. The appeal of West Town, however, is found more in the nightlife than in the convenience: The neighborhood only has a couple of grocery and convenience stores within it.