About Avondale
Quick Facts
Current Prices: $139,750 to $1,295,000
Closed Prices: $125,000 to $2,077,000
Median Sale Price: $427,000
Average $ per sq ft: $305
Association Fee Ranges: $444/quarter, $0, $42 to $561/mo
Type: Attached Home (Condo, Townhouse, Loft, etc.), Single-Family Home
Age: 1884 to 2022
Sq. Ft.: 600 to 4770 Sq. Ft.
Bedrooms: 1 to 7 Bedrooms
Bathrooms: 1 to 5 Bathrooms
Around Avondale
Belmont and Addison Avenues, the main east-west streets that cut through the neighborhood, are predominantly condominium and townhome developments that hug the busier stretches of Avondale, giving residents a more affordable albeit more congested experience. Between these two main avenues are the myriad of side streets that host single-family homes, making Avondale an integral part of Chicago's famed "Bungalow Belt." Although living along the side streets is not as convenient for shopping or parking, those streets provide the neighborly experience that many homeowners seek in this area.
Despite its recent surge in popularity, Avondale's reputation for being an affordable neighborhood is still largely intact, although it seems to be heading more in the direction of Logan Square every day. Those looking for an even better bargain (and who don't mind a longer commute) would be better off in neighboring Hermosa, but even so, Avondale's unusually spacious homes are a rarity on the Northwest Side.
Avondale tends towards diners and low-key eateries rather than Michelin-star aspirations. Avondale is a combination of well-known national brands and locally famous institutions. Kedzie and Kimball Avenues have the more recognizable fast food chains to go along with the large retailers, but Elston and Belmont Avenues have the local flair that gives this area a dynamic food scene. Unassuming storefronts can have lines out the door for their reimagined American fare and small carryout restaurants offer rich and decadent meals at nearly all hours. There are a few restaurants that offer more formal, white tablecloth experiences, but these are the exception.
Avondale is a mix of newcomers looking to buy their first home and more established Chicagoans who have been in the neighborhood long term. Affordability and access to public transportation have made Avondale friendly to commuters, but the neighborhood's visual staples are the colorful murals that adorn the sides of its mid-rise buildings, locals lugging shopping bags from the neighborhood's several large retail stores, and the repurposed industrial spaces that now house some of Chicago's most recognizable local businesses. Even with the acres dedicated to established brands, Avondale's locally owned businesses attract trendier crowds in the evenings and weekends, especially along Belmont and Kedzie Avenue.
Head to your corner bar to get the night started where you're sure to spot some neighbors. There are a couple of theaters along Elston and Belmont Avenues where you can catch a performance before continuing your night. Elston Avenue has a mix of Irish pubs and dive bars, while the eastern end of Belmont has craft beer bars that attract residents from the surrounding neighborhoods. For capping off the night, the west side of Belmont has late-night bars that range from dives to dance clubs.
A walk along Elston or Milwaukee Avenues will provide several options for a quick brunch. Brands Park, Avondale Neighborhood Park, and the Chicago River provide green spaces for relaxing with a book on a beautiful day or catching an informal game at the baseball diamonds or tennis courts. Check out the new exhibition in the Puerto Rican Arts Alliance or go shopping at one of the several European-inspired specialty stores.
The Belmont Blue Line stop is the most reliable and highly trafficked public transportation option in Avondale, which takes you directly to the Loop or to O'Hare Airport, making this neighborhood a convenient place to call home for Downtown workers. Milwaukee Avenue, which serves as one of the main thoroughfares on the Northwest Side, cuts right through Avondale, making it easy to get to the Loop or to the far Northwest Side via bus or car (if you can tolerate a little traffic, that is). Despite its distance from the city center, Avondale is actually a surprisingly convenient neighborhood to live in, as Interstate 90/94 also has a highly trafficked on-ramp in the neighborhood, so you can get virtually anywhere in Chicago in just a few minutes.
Locals Love
- Tree-lined streets
- Strong sense of community
- Many retail options
- Easy access to expressway
Locals Don't Love
- Traffic on weekends and during rush hour
- Scarce parks
- Difficult parking
Neighborhood Reviews
5 ReviewsGreat Neighborhood
Great NW side neighborhood
Residential and Conveniently Located
Avondale is awesome!
buyers and sellers in this neighborhood.