Harwood Heights: An Island in the City

Often mistaken as part of Chicago, Harwood Heights is actually a suburb within the city.

This neighborhood has tree-lined streets, newly built condos, several thriving industrial areas, and residents who take pride in their community. Together with its neighbor Norridge, Harwood Heights forms an enclave of local restaurants, family-friendly entertainment, and quality schools while also providing residents with easy access to Chicago.

“There’s a mall; there’s a country club; there’s a park. And quite a large park district. You’re in the city, but your tax dollars are going to things that are in a five-mile radius of you,” longtime resident Antoinetta Lazzaro told Neighborhoods.com. “As a kid living there, we had everything within walk distance. It’s got great stuff!”

Why is Harwood Heights an island in the city?

In the early 1900s, Harwood Heights was mostly prairie and farmland. Steady growth over the years brought new businesses and homes to the area, replacing most of the farmland, but new residents found the neighborhood conditions less than desirable as they had no public services or local police department. 

In 1947, after their bid for annexation by the City of Chicago was rejected, residents rallied together and incorporated the area, turning it into the Village of Harwood Heights. Since then, the neighborhood has gradually expanded and formed a valued alliance with Norridge, sharing a library, park district, and high school with its neighboring community.

Today, both Harwood Heights and Norridge have remained separate from Chicago, causing the city to grow around the two areas and form a one-of-a-kind suburban enclave. Harwood Heights covers 0.82 square miles and resides 11 miles northwest of the Loop.

To honor this unique community status, Harwood Heights and Norridge host the Island in the City festival every year for residents to come together and celebrate their neighborhood pride.

Easy Access to Chicago (and Elsewhere)

Harwood Heights has the ideal Chicagoland location. The neighborhood has easy access to the CTA Blue Line which runs parallel to I-90, giving residents easy highway access as well. Head west a couple miles and you can hop on the Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line at the Gladstone Park stop.

“You get to enjoy the ease of living in the city,” Lazzaro states. “There are CTA buses, the Blue Line, and you’re literally steps away from being in Chicago.”

While getting around by car is preferable in this neighborhood, there are walkable portions of Harwood Heights as well as frequent bus service throughout the area. For jetsetters, O’Hare International Airport is only a 10-minute drive away.

Quality Schools

Harwood Heights is home to Union Ridge Elementary School, which serves grades PK-8 and earned an eight out of 10 rating by GreatSchools.org. But Harwood Heights residents also have access to Pennoyer Elementary School, J Giles Elementary School, and Ridgewood Community High School in Norridge as well as Maine South High School in Park Ridge.

For residents closer to the neighborhood borders, there are a few Chicago schools close to Harwood Heights including Oriole Park Elementary, Bridge Elementary School, and John W Garvy Elementary School. 

Attractions

In recent years, Harwood Heights has seen a lot of development with big-box stores, new houses, and popular chain restaurants popping up in the area. And while residents enjoy these modern conveniences, it’s the local establishments that give Harwood Heights its distinct character.

Lazzaro Recommends:

Go Bananas

At this indoor amusement center, kids can go for a ride on the Python Pit Roller Coaster, hop into a bumper car, or play games to earn tickets for prizes. And if all that family fun works up an appetite, you can order pizzas, appetizers, salads, desserts, or platters to share from their menu. 

Videogames Then and Now

Located on Harlem Avenue, this video game store has games in-stock for over 30 consoles, so it’ll be easy to find your favorite childhood game (and the console to match it). They also buy used games and offer video game console and laptop repair services. 

Italian Food

Harwood Heights has a reputation for its abundance of authentic Italian eateries. Grab some penne speziato at Rocco Vino’s Italian Restaurant and Vince’s on Harlem, order the pasta primavera at Cucina Biagio (though you can’t go wrong with any of the menu items), pick up a fresh doughnut at Allegretti’s Bakery, or buy some groceries at Rex and cook a fresh Italian meal at home.

Eisenhower Public Library

Founded in 1973, the Eisenhower Public Library serves both Harwood Heights and Norridge. Within its 43,000 square feet, this library houses a children’s department, a “quiet room,” a computer lab, study rooms, and even a fireplace for cozy reading.

Saint Joseph The Betrothed Ukrainian Catholic Church

A byzantine church rich with colorful symbolism, Saint Joseph’s Church has architectural significance within the community. The church consists of three main parts (the narthex, the nave, and the sanctuary), and it’s worth a visit just to admire the towering domes.

Keep in mind: Those are just some highlights within the neighborhood. “If there’s not enough stuff to do, you can take the bus two minutes to the blue line and get into the city in 15 minutes. Or get on the highway and head into the city,” Lazzaro says. 

Neighborhood Pride

In 2016, Harwood Heights had the unfortunate dishonor of being listed as one of the “10 Worst Suburbs of Chicago” by RoadSnacks. According to the Chicago Tribune, many Harwood Heights residents had emotional reactions to the article and vehemently disputed the claim. One business owner even invited the writer of the article to visit Harwood Heights and meet its residents, offering to buy the writer coffee and breakfast during his stay. 

When asked about the article, Lazzaro said:

“In terms of being the worst suburb. The worst suburb is boring. Harwood Heights is not boring. The library is really nice; it’s huge. Everyone likes Ridgewood High School! For parents, it’s an innovative school. There’s Rolling Stones Records; a lot of bands will go there and do signings. It’s a nice place to live, and there’s a lot going on.”

But don’t take our word for it. Check out the “I lived in Norridge & Harwood Heights & loved it” Facebook group and see what longtime residents have to say about their beloved neighborhood.