The historic neighborhood of Bridgeport on Chicago’s South Side is home to some of the city’s most affordable homes in a convenient location near the Loop. Bridgeport is also within reach of popular neighborhoods such as Pilsen, Chinatown, and South Loop.

Although Bridgeport enjoys close proximity to South Loop and other neighborhoods, the community provides a residential setting that feels secluded from the busy parts of Chicago's expansive cityscape. The neighborhood is known for being home to the Chicago White Sox, the birthplace of five Chicago mayors, and for its up-and-coming arts scene. 

Types of Housing

A row of ranch-style brick homes on a residential street in Bridgeport Chicago
Residents love Bridgeport's quiet streets with access to many Chicago attractions.

Bridgeport’s major streets include Archer Avenue, South Halsted Street, West 31st Street, South Ashland Avenue, and West 35th Street. The neighborhood is known for its large selection of coach houses as well as new single-family homes and condos. Many homes here offer the square footage and outdoor space you’d find in Chicago’s suburbs.

The variety of home styles also allows buyers to explore options to fit their budget, with homes starting around the high $100s and going up to over $1 million. Although real estate here represents a wide range of prices, the neighborhood’s median home sale price is a little over $400,000, according to neighborhoods.com data.

Transportation

A view from across the street of the entrance to an Orange Line CTA stop in Bridgeport Chicago
There are many ways to get around Bridgeport, namely the CTA.

One of the most important factors to consider when looking for a new home is transportation. Bridgeport offers easily accessible public transit, parking, and major roadways.

If you’re looking for the best driving route, the neighborhood is surrounded by I-90 and I-55. These routes make traveling to the city’s north and south sides, as well as the west suburbs, a breeze. The neighborhood also has permit parking throughout residential areas, with some streets offering free street parking. Many of the single-family homes throughout Bridgeport also have ample garage space. 

Residents hoping to use Chicago’s extensive public transit system can take advantage of having the CTA Orange Line within a few minutes of home. This “L” line runs parallel to I-55 with service running from the Loop to Chicago Midway International Airport, making long-distance destinations within reach. Riders can access the Orange Line at stops such as Halsted and Ashland. Bus routes along 31st, Halsted, Archer, and 35th offer more transit options.

City cyclists will be able to pedal easily throughout Bridgeport, as the neighborhood has a Bike Score of 94. Protected bike lanes line most of the major roadways throughout the neighborhood.

Schools

A large brick and stone elementary school towers above trees in Bridgeport Chicago
Bridgeport is home to a number of highly rated elementary schools.

Those who are searching for a neighborhood with quality education nearby can rest easy knowing that the neighborhood is home to three highly rated elementary schools. Robert Healy Elementary School and James Ward Elementary School both score a 9 out of 10 on GreatSchools, while Perez Elementary School scores an 8 out of 10. The neighborhood is also only a few miles away from Wendell Phillips Academy High School, which scored a 6 out of 10 on GreatSchools.

Parks

A view of a ravine with tourists along a pier at the Henry C Palmisano Nature Park in Bridgeport Chicago
Henry C. Palmisano Nature Park is the star of Bridgeport parks.

Whether it’s on your ample porch or in one of Bridgeport’s parks, there are plenty of outdoor spaces throughout the neighborhood. Bridgeport’s most notable park is Henry C. Palmisano Nature Park, which is home to a fishing pond and trails. Additional greenspaces include McGuane Park, Bosley William Park, Donovan Park, and Humbert Park. Wilson Park is another greenspace that features sports fields and a playground.

Neighborhood Eats

A brick building and the entrance to a restaurant called nana with yellow awnings.
Nana is a popular brunch spot in the neighborhood.

Grocery shopping within Bridgeport provides a variety of options with Cermak Fresh Produce, Mariano’s, and Hassan Grocery all in the neighborhood. There are also several specialty stores such as Bridgeport Bakery and Martinez Supermarket, both of which are known for serving up fresh baked goods and the famous Martinez Baby Burrito and chorizo tacos.

Bridgeport is also home to some of the South Side’s most renowned eateries. The Duck Inn features recipes using—you guessed it—duck. Their signature rotisserie duck is served daily, and guests can call to reserve the dish for their table. Kimski serves up Korean/Polish fusion cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. The neighborhood’s staple brunch spot is nana with menu items such as crunchy guava stuffed french toast, breakfast tacos, and chilaquiles.

Additional neighborhood eateries include Taqueria San Jose, Fabulous Freddie’s Italian Eatery, Potsticker House, Do Eat Korean BBQ, and La Mom Kitchen.

When you need a morning caffeine boost, you can visit Bridgeport Coffeehouse and Jackalope Coffee & Tea. Residents with a sweet tooth can take advantage of ice cream shops like Scoops and Icy Honey.

Entertainment

An exterior view of Guaranteed Rate Field from the parking lot.
The Chicago White Sox call Bridgeport home at Guaranteed Rate Field.

Although Bridgeport may be known as a peaceful residential neighborhood, there is still plenty of nightlife, attractions, and entertainment venues to explore. Guaranteed Rate Field, home of the Chicago White Sox, is located on Bridgeport’s east side near I-90. This stadium hosts baseball games, and even the occasional concert, during the spring and summer months. 

The Zhou B Art Center is an arts hub with galleries, events, and community resources. The Bridgeport Art Center is another one of the neighborhood’s attractions. Here, residents can participate in classes, open studio nights, and see exhibits throughout the year. 

Some of Bridgeport’s most famous bars and pubs include Bernice’s Tavern, Mitchell’s Tap, and Bridgeport Inn. Maria’s Packaged Goods is a community staple. This modern liquor store and tavern is part of a family-run network that includes Kimski and Marz Brewing. Maria’s offers a vast selection of beers as well as custom cocktails in a low-key lounge environment. 

Marz Community Brewing Co. is located on the cusp of McKinley Park and Bridgeport. This brewery features classic style beers alongside experimental creations such as the Triple Crown Jasmine Lager, Yakool (a wild ale with strawberries and lactose), and Floridaweiss (a wild ale with passion fruit, guava, mango, and pineapple). The brewery also recently began hosting the Community of the Future Market. Every Sunday, artisans, shop owners, and restaurants gather in Marz’s warehouse parking lot to provide farm-fresh ingredients, handmade goods, and more.