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Overview
North Center is a neighborhood rich in history and culture, from the architecture to the cuisine. North of Roscoe Village and south of Ravenswood, you can find a wide variety of home types in the area, although you will mostly see European-style single-family homes. While the neighborhood primarily consists of residential streets, there are a seemingly endless number of options for dining, entertainment, and activity. Along Lincoln Avenue and Irving Park Road are some of the neighborhood's finest bars and restaurants, offering a variety of dining options from classic American to traditional Pho. Catch a soccer game at The Globe Pub or grab a drink at one of the many bars in the area. Six elementary schools in the area and a number of pocket parks make this a fantastic neighborhood for starting a family while still being close to some nightlife.
Homes in North Center
Where To Live
North Center Town Square at Damen Avenue and Belle Plaine Avenue has been designed as a social hub for the community’s festivals and markets. To be close to these events as well as restaurants, cafes, pubs, and shopping centers, try to stick near this intersection. If you prefer a quieter environment, look further west near Horner Park or south near Roscoe Village. Most any residential streets in North Center offer beautiful brick homes on tree-lined streets, and occasionally you’ll come across a spacious and elegant Victorian home.
Price Vibes
If it's space you're after, then you're in the right neighborhood. There are plenty of single-family homes in North Center that offer more square footage (and bedrooms) than the average Chicago home—the caveat, of course, is they run at a higher price range. But this might be worth it as most single-family homes offer either a front or backyard (if you're lucky, both!). However, if budget is on your mind, there are a handful of more reasonably priced mid-rise condo buildings, or you can always venture over to Lakeview for a more affordable home.
Around North Center
Where To Eat
Thanks to its international history, North Center is a great melting pot of all types of cuisine. A drive down Lincoln Avenue reveals some of the area’s finest restaurants, ranging from pizzerias to Irish bistros. The Bad Apple is one of the area’s most popular establishments, with creative burgers and a wide selection of craft beer. Korean, Japanese, and Thai cuisines are also represented, as are many of the European meals popular during the neighborhood’s earliest days. Check out Laschet's Inn for a German-American menu and steins of great beer.
Friday Night Fun
Catch up with friends over burgers and beer at a local pub, then head to a local music venue or theater for some live entertainment. You might also check out any of the breweries in the neighborhood to try something new from the source. Half Acre Beer Company is a popular choice.
The Perfect Sunday
Soccer fans can catch brunch and a match at The Globe Pub or head over to Horner Park for a pickup game. Town Square is also a great place to spend a Sunday — a weekly farmers market is held there in the warmer months — while Lincoln Avenue features a variety of unique shops to explore.
Transportation Options
The most popular mode of transportation in North Center is the Brown Line, which offers two stations at Addison and Irving Park. This train will take you northwest to the Albany Park neighborhood or south to the Loop. You can also take advantage of the various bus lines traveling north/south along Lincoln Avenue and east/west Irving Park Road.
The neighborhood's main focal point is the consistently congested intersection of Damen Avenue, Lincoln Avenue, and Irving Park Road. While having three major roads makes it convenient to get around, their popularity means that (at least minor) traffic is a constant. While North Center is not not walkable compared to neighboring Lakeview and Roscoe Village, it is less likely you will get where you're going by foot.
Living Here
Locals Love
Easy Access to Public Transportation • Global Cuisine • Residential Feel
Residents Say
North Center is very focused on local establishments, with a strong preference for brewpubs and small restaurants. The neighborhood is mostly residential so walking isn't always an option, but the tree-lined streets and beautiful parks make this a neighborhood to call home.
- North Center Resident
Homes for Sale
Think North Center might be the right neighborhood for you?
There are plenty of potential dream homes for sale!
View Listings in North Center