New Feature
Overview
Alternating between the nicknames "North Town" and "West Rogers Park," West Ridge is a seamless blend of idyllic Chicago suburb and dynamic urban lifestyle. Which should come as no surprise, given that the neighborhood is as far north as you can go and still be within the city limits. West Ridge just might be one of the best neighborhoods for parks in a city famous for them, including the mile-long Centennial Park Trail, which hugs the North Shore Channel. The neighborhood's culture, however, extends beyond its recreational opportunities and classic Chicago residential architecture (we hope you like bungalows), as West Ridge is home to perhaps one of the city's most unique experiences: Devon Avenue's collection of Indian and Pakistani restaurants, saris, and shops.
Homes in West Ridge
Where To Live
On the north end of the neighborhood, single-family homes with spacious lawns are more prevalent as the city gives way to the suburbs. Further south, vintage condominium buildings, three-flats, and bungalows are more common. The Desi Corridor on Devon Avenue spans almost all of West Ridge, with the highest concentration of shops and restaurants found between California and Western Avenue. While West Ridge does not contain any train stops, there are bus routes along the main roads that you can use to get to Metra or CTA stations in Rogers Park or Ravenswood.
Price Vibes
The prices in West Ridge are what one would expect in a neighborhood that essentially functions as an inner suburb. You can get a more affordable single-family home here than in the neighborhoods that lie slightly closer to the city center, with prices comparable to the areas directly bordering West Ridge, like Rogers Park and Edgewater. The neighborhood's real bargains, however, come in the form of condominium units, which offer recently rehabbed options at a price-per-square-foot that other Chicagoans would find literally unbelievable.
Around West Ridge
Where To Eat
Cuisines from all over the world are represented in the dining options throughout West Ridge. Desi Corridor on Devon Avenue is the place to go for Indian and Pakistani food. Fantastic Korean and Pan-Asian restaurants can also be found in the area. With many choices for each style of food, there are plenty of culinary explorers traveling to West Ridge from surrounding Chicago neighborhoods and suburbs.
Friday Night Fun
Devon Avenue is an exciting destination for nightlife as well with BYOB hookah lounges and traditional dining venues open late. Laid-back bars and dives can also be found along Western and Peterson Avenue, creating numerous options for late-night recreation.
The Perfect Sunday
Stop by any of the bakeries on Devon Avenue for something sweet to go with your coffee, then peruse a book store in the Desi Corridor for something to read by the pond at Indian Boundary Park. If you’re feeling a bike ride, head over to the North Shore Channel Trail for an easygoing tour of the green space surrounding the river. When the end of the day is in sight, pick up your groceries for the week and check out the intriguing spices offered at an international grocery store.
Transportation Options
West Ridge is the rare Chicago neighborhood that does not have an 'L' stop within its borders (we did say it was virtually a suburb). But bus routes along Devon Avenue and Peterson Avenue will take you directly to the Red Line, which provides direct access to the Loop. If you're venturing out to the (actual) suburbs or need a quicker commute to Downtown, the Rogers Park Metra stop is your new best friend. For venturing north/south, your best bet would be the Western Avenue bus, which can take you through the West Town neighborhood all the way south to Ashburn.
Living Here
Locals Love
Beautiful parks • Eclectic dining options • Multicultural community
Residents Say
The neighborhood itself is as diverse as the people who call it home. To the south, along Bryn Mawr, it almost resembles a suburb with quiet, tree-lined streets and plenty of parks. Further north, Devon Avenue is easily among of the most exciting streets in the city, with some of the best Indian and South Asian restaurants you'll find anywhere in the country. Great grocery stores and reasonably easy transportation and parks make this one of my favorites among Chicago's neighborhoods.
- West Ridge Resident
Homes for Sale
Think West Ridge might be the right neighborhood for you?
There are plenty of potential dream homes for sale!
View Listings in West Ridge