About Old Town
Quick Facts
Current Prices: $139,900 to $4,000,000
Closed Prices: $125,000 to $5,100,000
Median Sale Price: $405,500
Average $ per sq ft: $362
Association Fee Ranges: $744, $0 to $562, $0 to $2548/mo
Type: Attached Home (Condo, Townhouse, Loft, etc.), Single-Family Home
Age: 1870 to 2021
Sq. Ft.: 375 to 8500 Sq. Ft.
Bedrooms: 0 to 6 Bedrooms
Bathrooms: 1 to 8 Bathrooms
Around Old Town
A historic district of Chicago, Old Town is home to some of the most beautiful Victorian-era buildings in the city. Many have been updated with modern amenities but still retain their old-school charm. Farther east, the neighborhood transitions to more high-rise buildings near the lake, while on the west side of Old Town, cozier brick buildings make up the residential area.
Unlike its closest neighbors, Old Town truly has housing options for every price point. However, if you have a more modest budget and dreams of a historic Victorian, you might be out of luck. Most of Old Town's affordable options are condo units in the handful of high-rise buildings that occupy the east side of the neighborhood, while units in quaint walk-ups tend to fetch a higher price point. If you are looking for a single-family home, be prepared to pay handsomely, though you'll still be better off than you would be looking at a Gold Coast mansion.
Wells Street is home to many of Old Town's popular bars and restaurants, including everything from sushi to upscale Italian to classic bar burgers. Even the more casual options are still fairly trendy, offering a more metropolitan ambiance to an evening out.
Comedians, comedians, and more comedians. With sketch shows at The Second City, stand-up comedy at Up! Comedy Club and Zanies, and open mic nights at almost every local bar, residents of Old Town are never short on laughs. If you're looking to spot one of the many famous comics as they come through town, try Old Town Ale House—the neighborhood institution attracts talent and was even named the "Best Dive Bar in Chicago" by the Chicago Tribune. Old Town is also adjacent to the staggering Lincoln Park, which is one of the largest parks in the city. Walking around the neighborhood, you'll be greeted by gorgeous homes, an enviable concetration of locally owned stores along Wells Street, and the historic St. Michael Catholic Church, which opened their doors in 1852.
Grab dinner on one of the many outdoor patios in the neighborhood, check out a comedy show, or go bar-hopping with friends on Wells Street. If drama is more your cup of tea, catch a play at any of the theaters right down the street from The Second City.
Just a few blocks west of the popular North Avenue Beach, the perfect Sunday in Old Town is probably spent outdoors. The neighborhood is also home to a number of upscale boutiques and beautiful parks, so you can’t go wrong with an impromptu Sunday stroll.
The Red Line, Brown Line, and Purple Line all run through Old Town, making it easy to jet down to an office in the Loop or head north to cheer on the Cubs at Wrigley Field. A bevy of bus routes also can also carry you in any direction you desire with the main east/west lines running along Division Street, which is on the south side of the neighborhood, and North Avenue, which is closer to Lincoln Park. The neighborhood is generally pedestrian friendly, while its proximity to Lincoln Park and the Lakefront Trail encourage cycling. Street parking is certainly easier to come by than in Downtown neighborhoods, but it can still be a challenge to find a spot on main streets during peak hours. Be warned that driving home from the Loop during rush hour can take three times longer than it should, as Downtown traffic tends to spill into the neighborhood, making locals thankful for that Brown Line!
Locals Love
- Unique Architecture
- Entertainment Options
- Central Location
Locals Don't Love
- Pricey Dining and Shopping
- Crowded Weekends
Neighborhood Reviews
3 ReviewsSuper cute!
Love Old Town
Love Wells Street!
buyers and sellers in this neighborhood.