About Pilsen
Quick Facts
Current Prices: $234,900 to $785,000
Closed Prices: $110,000 to $905,000
Median Sale Price: $389,900
Average $ per sq ft: $276
Association Fee Ranges: $0 to $717/mo, $0
Type: Attached Home (Condo, Townhouse, Loft, etc.), Single-Family Home
Age: 1875 to 2022
Sq. Ft.: 545 to 3600 Sq. Ft.
Bedrooms: 1 to 6 Bedrooms
Bathrooms: 1 to 5 Bathrooms
Around Pilsen
Pilsen is made up of low-rise condos, single-family homes, and two-flats. The majority of homes display brick or vinyl siding exteriors and are within proximity to each other with minimal space in between. Homes along busy streets like Cermak Road, Halsted Street, Ashland Avenue, 18th Street, and Racine Avenue will experience traffic and noise more than homes located on the smaller side streets. You'll also see modern and new construction condos east of Racine Avenue.
Pilsen has been on the rise for a while now, but is still more affordable than similarly sought-after neighborhoods like Bridgeport and University Village. As more people discover the walkability, accessibility, and fun things to do year-round in Pilsen, the demand for housing has only increased. Condo buildings line the main commercial corridor up and down 18th Street, but farther west and south of the main strip there are many more single-family homes with large, sunken yards. With a relatively reasonable price-per-square-foot, the amount of space you can afford compared to the Downtown and North Side areas is still unmatched in this South Side neighborhood. But you will want to move quickly to secure a home here—available houses are few and far between, and becoming more so in such a high demand area.
From coffee and craft beers to authentic tacos and BBQ dishes, Pilsen has it all. Along 18th Street, restaurants like Nuevo Lean Restaurant — which has been around for more than 40 years — offer fresh Mexican cuisine. You can also sink your teeth into a pulled pork sandwich from a BBQ restaurant that makes its sauce from scratch. Walk down Halsted Street to find a tequila bar where you can try a variety of cocktails and small plates. If craft beer is more your style, you’ll find several spots to grab a brew and pair it with traditional American cuisine. For dessert you can find plenty of cafes and bakeries in Pilsen that serve organic coffees and delicious treats like chocolate cake topped with flan.
Pilsen has become a hub for new cuisine, art, and culture. Because of this vibrant scene, you will see people from all walks of life. You'll see locals milling around the art galleries and studios in East Pilsen, where the arts district lies. In West Pilsen, you'll see more commercial shops and local art with buildings and walls covered in vibrant murals depicting the history and culture of the neighborhood.
Start your night off by checking out one of the many art galleries in the neighborhood. East Pilsen's art district hosts a 2nd Fridays Gallery Night every month. For a casual and hearty meal, stop by one of the many authentic Mexican restaurants or enjoy an intimate dinner at a traditional American restaurant with fresh organic ingredients. Finish off the night with some craft beers, tequila-infused drinks, or specialty cocktails from one of the many bars in the area.
Take a stroll through the neighborhood to view the beautiful murals and get to know the people and culture of Pilsen. Grab a casual lunch at a local cafe and gallery where you can view artwork that changes monthly. Visit the highly regarded National Museum of Mexican Art, which has been around since 1987 and is home to one of the country's largest Mexican art collections. Enjoy the architectural beauty of the various churches that tower over the neighborhood. Relax at the Dvorak Park, which includes a community pool, baseball field, a basketball court, and green space.
The CTA Pink Line opened in 2006, finally giving commuters in Pilsen as an easy way to travel to the Loop and around the city. Built on the same tracks that used to carry the rush-hour express Blue Line trains, the Pink Line has three stops in Pilsen, which are situated along the neighborhood's main roads: 18th Street and Damen Avenue. There are three bus lines that service Pilsen, and bikeways on Blue Island Avenue, 18th Street, and Halsted Street. Street parking, especially near the commercial district, is difficult but not impossible. This is due in large part to the disproportionate amount of free parking along many of the major streets, a rarity in Chicago. Residents have ample permit-only parking on side streets.
Locals Love
- Close to Downtown Chicago
- Local art and culture scene
- Public transportation
- Restaurants and bars
Locals Don't Love
- Limited open green spaces
- Limited street parking
- Street Traffic
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