South Chicago

South Chicago

Chicago, Illinois Homes for Sale

About South Chicago

South Chicago is a blue-collar neighborhood that was once known as a major steel manufacturing hub. While it no longer has the same strong ties to industrial labor, the community still maintains a working-class ethos in its small businesses and cozy restaurants. Where steel factories used to roar, vacant land by the lakefront awaits future developers to build in this area that has potential for commercial and residential growth.

Quick Facts

Current Prices: $65,000 to $355,000

Closed Prices: $26,000 to $434,000

Median Sale Price: $180,000

Average $ per sq ft: $112

Association Fee Ranges: $0 to $200/mo, $0

Type: Attached Home (Condo, Townhouse, Loft, etc.), Single-Family Home

Age: 1878 to 2007

Sq. Ft.: 756 to 30000 Sq. Ft.

Bedrooms: 2 to 7 Bedrooms

Bathrooms: 0 to 4 Bathrooms

Around South Chicago

South Chicago is mostly made up of single-family homes, including bungalows and two-flats. A few multi-unit buildings like greystones, condos, and townhomes are scattered throughout the area. This blue-collar neighborhood has plenty of residential areas that provide families with spacious yards, covered patios, and garage parking. Homes along busy streets like Commercial Avenue or South Chicago Avenue will experience more traffic and noise as opposed to the quieter side streets. The Metra rail runs through the eastern half of the neighborhood, providing a relaxing commute to the Loop.

While South Chicago isn’t particularly known for its food scene, the neighborhood does contain some hidden gems. Calumet Fisheries, visited by Anthony Bourdain in No Reservations, has been a destination for decades thanks to its smoked seafood and fried platters. Fantastic Mexican food is prevalent in the area, and Cocula leads the pack with authentic cuisine for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. During the summer months, residents also enjoy food-on-the-go from street vendors and food carts that sell items likes Mexican street corn and fresh fruit with all of the fixings. For great pizza anytime of year, check out Capri’s.

South Chicago is largely populated by working-class families and small-business owners. You'll see residents shopping along Commercial Avenue or jogging around the parks and lakefront. During the warmer months of the year, residents make the most of the weather by hosting barbecues or attending street festivals. In early mornings and late afternoons, you'll see kids walking to school or waiting by the bus stop as well as commuters heading toward the Metra train station.

In the summer months, residents can check out a street festival or carnival for games, food, and rides. Local churches often host fundraisers with home-cooked cuisine and live entertainment to support good causes. Families can attend sidewalk sales and festivals where they can shop from local stores at bargain prices. You can also enjoy a traditional Mexican dinner and drinks while listening to the jukebox play Spanish hits at one of the restaurants on Commercial Avenue.

Sundays are perfect for exploring the parks or having a picnic near the lakefront. Rainbow Beach Park, just north of the neighborhood, offers a large stretch of sand for sunbathing and building castles. Seasonal events like Shakespeare theater or movies in the park are a great way to relax outdoors while enjoying free entertainment. Bargain hunters may enjoy perusing the shops and small businesses along Commercial Avenue.

Locals Love

  • Access to Metra trains
  • Parks and green spaces
  • Ample street parking
  • Access to the lakefront

Locals Don't Love

  • Noise and traffic on busy streets
  • Outdated homes
  • Few grocery stores

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