Avondale Facts

Location: Seven miles northwest of the Loop
Bordering Neighborhoods: Irving Park, Roscoe Village, Logan Square, West Lakeview, Kilbourn Park
Boundaries: Addison Street to the north, Western Avenue to the east, Belmont Avenue to the south and Pulaski Road to the west.
Crime Statistics: Go to CLEARMap to search specific streets and areas for crime incidents

Then and Now

Avondale has always been a tight-knit community, from its farm days to the urban residential site it is today. In the early nineteenth century, Avondale was all prairie land, set along an Indian trail that laid to the west of the Soo Line Railroad (originally called the Chicago/Milwaukee/St. Paul Pacific) near the Chicago River. The Indian trail was straightened out and planked in 1848 to make it the direct diagonal of Milwaukee Avenue where Avondale began to develop.

Unfortunately, the train tracks near Milwaukee Avenue had trouble keeping up with the frequent and weighty loads. The tracks were poorly-made and became warped from the sun and overused, and once tollgates were added requiring people to pay for uncomfortable train rides, riders became furious. After the Chicago/Milwaukee/St. Paul tracks were extended to Milwaukee in 1870 and more stops were added, more farmers came in, including about twenty African American families, making Avondale an early ethnically diverse community. After the 1920s, Avondale welcomed many foreign-born residents, including Poles, Swedes, Germans and Austrians.

Avondale officially became a part of Chicago when the city annexed it in 1889. After that, the city put in hard-surface roads which helped recognize the town as an up-and-coming industrial and business district. Many European immigrants came to Avondale to work in the newly built factories. The electrification of transportation and the extension of the railroad also helped folks commute to jobs in the area and into the city.

After World War II, the popular Riverview Amusement Park opened up in Avondale with its parachute-drop rides and its storied rollercoaster called "The Bobs" drawing crowds of visitors to the neighborhood for weekend fun. Riverview Park has since been shut down, but the active and enjoyable elements that once made Avondale a destination spot still exist.
[Back To Top]

Parks

Avondale has worked hard over the years to develop and maintain the neighborhood's treasured park space. Former vacant parking lots and other damaged or abandoned sites have been lovingly transformed into open green recreation areas and public parks buzzing with activity.

Avondale Park (3516 W. School St., 773-478-1410) is a nicely-landscaped five-acre green space that provides residents with a bunch of options for exercise, leisure and learning. Both adults and children can join classes offered at the park with choices like art, cheerleading, gymnastics, tumbling and swim camps. This north side neighborhood park is one of the many city parks that are involved in the "Community Gardens in the Parks" program. The program allows city folks with a green thumb a chance to garden in their own neighborhood. While planting flowers, growing veggie, and yes, there's always weeding to do, community members can socialize and get to know their neighbors. And after being crouched over in the garden all day, stretch the legs with a walk around the park path.

Named after the German-American family that originally owned the land, Brands Park (3259 N Elston Ave, 773-478-2414) is now complete with all the facilities of a regular park and then some. Shoot some hoops, toss a horse shoe, or play some one-on-one or doubles in a game of tennis. A large fieldhouse is home to a wide selection of programs for the young ones, teens and adults. Sign up for the Cubs Care Rookie camp, play a little dodge ball, or even discover your inner craftsman and register for woodcrafting lessons. Like in Avondale Park, you can help out with gardening in the spring through the "Community Gardens in the Park" program. The Chicago Park District also runs "Movies in the Park" in the summer months at Brands Park, where they showcase several family favorites on a large screen for all park patrons to view.
[Back To Top]

Real Estate

Today Avondale has a vibrant and diverse residential composition boosting century-old frame houses, quaint brick bungalows, two-flat walkups, vintage multi-unit courtyard buildings and modern condominiums. While the streets are densely packed with housing, Avondale still maintains a sense of serene, natural beauty and spacious living.

We like how the neighborhood blends a mixture of new construction with antiquated architectural styles. State-of-the-art converted lofts and new-model townhomes provide a fresh, clean look while traditional two-story homes with white-painted front pillars and balconies pull us back to a time and place when life was uncomplicated and peaceful.

The average sales price for a two-bedroom Avondale condo is around $285,000. Of course there are plenty of units for under $200,000, and some for as mush as $475,000. A three-bedroom unit bumps the average price up to around $378,000. For detached single-family homes, you're looking at an average price of about $363,000 for a three-bedroom, which a handful of options in the $250,000 to $300,000 range. Something a little larger, with another bedroom or two, will up the price to $500,000, on average. There are a few pricier properties in Avondale that get into the mid $800,000s.
[Back To Top]

Avondale Residential Real Estate Info

Source: Multiple Listings Service of Northern Illinois

What's on the Menu?

Whether you're in the mood for American, Mexican or Italian cuisine, or just out to satisfy your sweet tooth with a sugary dessert, Avondale has a delightful array of exceptional restaurants and charming eateries on which to unleash your appetite.

When your stomach is growling uncontrollably and you've only just sat down to look at the menu, don;t you want kiss the waiter that sets down a basket of salty, crunchy, multi-layer tortilla chips with a side of spicy salsa? We know the feeling, and so does the staff at La Finca (3361 N Eslton Ave, 773-478-4006), who are ready with fresh-made chips and salsa the minute your bum hits the chair. La Finca's menu touches on all the traditional tasty Mexican dishes. Have a sizzling steak or chicken fajita served in a skillet of onions, red and green bell peppers, and spices. Toast your eating companion(s) with a refreshing blended margarita, Mexican beer or go for the gusto with a shot of tequila, complete with a salted rim and a lime chaser.

Just around the block from Brands Park, you'll find what we think to be the best place in town to get a classic Chicago hot dog. Hot Doug's (3324 N California Ave, 773-279-9550) is more than just a run-of-the-mill hot dog stand. Here you can take a bite out of a juicy assortment of hot dogs and sausages, all under original names like "The Dog", which is the original Chicago hot dog or a hot Andoille sausage, "The Salma Hayek". Side one of these creatively delicious dogs with fresh-cut French fries and a soda, all for under ten dollars.

Take a step back in time and enjoy some espresso or a bottomless cup of steaming hot Intelligentsia coffee at the vintage 1950s-decorated MoJoe's Cafe (2849 W Belmont Ave, 773-596-JOES). While sipping your herbal tea, or maybe you're more the chai tea type, relax and read in one of the cozy booths or enjoy one of the nightly music performances or poetry readings. You never know what you're going to get as the musical stylings rotate from blues to bee bop to rock 'n' roll to more contemporary tunes. And, to add some artistic flair, MoJoe's promotes local artisans by hanging illustrations, designs and original paintings around the cafe for all to see and admire. Take a bite out of some of their sweet, homemade banana bread, almond croissants or icing covered cinnamon rolls, which all go great with a cup of java. Or for lunch, MoJoe's serves soups, focaccia sandwiches and bagels.

On the cusp of Avondale and Kilbourn Park, Oddo's Pizza (3535 N Pulaski Rd, 773-583-6163) is, not surprisingly, a popular spot among pizza-loving residents. Serving hot pan and deep-dish pies, the smells of garlic and seasoning are so strong they're sure to clear sinuses around the room. Atop many patrons' list of favorites is Oddo's ultimate tasty thin crust pizza, served with or without a mound of toppings, depending on your personal preferences. Pile it on with all the usual numbers like pepperoni, green peppers and onions or add some spinach for a little something special. Oddo's also serves up many traditional Italian dishes like your pasta marinara and toasty garlic bread. The environment here is family friendly with cozy booths that can fit the whole crew. Plus, feel free to walk around the restaurant to peruse the hilariously exaggerated caricatures of famous celebrities that decorate the walls. This Avondale mainstay has been hand-making scrumptious dishes for over fifty years, and is a classic example of a great Chicago eatery that you won't want to miss.
[Back To Top]

Best Shopping Stops

No need to wait until payday to go shopping in Avondale, the neighborhood is chock-full of some of our favorite upscale bargain stores like KMart and Payless Shoe Source, with a few independent boutiques thrown in the mix.

Barnes and Noble Booksellers has nothing on Avondale's Kazi Publications Bookstore (3031 W. Belmont Ave., 773-539-2793). Specializing in Islamic and Muslim reading for both Muslims and non-Muslims, this store was the first Islamic bookstore in America to sell both in-house and online. Based in Chicago, Kazi Publications offers literature for all ages, books on tape, videos and other engaging periodicals about everything from art to environmental issues. Need more proof that independent businesses are better than corporate chains? Then make a stop over at Wishing Well Florists (2755 W Belmont Ave, 773-463-6440), one of the neighborhood's best local florists. Wishing Well is not a particularly large shop, but they manage to carry a little bit of everything, stocking flowers for every occasion. More than anything though, the folks at Wishing Well stand out for their consistently great service; they're always willing to answer questions and offer advice on the appropriate bouquet.

If you're a woman who needs to update her wardrobe, Discovery Clothing Co. (3348 W Belmont Ave, 773-463-3700) is a one-stop shop. Up-to-date with the latest brand name apparel, this Chicago-based discount clothing store sells stylish business suits and skirts for work, club wear for nights out, and even tanks and stretch pants perfect for your workout. Prices are always affordable while the trends stay current and colorful. Having trouble finding fashionable clothing in your size? Avenue (3326 N. Western Ave., 773-296-9387) can fix that. Avenue's styles dress it up and keep it casual for full-figured women with regular stock of 14-32. For a whole new look, start with some of their sexy lingerie and camisoles that fit your womanly curves, and whether you're a career girl or you keep it active, you'll find an amazing collection of skirt and pantsuits and flowing casual wear. Accessorize with jewelry, scarves and handbags and slide on some shoes like their super-comfortable Cloudwalkers that come in all shapes and styles. And the best part is: Avenue allows you to keep it in your budget, all while letting you be the sassy city girl you truly are.

Yet another shopping hotspot with great prices in Avondale is Dots Fashion (3328 N Western Ave, 773-525-0407). Mix and match the trends at Dots with fashionable patterns ranging from colorful exotic prints to earth tones and paisleys. Sundresses and tube tops come in many colors, so during the summer when it's 90 degrees out and all you want to wear is something easy and breezy, Dots has you covered. Speaking of your warm weather wardrobe, shorts in stock come real short or knee-length in cotton, denim, and twill, so no matter what you personal style, you'll find that perfect pair to suit your look. New designs at Dots vary with bi-weekly deliveries but prices remain low every day of the week. Career wear and casual, day and eveningwear, spring or fall, Dots definitely has it all!

Night on the Town

Once you've hit the stores and had a nice meal in Avondale, end your day at one of the many appealing neighborhood pubs.

A true Irish pub, Chief O'Neill's (3471 N Elston Ave, 773-473-5263) is not only a superb place to do your St. Patrick's Day celebrating, it's great for sitting out in the beer garden during the summer, clinking mugs of chilled beer and chatting it up with friends. Make your Bloody Mary just the way you like it at O'Neill's Bloody Mary bar. Add in anything from your basic celery and pickle juice to jumbo shrimp and extra spices, but don't go too wild with the spice, you're the one that has to drink it! The cuisine here is way more than your average bar food. O'Neill's serves up some of the best Cheddar soup and pumpkin bread pudding in Chicago.

Named after the owner's Akita dog, Kuma's Corner (2900 W Belmont Ave, 773-604-8769) prides itself on offering a cozy place to forget about the work day and indulge in a casual night out. Kuma serves beer from all over, like the Dragon's Milk beer from the New Holland Brewery or the Ska Buster Nut Brown Ale. If you have a sweet tooth, try the Ace Pear Cider beer or go all out with one of their popular martinis like The Catharsis. Not just an Avondale watering hole, Kuma's food is excellent. The Mescluns Greens salad comes with toasted walnuts, cranberries, goat cheese, red onion and is topped with a cranberry vinaigrette. Other tasty dishes include the Pig Destroyer sandwich or the "Our famous Kuma Burger" that's piled high with bacon, cheddar and, interestingly enough, a fried egg. Before you go in, feel free to take a peak at their beer, martini and food menus which are all posted online.
[Back To Top]

Showtime!

Avondale brings us small, original theater venues where you can get and eye and earful of the local culture and great works of art.

The Prop Thtr (3502 N Elston Ave, 773-539-7838), is one of the most attractive theatres to go to in Chicago because of all the talented actors that collaborate on new and old works, from the classic plays of Samuel Beckett to new plays like "The Jesus Fields" or adapted plays from Salinger or Dostoyevsky. However, the Prop Thtr is really known for its promotion of new playwrights and actors. As quoted from their website, "[I]f we do not support new plays, there will be no plays". A place for budding artists to put on their work, the Prop Thtr also is a pay-the-ticket-price or pay-what-you-can theater, all the more reason to see what these area artists have to show.
[Back To Top]

Mark Your Calendar

Every year in Chicago, especially when the snow clears, outdoor activities are a must.

One of the newer activities in Avondale Park (3516 W. School St., 773-478-1410) is Bike the Ward in early June. From the Bike Chicago foundation, Bike the Ward will get you spinning around Avondale, exercising, sightseeing, meeting new friends and taking in all Avondale has to offer. On a side note, Bike Chicago has bike locations at Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Riverwalk, North Avenue Beach, and Foster Beach. So get your bike out, oil your gears and join the other resident cyclists for this fun and active neighborhood event.
[Back To Top]

Getting Around

One of the best things about Chicago is not only that there so many places to go and things to see, but that you can get there in practically no time by car, bus, train, bike, or foot.

A whole fleet of buses service the Avondale neighborhood, giving city travelers plenty of options for quick and convenient routes to just about anywhere you'd want to go, and all for only $2 a ride. The #52 Kedzie/California bus, that runs from Roscoe to 63rd Place, also intersects with the Blue Line subway train if you need to take your trip in another direction. The Blue Line goes from O'Hare International Airport down through Avondale neighborhood with stops at Addison Street, Belmont Avenue and Logan Square, on through the Chicago Loop, and then all the way up to Forest Park suburb.

If you'd like to bypass public transportation and drive to your destination by car, be sure your vehicle is registered and you have your city sticker posted in the window. You can find out how to purchase a sticker and how to help get your guests a parking pass by contacting City Hall (121 N LaSalle Room #107, 312-744-6861) or the local Chicago Department of Revenue Substation (2550 W Addison St). Substation hours are Monday 8am to 5pm, Tuesday - Friday 8am to 6:30am, and Saturday 8am to 3:30pm.

Chicago's commuter train line is called the Metra Rail and it can take you both into and out of the city. The closest line is the Milwaukee District North Line that makes stops nearby Avondale, at Gray Land and Healy Streets. Fares vary depending on what day and time your travel. The train is handicap accessible and you can bring your bike on the train during non-rush hour times if needed.
[Back To Top]

School's in Session

Avondale covers all the bases when it comes to providing the community with education from pre-school all the way to advanced academic degrees. In addition to the following list, to find more info on these schools and others in the surrounding area or throughout the city, check out our Chicago Schools page.

Devry Institute of Technology - 3300 N Campbell Ave - (773) 929-8500
Lane Tech High School - 2501 W Addison St - (773) 534-5400
Linne Elementary School - 3221 N Sacramento Ave - (773) 534-5262
Concordia Avondale Campus - 3300 N Whipple St - (773) 463-1600
[Back To Top]

Basic Needs

You'll have fun discovering the treasures of Avondale on your own, but we've compiled a basic list to give you a heads up on everything this north side Chicago neighborhood has to offer from where to workout to where you can get your groceries.

Dining

American Cuisine
Sunshine Restaurant - 3523 N Kedzie Ave - (773) 267-1578

Asian Cuisine
Buffet Castle - 3326 W Belmont Ave - (773) 267-6688
Tasty House Restaurant - 3533 N Western Ave - (773) 388-1777

Cafes/Coffee Shops
Dunkin Donuts - 3214 N Kimball Ave - (773) 478-2828
Starbucks - 2939 W Addison St - (773) 604-7680

Delis
S&S Deli - 3290 N Elston Ave - (773) 267-4315

Fast Food
Hot Doug's - 3324 N California Ave - (773) 279-9550
Mr. Pollo - 3000 W Belmont Ave - (773) 509-1208

Mexican Cuisine
La Finca - 3361 N Eslton Ave - (773) 478-4006
Burrito House - 3145 W Addison St - (773) 279-9111
Alcala Restaurant - 3610 W Belmont Ave - (773) 866-1848

Night on the Town
Chief O'Neill's - 3471 N Elston Ave - (773) 473-5263
Kuma's Corner - 2900 W Belmont Ave - (773) 604-8769
Nelly's Saloon - 3256 N Elston Ave - (773) 588-4494

Pizza
Oddo's Pizza - 3535 N Pulaski Rd - (773) 583-6163

Grocery Stores

Chicago Food Corp - 3333 N Kimball Ave - (773) 478-5566
Dominick's Finer Foods - 3350 N Western Ave - (773) 929-8910
Jewel Osco - 3572 N Elston St - (773) 583-9858
Jewel Osco - 3400 N Western Ave - (773) 327-2723
Spinney's - Food Mart 2924 W Belmont Ave - (773) 478-8032

Gyms

Bodyparts Fitness - 3232 N Elston Ave - (773) 509-6842

Parks

Grape Playlot Park - 2850 W Avondale Ave - (312) 742-7552
Sacramento Playlot Park - 3520 N Sacramento Ave
Elston Playlot Park - 3451 N Troy St - (312) 742-7582
Brands Park - 3259 N Elston Ave - (773) 478-2414
Avondale Park - 3516 W School St - (773) 478-1410

Pharmacies

CVS Pharmacy - 3411 W Addison St - (773) 279-8005
CVS Pharmacy - 3311 N Pulaski Rd - (773) 685-5259
Osco Drug - 3572 N Elston St - (773) 583-9858
Walgreens - 3302 W Belmont Ave - (773) 267-2326

Shopping

Avenue - 3326 N Western Ave - (773) 296-9387
Discovery Clothing Co. - 3348 W Belmont Ave - (773) 463-3700
Dots Fashion - 3328 N Western Ave - (773) 525-0407
Foot Locker - 2917 W Addison St - (773) 478-1872
Home Depot - 3500 N Kimball Ave - (773) 463-6306
Jennifer Convertibles - 2907 W Addison St - (773) 583-2171
Kmart - 3443 W Addison St - (773) 478-1334
Lane Bryant - 2921 W Addison St - (773) 267-1660
Payless Shoe Store - 3231 W Addison St - (773) 588-3246; 3332 N Western Ave - (773) 404-9834
Kazi Publication Bookstore - 3031 W Belmont Ave - (773) 539-2793
Proforma Art Supplies - 3065 N Rockwell St - (773) 463-0026
Toys R Us - 3330 N Western Ave - (773) 525-1695

Theaters

The Prop Thtr - 3502 N Elston Ave - (773) 539-7838

Transit

Chicago Transit Authority - (888) 968-7282
Metra Rail - (312) 322-6777
Bike Chicago- Corporate Office - (773) 404-2500
[Back To Top]

Sometimes it makes more sense to view the city of Chicago as a bunch of separate neighborhoods -- especially when it comes to real estate. Whether you are in the market for a loft, condo, townhome, or house, it is just as important to inspect the surrounding area as it is to inspect the home's foundation. Avondale is just one Chicago community with an abundance of residential properties, and a life all its own. From where you send your kids to school to where you dine at night, the information we provide is an essential piece of the puzzle when you're trying to decide whether or not to buy that beautiful loft or adorable house in Avondale.
[Back To Top]