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Welcome To Hollywood Park

With a modest suburban atmosphere and all the conveniences of city living, Hollywood Park is perfect for people who want the quieter side of Chicago life. The eastern edge of the neighborhood is bound by a stretch of peaceful riverside paths, lush vegetation and the calming sounds of water rushing over river rock. Hollywood Park residents really love their open green space  on the other side of the neighborhood is 46 acres of nature preserve and recreation grounds where locals come to trek the trails, join free environmental education courses and just enjoy the wildflowers that grow throughout the area. The interior of Hollywood Park is mainly occupied by long blocks of single-family homes with neatly-trimmed shrubs. Any restaurants and businesses are found on the major thoroughfares to the north and south.

Read More About Hollywood Park...

Contents


[Demographics, Shopping, Entertainment, and more...]
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Hollywood Park Home Sales Statistics


Hollywood Park Facts

Location: Approximately 11 miles north of the Loop
Bordering Neighborhoods: North Park, Peterson Woods, Peterson Park, Peterson Park Grounds, Budlong Woods
Boundaries: Peterson Avenue to the north, the Chicago River to the east, Bryn Mawr Avenue to the south and Central Park Avenue to the west
Crime Statistics: Go to CLEARMap to search specific streets and areas for crime incidents
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Then and Now

Adjacent to North Park, Hollywood Park carries a shared history with its neighbor to the south that starts out like many Chicago area settlements -- as a small agrarian community with a long road of change and growth ahead of them.

A territory bound by waterways, the area where Hollywood Park and North Park now exist was a prime piece of real estate back in the day. Flanked to the east by the North Shore Channel and on the south by the North Branch of the Chicago River, this fork of fertile, river-laden land was perfect for farming. During the mid 1800s, German and Swedish farmers settled the area nearest to the riverbeds growing vegetables and enjoying the fruits of a rural existence.

As the twentieth century progressed, farming was still the main economic interest in these parts, but it also remained an attractive locale for folks immigrating to Chicago. In fact, the establishment of Hollywood Park neighborhood arose out of the growing number of immigrants who settled in North Park and as the population expanded, so did the inhabited land, spreading further north from the city's center.

The peaceful river setting and distance from the overcrowded city center made the site an ideal neighborhood to raise a family. And as word caught on, many middle-income families, sick of the pollution and dense population of downtown, began to move out towards the farmland between the two rivers.

During the economic boom after World War II, Hollywood Park overflowed with new families looking for housing, more space and a less hectic lifestyle. The middle class tradition continued as these families settled into comfortable yet modest houses that suited their needs. Today, Hollywood Park has come a long way from its agrarian roots. Now it is a mostly residential neighborhood where homes have sprouted up like vegetable stalks in a garden. And what many residents find best of all attributes -- Hollywood Park is close enough to the Chicago Loop for professionals to commute in everyday, but as soon as they come home, it's the subdued surroundings of a peaceful suburb setting.
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Parks

Not only is Hollywood Park located on the scenic banks of the North Shore Channel, it has acres of picturesque park space to boot.

Hollywood Park is a cozy (meaning small) neighborhood, yet it manages to provide nearly seven acres of tree-shaded public commons and recreation grounds. Founded in 1926, the namesake Hollywood Park (3312 W Thorndale Ave, 773-478-3482) is this north side community's retreat from the everyday routine of work-school-and-home. In case you were wondering, both the neighborhood and the park were named after Hollywood Avenue which cuts through the area running east/west.

Fancy the early mornings? There is an adult walking club that meets in Hollywood Park to trek along its half-mile trail every week. Lace up your Nikes, grab a bottle of water and join the group for a brisk stroll before going off to work. There is also a community garden where anyone can volunteer time to have a go at the relaxing work of pulling weeds and cultivating a green thumb. While the young at heart are exercising and enjoying the greenery, the youngsters are kept busy with day camp activities, seasonal arts and crafts programs, and a choice of youth sports teams including basketball, baseball, and tennis.

Hollywood Park also has an onsite community assembly hall for town meetings and very small productions put on by the locals. Speaking of shows, this is also a site for the Chicago Parks District's "Movies in the Park" series where families and friends can see evening screenings of American film classics and family favorites -- all while sitting under the twinkling stars with the faint city lights in the distance.
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Real Estate

Every Chicago neighborhood has its good points, and in Hollywood Park those good points feature heavily on lush greenery and tranquil waterways. Surrounded by local parks and two separate branches of the Chicago River, Hollywood Park feels more like a suburban refuge than a big city neighborhood. With seven acres of parkland to the northeast and the neighborhood-size grounds of Peterson Park to the west, Hollywood Park is a peaceful respite from the concrete confines of downtown Chicago.

As we've mentioned, the majority of Hollywood Park is residential area that caters to an eclectic mix of Chicagoans. The tightly-packed grid of streets is dominated by single-family houses which include older brick ranches and two-stories, split-level designs and new-constructions with modern layouts. A number of low-rise condos and vintage residential buildings have also been built along the neighborhood's main thoroughfares.

Generally, the average sales price for a one-bedroom condo in Hollywood Park is $150,000 but you can effortlessly find one in the low $100,000s. Two- or three-bedroom condos sell for around $244,000 on average. Small detached single-family homes start at $300,000 and the average price is around $400,000, but can easily reach into the upper $500,000s. Four- or five bedroom homes in this north side neighborhood usually sell for somewhere in the four- or five-hundred thousand range, although there are properties valued at over $800,000.

What's on the Menu?

Hollywood Park may no longer have room for the farmland that once produced the homegrown goodness early residents ate, but from the same soil have sprung a cornucopia of restaurants that are sure keep present day Hollywood Parkers nourished and satisfied.

Step through the door and follow the cobblestone path to a table at the New Outdoor Cafe (3257 W Bryn Mawr Ave, 773-539-6078). This dessert cafe and coffeehouse is a big hit among locals, so expect a wait on weekends and bring cash because credit cards are a no-go. Winter days are best had with the warm bubble tea (basically a drinkable, tasty form of tapioca) and summer cool-downs can be had with green tea flavored ice cream and other exotic cold creations. For a more traditional coffeehouse, head over to Java N Mug (3247 W Bryn Mawr Ave, 773-539-0407). If the bright orange-painted storefront doesn't grab your attention, the glowing neon drink signs hanging in the window will. Small tables, good coffee, and a feel-free-to-sit-here-all-day attitude make Java N Mug a perfect afternoon hangout.

As the evening gets later, the Ugly Hookah Cafe (3415 W. Bryn Mawr Ave, 773-279-9812) begins to fill up. Known around Hollywood Park for being open until 4 am on the weekends with the kitchen fully functional, the Ugly Hookah Cafe is a great place to both start and end your evening. First round: Get food -- the hummus is to die for and the baba ganoush won't let you down. Second round: Sit back and enjoy puffing on a hookah (pick from 25 flavors). Third round: Get the baklava -- if you can handle it!

Open from lunch till late-night, Sergio's Taqueria Pizza (3253 W Bryn Mawr Ave, 773-866-1965) is a fantastic hodgepodge pizza dive. The small digs don't deter the delight from the mega-huge cheeseburgers and crispy thin-crust pizza. If you are feeling adventurous, try the brain tacos...if not, the "regular" tacos are just as tasty. This cozy neighborhood joint gets crowded quick, so don't be shy to get your food to go. Another time-honored pizza joint in Holly Park is Martino's Restaurant (3431 W Peterson Ave, 773-478-5410). The interior is reminiscent of any old-fashioned family restaurant. You can order pizza for delivery, pick up, or sit-down service in their charming dining room. Deep dish pizza is a big deal in Chicago and Martino's has some of the best -- never soggy, and always amazing. When you tire of pizza -- if that is even possible -- try the mostaccioli with meatballs or the eggplant, both house specialties and an appetizing alternative to the traditional pizza pie.

At So Gong Dong Tofu House (3307 W Bryn Mawr Ave, 773-539-8377) just saying the name puts a smile on your face -- try it aloud, it's fun! The food here is definitely better than the fluorescent light and out-dated wooden decor. Bear with the Korean cafeteria feel and have some soon dubu jigae (soft tofu stew). Don't be put-off by the name, So Gong has more than tofu. Try the dolsot bibimbap. A dolsot is a stone bowl and bibimbap is a collection of vegetables and meat with rice and a fried egg sizzling on top. The ingredients are stirred together at the table and heaven then goes into your stomach. Food is ready quick, but the waitress will still probably give you a Korean magazine to look at while you wait.

Booill Restaurant (3346 W Bryn Mawr Ave, 773-588-3112) is a Korean barbeque joint where you're going to have to get your hands dirty. Patrons prepare their own barbequed items at the table -- kind of like a do-it-yourself hibachi. There are limited grilling tables in this intimate eatery, so be proactive and make reservations, especially if you want to go on a weekend. Korean sake is to be had (served cold, not warm like Japanese sake) for the adults and plenty of exotically flavored ice creams keep the kids at the table happy. Hiding underneath what looks like a banner of Korean movie ads, Il Song Jung (3315 W Bryn Mawr Ave, 773-463-2121) is one of the coziest family-owned Korean establishments in Chicago. There are seven tables that fit six people each and a bigger room to serve parties of about 15 folks. Just like Booill, tables are equipped to grill your own barbeque, but the standard menu is just as exciting. The spicy tofu soup is tops on cool evenings and be prepared for more than a handful of appetizers that are brought to the table before you even order, like plump dumplings, thin omelet-style egg pancakes with red pepper, and various kimchi (seasoned vegetable sides). A full stomach at Il Song will cost two people 20 bucks or less, so whatever you have leftover in your wallet and go towards a fun-filled session with the karaoke machine behind the bar!

Cuban Island Restaurant (3446 W Peterson Ave, 773-588-9922) is the only place in Hollywood Park to get quality Cuban Food. Closed on Mondays and open for lunch and dinner service every other day, Cuban Island dishes out festive flavors from the Caribbean. Daily lunch specials are only $7 and dinner prices are equally attractive. Try the pechuga al vino, chicken breast cooked in wine with onions and peppers, and definitely have a side of the freshly made mariquitas (plantain chips). On Sundays there is a Bolivian buffet with a spread that varies weekly. So why not just go every Sunday? That way you won't miss any of the tasty specialties that make the menu that week.
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Getting Around

Hollywood Park is located on the northern edge of Chicago. This almost suburban location brings a little less hustle and bustle to the neighborhood, making streets safe for daily bike riding and walking. If time is precious or the weather is fierce, there are plenty of other transportation options in Hollywood Park.

A short drive south takes you to I-90/94, which can be followed south into the Chicago Loop and further into the far reaches of the south suburbs. If you plan on taking a taxi downtown, be prepared to call ahead; there's not much cabbie traffic out in Hollywood Park.

Car in the shop or just prefer to not drive? The end of the CTA Brown Line (Kimball stop) is in Albany Park, just a short jaunt south of Hollywood Park. It'll be about a ten minute bus ride to the Brown Line and then at least another half-hour to an hour before you reach the Loop. If you drive and park at the Ravenswood stop of the Metra Rail Union Pacific North Line, you'll make it into downtown by train in 30 minutes or less because there's only one stop in between.
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School's in Session

Hollywood Park is in close proximity to everything from elementary schools to continuing education classes for adult students.

Want to learn self discipline and the skills you need to defend yourself? Baek's Tiger Martial Arts (3405 W Bryn Mawr Ave, 773-583-0445) will teach you the art of self confidence through self discipline. After all, who doesn't want to learn tae kwon do? There are more traditional academic institutions in Hollywood Park as well. At St. Bernadette Elementary School (3550 W Peterson Ave, 847-647-0518) students are taught core education elements while learning Catholic values.

In addition to the following list, you can find out more information about the community's schools and other Chicago schools at our Chicago Guide Schools page.

Baek's Tiger Martial Arts - 3405 W Bryn Mawr Ave - (773) 583-0445
Bais Yaakov Parochial School - 3333 W Peterson Ave - (773) 267-1494
Northside Learning Center High School 3 - 730 W Bryn Mawr Ave - (773) 534-5180
Ohr Somayach International - 3557 W Peterson Ave - (773) 583-4567
St. Bernadette Elementary School - 3550 W Peterson Ave - (847) 647-0518

BASIC NEEDS

Here's a beginner's list on the what and where of Hollywood Park. All the best places to get your daily necessities from frozen pizza to library books.
Chicago Transit Authority - (888) 968-7282

Emergency Rooms

Manage Care - 3553 W Peterson Ave - (773) 463-2755

Grocery Stores

Day and Night Food and Cigarettes - 3403 W Bryn Mawr Ave - (773) 866-2225
7-Eleven Food Stores - 5610 N Kimball Ave - (773) 539-1570

Library

Albany Park Public Library - 5150 N Kimball Ave - (312) 744-1933

Pharmacies

Arcadia Drugstore - 3201 W Bryn Mawr Ave - (773) 267-2400

Post Office

3401 W Devon Ave - (773) 583-8640

Parks

Hollywood Park - 3312 W Thorndale Ave - (773) 478-3482
Legion Park - 3200 West Hollywood Avenue

When it's time to get loose and kick back, Hollywood Park has plenty of places to relax. Check out this list of places to wine, dine, and unwind -- but don't forget to explore Hollywood Park for yourself!

SHOPPING

B.D. Tailor Shop - 3242 W Bryn Mawr Ave - (773) 509-1000
PO Children's Wear - 3220 W Bryn Mawr Ave - (773) 463-2293
Townhouse Interiors - 3455 W Peterson Ave - (773) 267-0476
Wonanghanbok Korean Dress Shop - 3222 W Bryn Mawr Ave - (773) 588-4222

DINING

Cafe/Coffee Shops
Art Zone and Cafe - 3238 West Bryn Mawr Avenue - (773) 267-9199
Chicago Cyber Cafe - 3220 W Bryn Mawr Ave - (773) 267-8888
Java N Mug - 3247 W Bryn Mawr Ave - (773) 539-0407
New Outdoor Cafe - 3257 W Bryn Mawr Ave - (773) 539-6078

Restaurants

American Cuisine
Gold Coast Dogs - 3525 W Peterson Ave - (773) 267-8180

Asian Cuisine
Booill Restaurant - 3346 W Bryn Mawr Ave - (773) 588-3112
Dalpangyi - 3236 W Bryn Mawr Ave - (773) 588-0305
Hunan Wok - 3411 W Bryn Mawr Ave - (773) 539-9650
Midori Japanese Restaurant - 3310 W Bryn Mawr Ave - (773) 267-9733
So Gong Dong Tofu House Restaurant - 3307 W Bryn Mawr Ave - (773) 539-8377
Il Song Jung - 3315 W Bryn Mawr Ave - (773) 463-2121

Cuban Cuisine
Cuban Island Restaurant - 3446 W Peterson Ave - (773) 588-9922

Italian Cuisine
Martino's Restaurant - 3431 W Peterson Ave - (773) 478-5410
Sergio's Taqueria Pizza - 3253 W Bryn Mawr Ave - (773) 866-1965

Mediterranean
Ugly Hookah Cafe - 3415 W. Bryn Mawr Ave - (773) 279-9812
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As one of the many diverse Chicago neighborhoods, Hollywood Park offers homeowners a wide range of residential properties. Hollywood Park homes include lofts, condos and townhomes, to name a few. In addition to Chicago real estate, you can get detailed neighborhood information from our comprehensive online Chicago neighborhoods guide. With features like dining, shopping, entertainment, and resources, we've done all the leg work already to make your home search that much easier. Now, when a listing in Hollywood Park catches your eye, you can read all about the surrounding area and what it has to offer, all without setting foot in the neighborhood. Like a Yellow Pages, Metromix and MLS database all rolled into one, this site is your ultimate Chicago neighborhoods visitors' guidebook.
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