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Welcome To South Chicago

In a community that once buzzed with the heavy production of US Steel (one of the country's major steel manufacturers), South Chicago is a neighborhood rich in history centered about industry and organized labor. Today, these former industrial areas near Lake Michigan are some of the last few fleeting frontiers for development in the city. Acres of land along South Chicago's lakefront have not yet been built up — begging the interest of commercial and residential developers who continue to push south in search of prime real estate property. The neighborhood is bordered to the west by the Chicago Skyway, providing the region with good transportation. Both public schools and private academies dot the area, affording families their choice of scholastic options.

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Contents


[Demographics, Shopping, Entertainment, and more...]
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South Chicago Home Sales Statistics


South Chicago Facts

Location: About 13 miles south of the Loop
Boundaries: 79th Street to the north, 95th Street to the south, Lake Michigan to the east and the Chicago Skyway to the west
Bordering Neighborhoods: South Shore, Stony Island Park, East Chicago, Calumet Heights, South Deering
Crime Statistics: Go to CLEARMap to search specific streets and areas for crime incidents
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Then and Now

For more than a hundred years, South Chicago factories provided employment to steel workers. These laborers eventually banded together to form a powerful union, which vastly improved their working conditions.

It's no wonder that the South Chicago neighborhood became a magnet for industry. Back in 1833, smart businessmen pegged the community as an area ripe for development due to its location perched between Lake Michigan, the Calumet River and several major railroad routes, so they snatched up plots of land with visions of vast manufacturing growth dancing through their heads. Big companies like Brown Iron and Steel Company and South Works roared into operation in the 1870s. The area soon bustled with immigrants from Ireland, Poland and Italy, who moved there to work in the factories. It was inexpensive and convenient to obtain the iron ore from Lake Superior for processing in the South Chicago plants and as a result, South Works quickly became a world leader in steel production. (A bit of local trivia: South Works manufactured the steel that supports the Sears Tower and other Chicago skyscrapers.)

US Steel bought South Works in 1901, though the factory name remained the same. Even back in 1911, South Works employed 11,000 people. But it was a hard job, usually with 12-hour shifts, six or seven days a week, and safety regulations were hardly sufficient. Workers repeatedly held strikes, but it wasn't until 1923 that the steel industry finally agreed to the more humane eight-hour day.

Fast forward half a century: The steel industry dramatically changed in the 1970s and '80s, as local manufacturers had international competition to contend with, coupled with less demand on the home front. Consequently, thousands of Chicago steel workers lost their jobs and South Works finally closed its doors for good in April of 1992.

The roar of machines may be gone, but city planners are now pondering the opportunities for the spacious undeveloped portion of South Chicago's lakefront. The former site of South Works itself covers more area than the Loop and is nothing more than a large dirt-filled field with great potential for future development.
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Parks

We are eagerly awaiting the future development of the neighborhood's lakefront property, but until that happens, we're satisfied with the outdoor pools and interior parks scattered throughout South Chicago.

On many a morning we like to start our day with a brisk walk, and what better place to do that than Bessemer Park (8930 S. Muskegon Ave., 312-747-6023)? This South Chicago neighborhood park is aptly named after an important figure in the steel industry, Sir Henry Bessemer, an Englishman who dramatically changed the steel making process. Despite the neighborhood's fascinating history, it's hard to imagine the massive steel producing factories that once occupied the surrounding grounds as we walk the perimeter of this picturesque park on the pleasant three-quarters-of-a-mile trail. Prefer to step it up a notch? Work up a sweat with a few laps around the park's shorter trail and get those sprints in before breakfast.

During the summer months, which are no joke in Chicago (the heat can be brutal), Bessemer is the place to bring the kids who will love running through the spray pool and splashing around with the other neighborhood children. While the spray pool is reserved to children, adults can take to the outdoor pool for total cool water immersion. And that's not all; in the off-season from school, kids can take up sports like baseball, soccer and boxing. Adults box too, as there are classes geared toward all ages here. Some of us would rather don a crisp white tennis skirt than thick boxing gloves to strut our stuff on the tennis courts. Or, if you prefer to explore your creative side, sign up for any of the over 50 arts and crafts programs offered through the park.

Located on eastern edge of South Chicago neighborhood, Russell Square Park (3045 E. 83rd St., 312-747-6651) provides a great place to cool off without even having to brave the nearby waters of Lake Michigan. The pool at Russell Square is open to public swims and aspiring lifeguards can also sign up to take a certification course here. Joggers can take advantage of the short, one-third mile trail to get in a quick workout on their own, or gather up the whole household and bring them down to the park to play a few rounds of volleyball. Now, that's how we like to spend family time.

Sometimes, it's great just to take a stroll, and there's a perfect little walking track at Eckersall Stadium Park (82nd St. and Yates), which is a good place to stretch those muscles. This small stadium is used mostly for high school sports practices and some special events. It's kind of fun to watch the young footballers running drills while making laps around the track after work -- placing personal bets on who we think will go pro.
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Real Estate

Your home is your castle wherever you live, be it condo, townhouse or bungalow. Whatever your real estate needs, South Chicago is an affordable neighborhood that holds the key to homeownership for many Chicagoans. With market listings that run the gamut, this south side section of town has a wide assortment of modest housing options that caters to folks from local city dwellers to re-locaters planning the move to the Chicago area. Many families are attracted to living in the South Chicago neighborhood. Kids love the private yards where they can play outdoors, while parents appreciate the front patios and garage parking.

The residential streets in South Chicago neighborhood are lined with everything from traditional brick bungalows that have been around for more than 100 years to new construction three-story homes with modern amenities and contemporary layouts. Of course, the price varies greatly from one to the next, and there is a good mix of housing in between as well. Generally speaking, though, the average sales prices for a three-bedroom single-family detached home in South Chicago is around $133,000 with plenty of less-than-perfect houses selling for well under $100,000. A little larger home (something with another bedroom) jumps the average price up to $160,000, but don't be surprised if you find a lot of properties that size selling for closer to $300,000. Multi-unit housing is less common around here, but the average price for a one- or two-bedroom condo or attached townhome typically hovers around $100,000.

While a good portion of the real estate in South Chicago is well-maintained, there are a number of properties that need updating and decorating. So, if you're handy, you might just find a project worth your attention in this far south side Chicago neighborhood.

What's on the Menu?

South Chicago may be known for US Steel Works, but a lesser known claim to fame should be its Mexican food. It's where we go when we can't break away from life to really go "south of the border," because some of the food in this Chicago neighborhood is about as authentic as we're going to get. And if you're not into the spicy stuff, there are other tasty options for sustenance to satisfy any type of taste bud.

One restaurant in particular where South Chicagoans can get delicious Mexican cuisine is Pepes (8227 S Exchange Ave, 773-768-8740). They serve incredible quesadillas with lots of guacamole and sour cream; it's no good for our diet, but great for the spirit. Pepes also has an extensive kids' menu that offers scaled-down beef tacos, or tried-and-true grilled cheese for the little ones who are not quite so adventurous. Either way, we're glad this neighborhood eatery has something to keep the kids busy while we feast on burritos filled with savory beef, or their enchiladas Cozumel, packed with fabulously seasoned crab meat. Speaking of seafood, try the grilled garlic shrimp at Cocula Restaurant (8847 S Commercial Ave, 773-374-3214), which is also a fabulous place for fajitas, but whatever you order, you've got to start with the classic chips and salsa. Just don't fill up before the entrees arrive!

Since this is Chicago, a few pizza places are obligatory and around these parts there are a couple of popular joints to meet the neighborhood pizzeria quota. For excellent freshly-prepared 'za and homemade calzones, head over to De Arcos Pizzeria (2832 E 87th St, 773-731-0300). There are only three tables here, so if they're full, you may want to take your order to go and enjoy that pie at home. Another good option is the South Chicago location of Pizza Capri (8820 S Commercial Ave, 773-768-7242), where customers can choose from thin crust to deep dish sausage and pepperoni pizza. If you feel like a protein charge, order the roasted chicken, though we don't promise that it's dietetically healthy.

Residents can satisfy a multitude of other cravings with the dining selection in this south side Chicago neighborhood from hamburgers and chicken wings at Phil's Castle Restaurant II (2948 E 83rd St, 773-731-6694), to Chinese food at New Chop Suey (9119 S Commercial Ave, 773-978-1583). Or, for a change in pace, local dine-outers can try some African-influenced cuisine at Mummy Ola (8725 S Commercial Ave, 773-933-7023).
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Best Shopping Stops

Everyone needs a little shopping therapy once in awhile, and South Chicago residents can get just that with a tour of clothing, shoes, and athletic gear stores found along the neighborhood's Commercial Avenue.

Don't tell anyone, but we're big fans of the handbags at Payless Shoe Stores (9047 S Commercial Ave, 773-731-1919), not to mention the funky flip flops and trendy heels that stock the shelves. Sure the merchandise at Payless doesn't quite reach the caliber of fashion status found in downtown department stores, but for the price, the styles here are as en vogue as we could want. For athletic wear, head over to the Foot Locker (9059 S Commercial Ave, 773-221-6530) or City Sports (9157 S Commercial Ave, 773-221-7447). Whether you need new kicks for the basketball court or light-weight sneaks for jogging on the track, these two South Chicago favorites are sure stock just the right pair for your recreational and leisure time activities.

Fashion conscious men in the neighborhood will discover an amazing assortment of hats at Bernard's Wear (9017 S Commercial Ave, 773-375-9708) and wardrobe essentials at Hot Stuff Clothing for Men and Boys (9121 S Commercial Ave, 773-375-8692). Young gents and mature men alike stop in these South Chicago shops to browse the classic styles and latest trendy accessories to dress up the closet basics. Rainbow Shops (9052 S Commercial Ave, 773-768-5966) is a popular chain that can satisfy Mom's yearning for cute sweaters and get the kids ready for a new school year without putting too much of a dent in the bank account. Local residents also like the unique apparel finds at Venus Fashions (9147 S Commercial Ave, 773-375-5050) and Rita's Fashions (1959 E 79th St, 773-978-3843). It may not provide the high-end trends found along the Magnificent Mile, but for a neighborhood shopping district, South Chicago has all we could ask for.
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Mark Your Calendar

Many Chicago neighborhoods hold their own annual events to liven up the daily routine. Lucky for local residents, South Chicago sticks with the citywide tradition of hosting summer-long outdoor food stands, making an outing for groceries a little more fun then that regular trip to the supermarket.

The South Chicago's Farmer's Market (83rd and Marquette Ave) adds a few ethnic twists to the fresh vegetable experience. Hosted on the front lawn of Chief Nomo's Oasis, this independent market features African and African-American farmers, who grow organic products and bring their goods to the city for vending. Wondering what kind of a place the oasis is? Well, the property is a two-story building near Lake Michigan owned by Chief Nomo and his wife Natalie, who were given African names when they returned to Ghana in 1993. More recently Nomo was made a chief in the village of Gomoa Techiman, so now the couple calls their special South Chicago site Chief Nomo's Oasis. Aside from the farmer's market that takes over the front yard on Tuesdays from July through October, check out the home decor store located inside the building (called Angborki Doe Designs) anytime of year. In addition to the organic produce and goods available at the weekly market, there are stands vending fresh fruit and vegetables harvested in Union Pier, Michigan by a children's group called God's Gang. And, although this has nothing to do with the farmer's market, if you fancy an unusual place to tie the knot or stage an event, Chief Nomo's Oasis might be just the one-of-a-kind location you're seeking.
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Getting Around

South Chicago is a large triangular area, but Chicago's convenient public transit system (the CTA) makes it simple to cruise the neighborhood, or get downtown for work and/or sightseeing.

We think the best way to get to the Loop is via the Metra Rail (Chicago's commuter train that services the city and suburbs). South Chicagoans can catch the Metra at 93rd Street and Brandon Avenue, or just north of there at 87th Street and Baltimore Avenue. In just over thirty minutes, you'll be whisked to the center of downtown to Millennium Park Station, where you can easily walk to work in the Loop.

Buses are readily available throughout South Chicago too, and residents can pick up the #14 Jeffrey Express at Jeffrey and 87th Street to go downtown via the scenic route along the lakefront. Or, if you prefer, you can catch bus #71 at 87th Street and Commercial Avenue to the Red Line "El" train (so-named for the system's segments of elevated tracks), where you can continue your trip on the subway/elevated train. There's no faster way to zip around town.

Anyone who chooses to drive their car to destinations near the Loop or in other parts of the city can use the Chicago Skyway (I-90) for a quick trip. Just zip over to one of the entrance ramps in the neighborhood, at either 87th Street or 92nd Street, but be forewarned, traffic running north and south is nasty at rush hour -- both in the morning and afternoon. Plus, the Skyway is a toll road, so you'll need change unless you've got a trusty IPASS that allows you to slip through the tollbooths with ease.
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School's in Session

Families in the South Chicago neighborhood can choose from a wide range of schools, from public schools to the Catholic environment at Saint Michael's School. In addition to the following list, you can find out more information on South Chicago and other Chicago area schools at our Chicago Guide Schools page.

Arnold Mireles Academy 9000 S Exchange Ave - (773) 535-6360
Bowen High School 2710 E 89th St - (773) 535-6000
Edward Coles Elementary School 8441 S Yates Blvd - (773) 535-6550
Immaculate Conception School 8729 S Exchange Ave - (773) 375-4674
Mann Elementary School 8050 S Chappel Ave - (773) 535-6640
New Sullivan Elementary School 8331 S Mackinaw Ave - (773) 535-6585
Saint Michael's School 8231 S South Shore Dr - (773) 221-0212
Thorp Elementary School 8914 S Buffalo Ave - (773) 535-6250
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Basic Needs

You're probably wondering where you can get the basic stuff from tacos to toiletries, right? Well, that's why we've compiled a list of all the essential neighborhood resources to help you out in that department.

Transit

Chicago Transit Authority - (888) 968-7282

Libraries

South Chicago Library 9055 S Houston Ave - (312) 747-8065

Post Offices

US Post Office 9308 S South Chicago Ave - (773) 221-1734

Pharmacies

Osco Drug 9142 S South Chicago Ave - (773) 768-9036
Walgreens 2924 E 92nd St - (773) 221-4855; 2649 E 79th St - (773) 768-4333

Grocery Stores

Del Ray Farms 3019 E 91st St - (773) 375-5395
Freshway Foods 2600 E 87th St - (773) 375-9519
La Fruteria 8909 S Commercial Ave - (773) 768-4969

SHOPPING

Bernard's Wear 9017 S Commercial Ave - (773) 375-9708
City Sports 9157 S Commercial Ave - (773) 221-7447
Davis Shoe Stores 9109 S Commercial Ave - (773) 734-8543
En-Code 9132 S Commercial Ave - (773) 364-5051
Fashion Avenue Express 9039 S Commercial Ave - (773) 374-2211
Foot Locker 9059 S Commercial Ave - (773) 221-6530
Hot Stuff Clothing for Men and Boys 9121 S Commercial Ave - (773) 375-8692
JQ Fashions 9130 S Commercial Ave - (773) 978-5017
Payless Shoe Stores 9047 S Commercial Ave - (773) 731-1919
Rainbow 9052 S Commercial Ave - (773) 768-5966
R & P Fashions 9117 S Commercial Ave - (773) 374-9009
Rita's Fashions 1959 E 79th St - (773) 978-3843
Shoe Bazaar 9028 S Commercial Ave - (773) 374-4200
Star Player 9116 S Commercial Ave - (773) 734-1325
Tena's Avon Boutique 3029 E 92nd St - (773) 221-8975
Venus Fashions 9147 S Commercial Ave - (773) 375-5050

DINING

American Cuisine
Mr. G's Grill & Barbecue 8480 S Commercial Ave - (773) 374-5075
Phil's Castle Restaurant II 2948 E 83rd St - (773) 731-6694

Asian Cuisine
Hua's Chop Suey Express 3014 E 91st St - (773) 375-1800
New Chop Suey 9119 S Commercial Ave - (773) 978-1583

Cajun/Caribbean Cuisine
L E Creole 9174 S South Chicago Ave - (773) 721-3885
Mummy Ola 8725 S Commercial Ave - (773) 933-7023

Mexican Cuisine
Cocula Restaurant 8847 S Commercial Ave - (773) 374-3214
Gomez Tacos 3016 E 91st St - (773) 375-1023
La Gloria 8854 S Commercial Ave - (773) 221-0048
Pepe's Mexican Restaurant 8227 S Exchange Ave - (773) 768-8740

Pizza
De Arcos Pizza 2832 E 87th St - (773) 731-0300
Pizza Capri 8820 S Commercial Ave - (773) 768-7242

Nightlife/Bars
New Philip Lounge 2434 E 87th St - (773) 731-1616
Roma's Village Bar & Grill 9247 S Commercial Ave - (773) 375-5700
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There's a lot of mystery involved in searching for a new homeit starts with the property and expands outward to encompass the street, the block, the neighborhood, the entire city! Every little thing matters from the color of the walls to the attractions of the town. That's why a guide like this one on South Chicago is so helpful to potential homebuyers. Without leaving the comfort of your desktop computer or laptop, you've got an extensive pool of information on all of Chicago's neighborhoods that includes first-hand descriptions of dining, entertainment, shopping, bars, and events, in addition to lists of schools, hospitals, post offices, and gyms. We've done all the research to carefully craft this one-stop online spot, and create your hub for the real deal on South Chicago. So as soon as a Chicago loft, condo, townhome or house catches your eye, you know where to come for the low down on the digs around that prime piece of real estate.
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