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Welcome To South Deering

Pleasantly wedged between the Calumet River and Lake Calumet, South Deering is a culturally diverse Chicago neighborhood that features cozy residential homes as well as an important center for industrial development. Single-family houses dominate the South Deering blocks with characteristic brick bungalows, spacious two-story abodes, mid-century ranches, and standard split-levels. Real estate prices in this part of Chicago are very affordable. However, as redevelopment takes hold here, some property values are expected to increase in the area. A smattering of quick bite eateries and a few local grocers are the bulk of South Deering commercial establishments and a handful of preschool and elementary schools cover the neighborhood's educational needs.

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Contents


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


South Deering Facts

Location: About 16 miles south of the Loop
Boundaries: 101st Street and 95th Street to the north, Commercial Avenue and Torrence Avenue to the east, 110th Street to the south and Van Vissingen Road to the west
Bordering Neighborhoods: Jeffrey Manor, East Chicago, Irondale
Crime Statistics: Go to CLEARMap to search specific streets and areas for crime incidents
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Then and Now

South Deering is a modest neighborhood of working class folks. It got its start in 1875 when the Joseph H. Brown Iron and Steel Company built a steel mill near the Calumet Lake. Irish, Welsh, English, Swedish, and German immigrant laborers flocked to the factory for jobs, and the ensuing settlement was known as "Irondale." It wasn't until 1903 that community leaders renamed the small township South Deering as a cozy reminder of the wildlife in the area.

Just before the name-change, the Brown Iron and Steel Company was bought out by International Harvester, an agricultural machinery manufacturer that was big business in the south side of Chicago. In terms of the local economy, it was an economically positive buyout that brought more jobs prosperity to the neighborhood. Throughout the early 1900s, other large manufacturers set up shop in the area. Wisconsin Steel, Gold Medal Flour Company, Illinois Slag and Ballast Company, and Federal Furnace Company all opened plants in South Deering, giving Chicago a social and financial boost by creating thousands of jobs and pumping money into the oft-ignored south side region.

Due to its manufacturing boom, the industrially wealthy area welcomed a surge of immigrant workers who came to call South Deering home throughout the early 20th century. During the 1920s Mexicans began to appear in South Deering's strong job market and the 1940s brought African Americans looking for good wages and cheap rents as well. As the century progressed these new groups became the predominant ethnicities of South Deering neighborhood.

During 1938 and into the '40s, the Public Works Administration built Trumbull Park Homes, leasing it to the Chicago Housing Authority to accommodate low-income to lower-middle class families. As these homes were filled, World War II began the male labor force was sent off to war. The women of South Deering took up the slack, filling the jobs at the industrial plants that had been abandoned by their husbands and sons. As the world rolled on after the affects of the war faded away, women maintained their role in the workforce and in positions at South Deering plants.

By the time the 1980s rolled around, South Deering was feeling the affects of a slowing manufacturing industry. The Wisconsin Steel plant closed in 1980, leaving many South Deering folks jobless and pension-less. Over $85 million in liabilities and pensions were weaseled out of by Wisconsin Steel when they sold out to the EDC Holding Company. However, as the neighborhood lagged in economic growth, it grew in community spirit. South Deering neighbors organized through churches, local politicians, and union officials, gaining power and a voice. As the job crisis continued, folks began to speak out against the unfair loss of retirement funds. In 1998, their efforts paid off. Locals sued the Harvester Corporation, who owned the Wisconsin Steel Company, for their rightful amount of pension and benefits and won over $14 million. Though the suit helped brighten the overall mindset of South Deering residents, the neighborhood is still recovering from the hard-felt economic decline that followed a healthy industrial livelihood.
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Parks

South Deering is one of the few Chicago neighborhoods surrounded by nature. To the east, the Calumet River leisurely runs along the community's outermost edge. To the southwest, Lake Calumet sprawls outward, connecting to the river just south of the neighborhood. And then there's always Lake Michigan, a short drive away from the South Deering residential streets. While it's nice to have your choice of options for waterfront settings, many locals prefer to stay right in the heart of their community, which offers up plenty of in-neighborhood parkland as well.

Extending 18.5 acres, Trumball Park (2400 E 105th St, 312-747-6759) affords South Deering residents with blocks of lush green grass and open recreational space. A classically-designed fieldhouse, built in 1914, stands adjacent to a magnificent grouping of ginkgo trees in Trumball's central plaza. Also known as the maidenhair tree, ginkgos are native only to two small regions of the Zhejiang province in eastern China -- so the beautiful, leafy flora here has very distant roots (no pun intended). The park's mile-long jogging path circles around tall trees, the field house, a spraypool and swimming pool, and a whole lot of field space for baseball and other seasonal sports. Between the kid's day camp and intramural sports leagues, Trumball has all the bases covered for fun activities and ways to spend those long summer days or well-deserved leisure time. Not so leisurely, perhaps, but still fun nonetheless, Trumball Park also offers boxing courses to local South Deering residents.
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Real Estate

Close to both the culture of downtown and the refreshing vitality of nature, South Deering is a place where many first-time home buyers and young families have made their home. The residential section of this south side Chicago neighborhood lacks apartment complexes and condominiums; instead, the streets are lined with detached single-family dwellings. Towering trees shade a majority of this former steel mill community's streets. Developers are starting to take an interest in the real estate in South Deering neighborhood as brand new constructions dot the area.

Families starting out that need a lot of space at a lower cost will find South Deering a pretty good fit. The neighborhood has a mix of one- and two-story homes, raised ranches, bungalows, and split-level houses. Redevelopment is on the rise in recent years and it is expected that South Deering will see a boost in economic activity in the near future.

In general, the number of homes on the market in South Deering is limited; still, it pays to shop around because there are some nice properties in the area. The average sales price for a two- or three-bedroom single-family home in South Deering is about $120,000 but you can easily find one for under $100,000. A four to six-bedroom place averages around $132,000, although a handful of homes sell for between $150,000 and $200,000.

What's on the Menu?

South Deering is a neighborhood of cozy, quick and convenient eateries. When you're looking for speedy, sweet treats or a great pizza pie, you won't be disappointed by South Deering's dining scene.

Start your day off right at Calumet Bakery Shop (2510 E 106th St, 773-721-3747). This spot has been open since 1935, and they've now opened two other locations -- all of which serve up some of the most delectable strudel, Danishes, and desserts in Chicago. We've come to find there is nothing Calumet Bakery can't do. You want a divine, delicious wedding cake with five levels and three different colors of frosting? They do that. You want a cake that has four layers of fruit and yumminess? They also have deluxe cakes that are made to order. Do you just want to grab a fresh eclair on the way to work? Get one here and grab a carrot muffin to go with it. Just one note: If you're going to get your sweet fix, don't wait too long -- Calumet Bakery is open from about 6 am to early afternoon. Sorry...no late night snacks here.

After a long day at work, sit down in front of the TV, grab the phone and order dinner from South Deering's most popular pizzeria, Gusi's Pizza (10606 S Torrence Ave, 773-933-0820). It's better to call ahead for pick-up or to get delivery as Gusi's storefront space is a bit, well, cozy. Reasonable cost and great taste are trademarks of this pizza haven that keep locals coming back again and again. Try the thin crust topped with pepperoni...it sounds simple, but Gusi's has thick-cut pepperoni to die for and the sausage ain't stingy either!

Some of the best tacos around come from Taco Mex (10658 S Torrence Ave, 773-734-4321). Taco Mex is another great joint to grab some food on the go. The sit-down area has less than 10 tables so the place is small, but clean. The burritos here are killer. They are huge, and for vegetarians, the veggie-burrito is nearly bursting with rice and an assortment of vegetables. As if the burrito isn't enough, we can't help ourselves once we lay eyes on the chips and salsa. They are cheap and filling (don't forget to save room for those burritos) and make sure to ask for the hot sauce -- the hot peppers will make your tongue numb, we're not kidding.

So we know South Deering has a lot of carryout restaurants, but when you're looking for a sit-down place, stop in and have some coffee and pie at Casino Restaurant (9706 S Commercial Ave, 773-221-5170). This family-owned Croatian eatery has a warm diner feel with the free refills to match. Casino is open from lunch through late dinner and definitely fills up on weekend evenings and Sunday brunch. The lamb is simply must-have, but if you have to try something else, pick the muckalica, an enticing meat stew with chunky vegetables. As a digestif to a full stomach, the plum brandy or Turkish coffee complement the krempita, a dreamy custard in a flaky, buttery crust.

Another reliable diner in South Deering is Leif's No 2 (10350 S Torrence Ave, 773-768-1859). Don't let the tough exterior fool you, the family-run restaurant is friendly and inviting once inside. The hamburgers have all the leafy, veggie, pickle-ly fixings and are belly-achingly, deliciously huge. The thick-cut cottage fries are perfectly salted and after all that food, you still won't be able to resist ordering one of the many appetizing sundaes on Leif's dessert menu.
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Getting Around

Situated 16 miles south of the city's center, South Deering has the feel of a distant suburb, without the long-distance hassle. Though it's surrounded by nature and residential areas, South Deering could hardly be called isolated.

If it's a beautiful day and you enjoy the exercise, South Deering neighborhood streets are safe for biking to and from errands. Only the most die-hard bikers would want to navigate local routes all the way into Chicago's downtown Loop, but we suppose it can be done. By contrast, South Deering is only about 30 minutes to the Loop by car traveling on I-90 (the Chicago Skyway) after hopping on at the 92nd Street entrance. I-90 will turn into I-90/94 (the Dan Ryan/Kennedy Expressway) as it travels north through the entirety of Chicago. If you'd rather let an expert handle the driving, call for a cab -- and we do mean literally call (as in phone), because otherwise you could be waiting quite a while for a taxi to pass by these neighborhood streets.

There's also a plethora of CTA bus routes that pass through South Deering. The #71 Torrence Avenue bus travels more than half way to the South Loop and then further with simple transfers. Or check out the #100 bus that leads to the 95th Street/Dan Ryan stop of the CTA Red Line train. It'll be about a ten minute ride to the Red Line and then about 30 minutes into the loop on the train. Another train option is hopping on at the 93rd Street stop of the Metra Electric South Branch. The Metra is a commuter train that reaches into the far suburbs of Chicagoland and gives riders the perfect opportunity to catch up on reading, sleeping, or plain old peace and quiet while they travel.
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School's in Session

South Deering has quite a few academic options for the younger folks in the family. There are plenty of elementary and high schools, both private and public to choose from.

At John L. Marsh Elementary (9810 S Exchange Ave, 773-535-6430) preschoolers through elementary kids learn the value of hard work and determination. Marsh prides itself on the high level of interaction between parents, students, and teachers. Technological literacy is a large component of the school's educational format for both students and teachers -- the school even has its own podcast! For families seeking Catholic values and a private education, Sacred Heart School (2906 E 96th St, 773-768-3728) teaches kindergarten through junior high students core Catholic principles and academic integrity.

In addition to the following list, you can find out more information about the community's and the rest of Chicago's schools at http://Chicago Public Schools and http://Great Schools.

Bright Elementary School 10740 S Calhoun Ave - (773) 535-6215
Goldsmith School 10211 S Crandon Ave - (773) 535-6524
John L. Marsh Elementary 9810 S Exchange Ave - (773) 535-6430
Raldolph Alternative School 10509 S Torrence Ave - (773) 374-2715
Sacred Heart School 2906 E 96th St - (773) 768-3728
St. Kevin's Head Start 10509 S Torrence Ave - (773) 374-6466
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Basic Needs

South Deering is a quiet neighborhood in the middle of everything you could need. To the north, downtown Chicago supplies culture and glitz. To the south and east, lakes and rivers. And in the list below, you'll find the ins and outs of daily necessities.

Transit

Chicago Transit Authority - (888) 968-7282

Grocery Stores

Commercial Groceries 3004 E 100th St - (773) 734-6900
La Feria Groceries 9704 S Commercial Ave - (773) 933-7662
Lopez Liquors 9700 S Commercial Ave - (773) 221-3224

Library

Jeffery Manor Library 2401 E 100th St - (312) 747-6479

DINING

Bakeries
Calumet Bakery Shop 2510 E 106th St - (773) 721-3747

Bars
Delich Brothers Club 10832 S Torrence Ave - (773) 734-9867
Frank's Tap and Grill 9621 S Commercial Ave - (773) 221-6686
Lotesto Louis 10400 S Muskegon Ave - (773) 221-7646

American Cuisine
Hienie's Shrimp House 10359 S Torrence Ave - (773) 734-8400
JJ Fish & Chicken 10325 S Torrence Ave - (773) 375-0500
L&G Restaurant 10401 S Torrence Ave - (773) 721-0811
Leif's No 2 10350 S Torrence Ave - (773) 768-1859

Croatian Cuisine
Casino Restaurant 9706 S Commercial Ave - (773) 221-5170

Italian Cuisine
Gusi's Pizza 10606 S Torrence Ave - (773) 933-0820

Mexican Cuisine
Taco Mex 10658 S Torrence Ave - (773) 734-4321
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Our neighborhoods guide is meant to give potential homebuyers a general overview of what every Chicago neighborhood has to offer and what makes it unique from the restand believe us, no two neighborhoods are the same! Searching for a new home isn't just about finding that prefect condo or house, making sure the setting fits your style and needs is just as important. And whether South Deering neighborhood is your ideal locale to settle down, or you've found the scene here just isn't your cup of tea, we're here to help you find the right place to make sure your home purchase a is total success. From the type of restaurants to the outdoor venues to the local schools, every detail is an essential factor in what makes a property of dream home. By utilizing our comprehensive accounts of each community, such as this one for South Deering, we hope to provide a detailed picture of not only the residential real estate available in the area, but also the additional features of the neighborhood. A quick glance and you'll know exactly what shopping, dining, entertainment and resources are in South Deering, all without ever having to go anywhere.
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