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Welcome To Vittum Park

Emerging as a result from the aviation industry surrounding Midway Airport, this southwest Chicago neighborhood offers lovely bungalow-style housing and peaceful residential streets ideal for families just starting out and folks transitioning to the city. Vittum Park holds a very diverse culture in its small reaches on the outer boundaries of the city limits. Narrow lots, sidewalk-sliced lawns and long blocks conform to the typical grid pattern of Chicago neighborhoods. A sizeable community park is where Vittum Parkers convene to play a pickup game of baseball, hit the tennis ball around, and stretch the legs on the short walking trail. Inside the onsite fieldhouse, neighborhood children are welcome to participate in sports programs and recreational activities that include day camps and martial arts classes. Go ahead and work up an appetite because Vittum Park boasts a mini-selection of Mexican taquerias, American restaurants and casual bars to satiate your hunger  or thirst.

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


Vittum Park Facts

Location: Approximately 10 miles southwest of the Loop
Boundaries: 47th Street to the north, Cicero Avenue to the east, Archer Avenue to the south and Central Avenue to the west
Bordering Neighborhoods: Le Claire Courts, Garfield Ridge, Archer Heights
Crime Statistics: Go to CLEARMap to search specific streets and areas for crime incidents
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Then and Now

A subdivision of the southwest side's Garfield Ridge neighborhood, Vittum Park maintains a charming balance between suburb and city.

During the 19th century, speculators and farmers alike purchased tracks of land in the area, but the soggy prairies of this rural landscape proved difficult to cultivate, and most people stayed only a short time. One of the area's earliest trailblazers was William Archer, commissioner of the Illinois & Michigan Canal. In 1835, Archer bought 240 acres between present-day Archer and Harlem avenues. Of course, Archer Avenue was named after the commissioner, and is the road most of the disappointed pioneers used to leave the neighborhood after the lands proved infertile. In 1853, former Chicago mayor John Wentworth bought up the territory just east of Archer's property. The city of Chicago began to incorporate the land a little at a time, and by 1921, the entire area of Garfield Park (which included what would later become Vittum Park) was considered part of Chicago.

The 1920s brought hoards of immigrant Poles, who were fleeing the crumbling infrastructure of their homeland, to the newly annexed neighborhood. In 1926, the opening of the Chicago Municipal Airport (later to be renamed Midway) brought jobs, a thriving economy and a big reason for people to settle down in Garfield Ridge. Of course, just a few years later the onset of the Great Depression slowed the neighborhood's development until after the war. It was during these post-war years that the population of Garfield Ridge skyrocketed, doubling during the 1940s and tripling during the 1950s. Employees of Midway airport were building single-family homes in the west side of the neighborhood, and it was also during this time period that the small pocket of Vittum Park saw a surge in residential construction.

Named for the newly built park (established in 1947) about which the tiny enclave sprouted, Vittum Park became a desirable corner of the Garfield Ridge neighborhood. The airport itself was steadily growing to become one of the world's largest hubs, and life couldn't have been sweeter.

That is, until the city of Chicago realized that the pint-size airport couldn't possibly handle more traffic, and turned its aviation eyes further north, to Orchard Field Airport/Douglass Field (present-day O'Hare), an area that had been used since the early 1940s for manufacturing military planes and storing experimental and captured aircraft. During 1955, the first commercial flights took off from the new airfield, and in 1958 an international terminal was built. Still, the new northwest side airport didn't really begin to affect Midway's business until 1962, when a massive expansion project instantly transformed O'Hare into the new world's busiest airport. Within its first year, more passengers went through O'Hare than had been through New York's Ellis Island during its entire history. Chicago's southern airport quickly became an afterthought.

The Vittum Park neighborhood remained in something of a standstill until the 1990s, when budget airlines prompted renewed interest in Midway airport. A public rapid transit line (the CTA Orange Line "El") was installed in the area, connecting the airport and the surrounding neighborhoods with the downtown Loop, and people once again began to move into the area. These days, Vittum Park remains a predominately middle-class neighborhood -- a wonderful place to raise a family, and a great spot for aviation-industry employees to lay down roots. The community boasts a fairly diverse makeup today with a mix of Caucasians, African-Americans, Latin-Americans (predominantly of Mexican heritage), even the area's early Polish population is still well-represented.
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Parks

When the winter weather finally relents a bit, and the sun starts to shine, it's great to be a Chicagoan. Our public park system here can go head-to-head with any other city in the country, so you know there are always plenty of outdoor activities to choose from, many of them found right in our own backyard.

Named after Harriet Elizabeth Vittum, one of Chicago's first and foremost female social reformers, Vittum Park (5010 W 50th St., 773-284-6022) also lends its name to the neighborhood surrounding it. The 13-acre property was conceived in 1947 and includes baseball fields, tennis courts and a fieldhouse containing a gym and several community halls. Vittum Park hosts day camps, martial arts and team sports programs for children of all ages. There is also a short walking trail, about a quarter of a mile long, winding through the park for folks who care to stroll.
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Real Estate

Pristinely manicured lawns, well-spaced lots, and wide sidewalk-lined streets shaded by towering trees give the Chicago city neighborhood of Vittum Park a suburban air that has attracted a great number of local families to the southwest side.

Children playing, neighbors holding conversations over fences and American flags blowing in the wind are usual sights in this south Chicago neighborhood. The single-dwelling homes here were mostly built during the area's housing boom of the 1940s and 1950s and lend a cozy, if ethereal post-war charm to the community. There are a few condominium units for sale, but the majority of the market here consists of bungalow-style homes that have been lovingly maintained.

The quaint redbrick bungalows that are common in many Chicago communities are also a staple of the residential architecture in Vittum Park. But sitting right next to that adorable little bungalow you will often find a very diverse assortment of housing from raised ranches to single-story frame houses to split-levels. Many of these dwellings have garage parking and sizeable yards that allow for summertime barbeques, private vegetable gardens and plenty of space for the kids to run around and expend some energy before trying to get them to go to bed.

The average sales price for a three-bedroom single-family detached home in Vittum Park is around $240,000. Of course there are a few properties listed for less than $200,000 and some are above the $300,000 mark, but the majority of the houses in this south side Chicago neighborhood cost somewhere in the two-hundred thousands. If you need a bit more living space and a couple more bedrooms, the price jumps up slightly with the average sales price at about $270,000. Again, there some properties here and there that will sell for more, closer to $400,000.

What's on the Menu?

One of the greatest things about living in Chicago is the food, whether you are in the mood for pizza, tacos, or some lo mein, it's all within your reach here. The diverse culinary scene in Vittum Park lets you dine on delicacies from all around the globe -- without ever having to leave your neighborhood!

If you and the family are interested in heaping plates of south-of-the-border goodies, give Pepe's Mexican Restaurant (4820 S Cicero Ave., 773-767-9600) a try. The portions are huge, the atmosphere festive, and the authentic Mexican fare is delicious. For great sit-down near Midway Airport, we make sure to stop by Fiesta Mexico Restaurant (5728 S. Archer Ave., 773-767-0770). This little Mexican eatery makes a mean mole poblano, and if you order their guacamole to start, you'll be in heaven. When there's not really time to dine and you just feel like grabbing a quick burrito on your way home, Vittum Park locals make a trip to El Palenque (5173 S Archer Ave., 773-585-6519) for the best in carryout with a Latin flair.

We know that sometimes the beans and rice plates get to be a bit much, so we recommend alternating Vittum Park's mouthwatering array of Mexican restaurants with a little taste of East Asia. Asia Wok (4622 S Cicero Ave., 773-582-8888) is the place to go in this southwest Chicago neighborhood for simple, tasty, straight-forward Chinese cuisine. Get the traditional standbys that are sure to satisfy every time, and don't forget to read your fortune -- those cookies aren't just for dessert, you know.

For a diner fix any hour of the day, there's nothing better than Brandy's Restaurant (5200 S Cicero Ave., 773-767-0400). This Greek-owned 24-hour coffee shop is located just a hop away from Midway Airport and has been the first, or last, stop in Chicago for many travelers. The classic diner fare at Brandy's has entertained many an indefinitely delayed passenger, but it's still a favorite spot for Vittum Park locals who aren't going any farther then a block or two from home. Prices are low, service is swift, and the food consistently hits the spot. Plus, it's a great site for people-watching. You never know who going to walk through that door. If you prefer your meals a little more on the Polish side, head to Orion Restaurant (5772 S Archer Ave., 773-767-6599). Their shtick is to skirt the line between American and Polish comfort food, and we think they do a bang-up job. Choose from a cheeseburger or hunter's stew; New York steak or stuffed cabbage; buffalo wings or pierogies. Both cuisines are well-represented on the extensive menu, and at around ten bucks per plate, the prices are reasonable. If you're like us, you always save room for dessert -- regardless of what time of day it is. We like to choose from the displays at Greco's Pastry Shop (5746 S Archer., 773-585-2422) for a quick and tasty pastry fix.
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Night on the Town

Vittum Park isn't much of a party neighborhood. A few neighborhood taverns tickle the streets, each one more low-key than the last.

During the weekends, the same Orion Restaurant that serves up American/Polish cuisine turns into a true Euro dance party, complete with Polish DJs and flashing-lights. It's not exactly Studio 54, but it makes for a great night when you have friends stopping through on lengthy layovers. If you prefer you're partying the old-fashioned way, with a beer in hand and a game on the tube, we recommend you give Guide Sports Bar (5544 S Archer Ave., 773-582-3788) a shot. With nearly a dozen televisions, a huge selection of domestic and import beers, a pool table and the best wings you'll get outside of Buffalo, this unassuming neighborhood haunt is sure to make a regular out of you.
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Getting Around

Getting around the Vittum Park neighborhood couldn't be easier. Whether you prefer driving, public transit, or flying, this southwest Chicago neighborhood has an option for you.

Those with their own wheels will love the abundant parking. Almost every home in Vittum Park has a garage, and street parking is widely available but seldom used. The Stevenson Expressway (I-55) is just a short drive north and connects the neighborhood to the downtown Loop with a quick 15-minute trip.

A car isn't necessary in this Chicago neighborhood, though. Because Vittum Park is so close to Midway Airport, the entire neighborhood can be easily reached by public transportation. The Orange Line "El" (part of Chicago's train system nicknamed for its segments of elevated track) runs directly to Midway Airport from the Loop -- where it connects passengers to trains heading to all Chicago destinations. From the Midway El stop (just south of Vittum Park), the #55A and #55N westbound bus lines connect passengers to other points in the neighborhood. For those that prefer to take a bus downtown, the #62 Archer Avenue line runs from Vittum Park to State and Kinzie streets, an intersection in the heart of the Loop's shopping district. The #54 Cicero Avenue line runs from Vittum Park all the way north to the O'Hare Blue Line El, connecting with the Pink, Green and Forest Park Blue Lines along the way.

Walking and biking shouldn't be overlooked when you're figuring out how to get around Vittum Park. The neighborhood is so well-maintained and tranquil, that a brisk stroll or ride is a treat. We love running our errands on foot, while ogling the lovely homes, beautiful gardens and scenic parkland of this darling neighborhood.
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School's in Session

Families will find that both the public and private primary schools in Vittum Park are superior learning facilities. In addition to the following list of Vittum Park schools, you can find more information on Chicago area educational institutions at our Chicago Guide Schools page.

Charles J Shas Elementary School 5001 S Long Ave (708) 458-1152
Hearst Elementary School 4640 S Lamon Ave - (773) 535-2376
Our Lady of the Snows School 4810 S Leamington Ave - (773) 735-4810
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Basic Needs

Just to help you get oriented, we've added a list of places in Vittum Park where you can get your bare necessities, from fruits and veggies to fashion mags and vitamins.

Pharmacies

Matel Pharmacy 4714 S Cicero Ave - (773) 767-3600
Walgreens 5018 S Cicero Ave - (773) 581-0929

Grocery Stores

Los Tres Brothers 5536 S Archer Ave - (773) 582-2733
Chicago Transit Authority - (888) 968-7282

SHOPPING

Just For You Fashions Boutique 4428 S Leamington Ave - (773) 581-9190
Payless Shoe Source 5892 S Archer Ave - (773) 582-1131

DINING

American Cuisine
Brandy's Restaurant 5200 S Cicero Ave - (773) 767-0400
Orion Restaurant 5772 S Archer Ave - (773) 767-6599

Asian Cuisine
Asia Wok 4622 S Cicero Ave - (773) 582-8888

Bakeries
Greco's Pastry Shop 5746 S Archer Ave - (773) 585-2422

Mexican Cuisine
El Palenque 5173 S Archer Ave - (773) 585-6519
Fiesta Mexico 5728 S Archer Ave - (773) 767-0770
Pepe's Mexican Restaurant 4820 S Cicero Ave - (773) 767-9600

Pizza
Villa Rosa Pizza & Restaurant 5786 S Archer Ave - (773) 585-8367

Nightlife/Bars
3rd Down 4839 S Central Ave (708) 458-0804
Guide Sports Bar 5544 S Archer Ave - (773) 582-3788
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Sometimes it makes more sense to view the city of Chicago as a bunch of separate neighborhoodsespecially 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. Vittum Park neighborhood 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 Vittum Park.
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