West Beverly Real Estate and Neighborhood Information

West Beverly Facts

Location: about 15 miles southwest of the Loop
Boundaries: 99th Street to the north, Western Avenue to the east, 107th Street to the south and California Avenue to the west
Bordering Neighborhoods: Beverly, West Morgan Park, Mount Greenwood, Morgan Park, Evergreen Park
Crime Statistics: Go to CLEARMap for crime stats on specific Chicago neighborhood, intersection, address or police beat.

Then and Now

The area now known as West Beverly was once an unnamed, sparsely populated subdivision of the Washington Heights settlement. Even with annexation to Chicago in 1874, this new Chicago neighborhood was slow to develop and to take on an identity of its own. The community got a boost in the 1890s, however, when the Rock Island Railroad named its 91st Street station "Beverly Hills." The "Beverly" part of the title paid tribute to Beverly, Massachusetts, which has no real connection to Chicago but was perhaps suggested by a homesick immigrant from that town. The secondary "Hills" piece is an acknowledgment of the ridge (once the shoreline of glacial Lake Chicago) that runs through the vicinity. West Beverly, like much of the surrounding area, was originally settled by European Protestants. In the 1920s, an influx of Irish Catholic immigrants and African Americans from the southern states diversified the neighborhood. With a growth spurt prompted by the post-WWII baby boom, the population of the entire Beverly area nearly doubled in the years following the war. Today West Beverly is a solid, integrated middle-class neighborhood, and home to many Chicago policemen and firefighters. The community is proud of its unwavering stability and ties to Chicago's past.

Parks

Prior to World War II, West Beverly was a sparsely populated neighborhood, but after the war the area experienced a building boom that coincided with the Baby Boom. In 1949, the Chicago Park District took advantage of the open space still available and created Beverly Park (2460 W 102nd St, 312-747-6024) to meet the growing population's demand for recreational areas. This 13.2-acre park features tennis courts and playgrounds, with a long, narrow open field for baseball and soccer games cradled in between. Need to brush up on your skills a bit before hitting the courts? No problem, the park also offers tennis workshops, in addition to arts and crafts classes. We're big fans of the walking trails which offer miles of scenic paths for running, jogging, strolling, or stroller-pushing. For little West Beverly residents, the park has Cub Care baseball and play camps to keep the kids occupied during those lengthy summer days. Munroe Park (2617 W 105th St, 312-747-6561) got its start in 1945 and since then has been redone, improved and upgraded continuously, producing an excellent -- yet small -- recreation destination for West Beverly locals. This park fits in one square block between Talman and Maplewood avenues, and 105th and 106th streets. In addition to the existing baseball diamond, tennis courts were instituted in 1955, and more recent additions include a soft surface playground, a sand volleyball court and a soccer field. The park is also a great place for stretching the legs along the well-maintained walking trail. We also like to toss around the Frisbee or just lay out a blanket for a picnic lunch. In the summer months Munroe Park offers play camps for tots so you can bring your little bundles of joy down and then have a little free time of your own to enjoy the great outdoors, or take a little snooze in the sun.

The "Ridge" golf course, at Ridge Country Club (10522 S California Ave, 773-238-9400) opened in 1902 and was redesigned in 1974. This 18-hole course is known for its tight greens and water hazards and the sand bunkers that challenge golfers on every hole. The club is private and membership is required but there's no better place in the city to tee up and hit a long drive over the shaded greens.
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Real Estate

Throughout the lush, lawn-covered blocks of West Beverly, mature trees with long leafy branches provide shade from the summer sun and a beautiful setting to raise a family. This southwest side Chicago neighborhood offers potential homebuyers an eclectic mix of home designs and sizes, so whether it's just you or you, the family, the mother-in-law and the dog who just had a litter of puppies, you're sure to find something to suit your needs.

Most of the multi-unit housing in West Beverly is found along the main thoroughfares that outline the neighborhood borders -- namely 107th Street and Western Avenue. These residential buildings are predominantly older mid-rise condos with some newer construction townhomes. However, the majority of West Beverly's residential streets are lined with single-family homes that range in style, size and price. Many of the houses are smaller raised ranches and brick one-stories that have plenty of yard space for residents to enjoy gardening or an outdoor barbeque. While there are a good number of modest homes that are great for young families and first-time buyers, there are a few streets in West Beverly where the lots are more spread out and the homes are noticeably bigger. These two-story dwelling feature a hodgepodge of architectural designs, but all are stately and well-maintained. You can get a two-bedroom condo in West Beverly for as low as $134,000, but most are listed in the mid $100,000 to upper $200,000 range. Three-bedroom units start at $300,000 with a few in the low $300,000s. The average sales price for a three-bedroom single-family detached home in West Beverly is approximately $273,000, however, houses this size start in the upper $100,000s. Those bigger homes we mentioned earlier go for between $500,000 and a million dollars.

Beverly Residential Real Estate Info (Includes West Beverly Neighborhood)

Type of Housing	Average Sale Price 2005-2006	# of Units Sold	One Year Price Change	Price Change Since 94
Single Family Detached	$316,619	179	7%	108%
Single Family Attached	$163,422	22	24%	159%

Source: Multiple Listings Service of Northern Illinois
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What's on the Menu?

Dining in West Beverly neighborhood has diversified over the years. Today Italian and French cuisine both find a home among the more traditional American eateries that typically grace the restaurant scene here.

Since this is a Chicago neighborhood, there is one type of food we'd be fools not to cover right off the bat -- yup, we're talking about the trusty pizzeria, a staple in any valid list of Chicago dining options. Giordano's (9613 S Western Ave, 773-445-6255) has been a Chicago institution for over 30 years, with more than 30 Chicagoland locations -- and lucky for us, one of them happens to be in West Beverly. Not the first or only Chicago restaurant chain to make a claim to the best deep dish pizza, but Giordano's certainly gives the competition a real run for their money. Alternatives to pizza are available here as well, like hearty Italian beef, sausage, or meatball sandwiches&but seriously, why would you opt for anything other than the tantalizing taste of Giordano's zesty tomato sauce (which is added over the toppings) and the pastry-like crust that is layered in, giving a single slice height and satiating power. Since the stuffed pizza does come with a disclaimer of a 40-minute cook time, we'd understand if you want to order an appetizer to fend off the hunger while you wait, which are mostly of the fried variety (calamari, mozzarella sticks, breaded mushrooms), and Giordano's crisp salads are a refreshing side dish to round out the meal. The restaurant is family-friendly so bring the kids and eat in, or pick up a pie and take it home.

The original Original Pancake House (10437 S Western Ave, 773-445-6100) is in Portland, Oregon, but West Beverly is home to one of this chain's many franchises. With a down-home country decor, this spot offers comfort breakfast food including a wide variety of pancakes, crepes and egg dishes. West Beverly residents hit up this neighborhood fixture for a fix of traditional morning meal cuisine. You can get a good breakfast any time of the day here, however, they do close at 3pm on weekdays and 5pm on the weekends -- so don't sleep too late.

If you want to eat at Janson's Drive-In (9900 S. Western Ave, 773-238-3612), having wheels helps, as no indoor seating is even offered (although there is a walk-up window and several outdoor tables available). The menu is what you would expect from this throwback A-frame building. Burgers and fries, shakes and pizza puffs and other assorted deep-fried snacks fill out a menu that makes no low-calorie promises to the more health conscious among us.

For those whose palates are a bit more sophisticated, Koda (10352 S Western Ave, 773-445-563) just might fit the bill. A French bistro in West Beverly? That was the talk when Koda opened its doors in 2006, and that's exactly why the owners chose the "underserved" West Beverly area to set up shop. Serving contemporary French cuisine and classics with a twist, Koda has become a favorite in a neighborhood not known for upscale cuisine. The restaurant features several large dining rooms and an unassuming bar where patrons can relax with a drink before dinner or stay for a nightcap. In lieu of its ambitious fine dining aspirations, Koda is still reasonably priced with most entrees under $20. As we said, this place is popular among West Beverly residents, so seating can be hard to come by -- save yourself some heartache and make reservations.
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Best Shopping Stops

Need a new grip for that old golf club? Or maybe you're in search of something more spiritual&well, if that's the case, you're in luck because the shops in West Beverly neighborhood actually specialize in those very items. West Beverly's Harvest Christian Book Store (10328 S Western Ave, 773-445-3535) caters to those of the Christian faith, although all are welcome to come and browse the shelves for publications on spirituality and topics related to the Christian religion. Patrons of the store have high praise for the good prices, frequent sales selection and ample parking. Ideal for confirmation gifts, we make a visit any time a niece or nephew, or one of our own kids makes the ceremonial leap of faith to officially join the church congregation.

Whether you're in need of personalized golf balls or custom-fitted clubs Klees Golf Shop (10436 S Western Ave, 773-233-4000) is the first place you ought to go. Klees has been open for business for almost 100 years, with the original location across from the Jackson Park golf course at 64th Street and Stoney Island Avenue. Patrons of both amateur and well-seasoned ilk are invited to take their time to look through the store's many golf-related gadgets and merchandise, however, you need to make an appointment for repairs, which they do right there in the shop, usually while you wait.
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Night on the Town

Sports bar, quaint pub, or late-night dancing -- whatever your preference, West Beverly's neighborhood hangouts are happy to accommodate you in your quest. Keegan's Pub (10618 S Western Ave, 773-233-6829) is one of many bars on Western Avenue that serves West Beverly in south side Irish style. Patrons completely surround a circular bar that sits in the middle of Keegan's with the bartender in the center whirling about to server the round-table of drinkers. Portraits of well-known writers and patriots of the Emerald Isle line the bar's paneled interior, as friendly conversation flows in this intimate and welcoming watering hole. Guinness is on tap, as it should be in any legit Irish pub, and the bar also offers up a choice of six different whiskeys. We've tried them all, but not on the same night, of course.

For a straight-up sports bar experience, we head to Dinger's Sports Bar (10638 S Western Ave, 773-233-9960) where we join the locals yakking about their favorite teams (that'd be the White Sox if the talk is on baseball). If you're feeling athletic yourself, there are darts and a bean-bag toss game available. When we're out really late -- and we mean really, really late -- it's good to know that Brewbakers (10350 S Western Ave, 773-239-1659) will still be open. Closing at 5am this is the after hours spot of West Beverly. They do charge a cover to get in (usually $3) but the friendly bartenders and the open dance floor in the back make it well worth it. You don't have to show up at 4am to have a good time though. There's plenty of activity in the earlier hours with darts and pool to keep you occupied between cheap domestic drinks. And did we mention it's open late?
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Mark Your Calendar

If you're looking for that authentic south side Chicago experience, then keep your calendar open in March, because that's the time of year West Beverly residents and local neighbors turn it up a notch.

The South Side Irish Parade (773-393-8687) is an annual St. Patrick's Day tradition on Chicago's southwest side. Started in the early 1950s, the event experienced an interruption of almost 25 years, when Mayor Richard J. Daley moved the parade downtown in 1955. The celebration no doubt gained a wider audience along its new route, but not to be outdone, south siders started up a festive procession on their turf again in 1979 which soon gained a reputation as the real St. Paddy's Day party. The parade route runs down the Beverly/West Beverly border of Western Avenue from 103rd to 115th Street in neighboring Morgan Park. So which parade is better? We'll let you be the judge.
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Getting Around

There are several options for residents traveling in and around the West Beverly neighborhood, and as long as you have a Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) pass, or a car of your own, you're all set to travel about with ease. The great thing about Pace bus lines is that they accept all CTA passes. So, with our trusty card in hand, we take the Pace #349 bus, which runs down Western Avenue from 79th Street to the Harvey Transportation Center where the Metra Rail commuter line also stops. You can also hop on the #95W 95th Street bus east to Long Wood Rock Island Metra Station to catch the train, which is a quick way to get yourself to the Chicago Loop. Being on the outskirts of the city (closer to suburbia than downtown) West Beverly is a pretty car-friendly place. Parking doesn't pose much of a problem as most residents have garages or space in front of their houses to leave their vehicles, and businesses are well-equipped with private parking lots or abundant street spots along the main drags. But if you want our opinion, we think the wide forest-lined avenues make walking or bike riding an even better way to experience the neighborhood and get those local errands done.
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School's in Session

West Beverly families will be pleased with the selection of public and private schools to choose from in the neighborhood when it's time for the little ones to head off to class. And for adult education and career instruction, the Samland Institute of Allied Health (10146 S Western Ave, 773-238-7800) has been training nurses in the health care field for a decade, right here in West Beverly. In addition to the following list, you can find more information on Chicago area schools at our Chicago Guide Schools page.

John Fisher School 10200 S Washtenaw Ave - (773) 445-4737
Little Lamb Scholastic Academy 10126 S Western Ave - (773) 238-2500
Ridge Academy 2501 W 103rd St - (773) 233-0033
Samland Institute of Allied Health 10146 S Western Ave - (773) 238-7800
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Basic Needs

Whether it's a few items for dinner tonight or a place to burn off the calories from dinner you're after, here are a few places in West Beverly neighborhood to aid you in your search. Transportation

Transit

Chicago Transit Authority (888) 968-7282
Pace Suburban Bus Service - (847) 364-PACE

Grocery Stores

White Hen Pantry 2421 W 103rd St - (773) 445-9215

Gyms

Cardinal Fitness of Beverly 2545 W 111th St - (773) 445-3700

SHOPPING

Klees Golf Shop 10436 S Western Ave - (773) 233-4000
Harvest Christian Book Store 10328 S Western Ave - (773) 445-3535
Smith & Smith Sales 10336 S Western Ave - (773) 238-5570
Tents-R-Us 10100 S Western Ave - (773) 779-8368
Up & Coming Inc 10350 S Fairfield Ave - (773) 779-2875

DINING

American Cuisine
Janson's Drive-In 9900 S Western Ave - (773) 238-3612

Top Notch Beefburger Shop 2116 W 95th St - (773) 445-7218
The Original Pancake House 10437 S Western Ave - (773) 445-6100

French Cuisine
Koda 10352 S Western Ave - (773) 445-563

Italian Cuisine/Pizza
Giordano's 9613 S Western Ave - (773) 445-6255

Catering
Beverly Ritz Catering and Swanson's Deli 2414 W 103rd St - (773) 239-1197

Nightlife/Bars
Brewbakers 10350 S Western Ave - (773) 239-1659
Ding Batt's 10638 S Western Ave - (773) 233-9960
Dinger's Sports Bar 10638 S Western Ave - (773) 233-9960
Keegan's Pub 10618 S Western Ave - (773) 233-6829
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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. West Beverly 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 West Beverly.
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