West Elsdon Real Estate and Neighborhood Information

West Elsdon Facts

Location: Approximately 9 miles southwest of the Loop
Boundaries: the CTA Orange Line tracks to the north, Kolmar Avenue to the west, Central Park Avenue to the east and 59th Street to the south
Bordering Neighborhoods: Archer Heights, Gage Park, Westlawn, Midway, Chicago Lawn
Crime Statistics: Go to CLEARMap to search specific streets and areas for crime incidents
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Then and Now

Back in the day, we're talking hundreds of years ago, much of the terrain south of Chicago was marshy swampland that was difficult to harvest or develop. But people are innovative and with the help of technological advances, the sections of the soggy earth were eventually transformed into useful soil -- for laying railroad tracks that is.

West Elsdon was originally populated by European immigrants (mostly Irish and Germans) who moved to the area to work on the railroads that were being constructed in the region. As a result of population growth and a mounting need for increased infrastructure, the community was annexed into Chicago along with much of the rest of the southwest side in 1889. The main employer in the area at the time was the Grand Trunk Railroad, which connected Chicago to the northeastern United States and Canada. But even with the neighborhood's recent incorporation into the larger city of Chicago and a thriving rail transportation industry, much of the region still remained submerged in swampy water.

With significant breakthroughs in drainage technology (hey, if the Dutch could do it, why couldn't we, right?) West Elsdon and the surrounding vicinity were effectively drained in the 1920s. Still, the neighborhood didn't really take-off (so to speak) until the Chicago Municipal Airport (present-day Midway Airport) was opened in 1927 directly to the west of West Elsdon.

In many ways, the strength and prosperity of the neighborhood has always been largely contingent on its position along major trade and travel routes. In the 1960s, to accommodate the increasing domestic air travel at Midway Airport, construction began on the Stevenson Expressway (I-55). When completed in the late 1960s, the Stevenson provided area residents with a convenient and speedy means of traveling to downtown Chicago for work or leisure. Then, in the early 1990s, the neighborhood received another boost with the opening of the elevated CTA Orange Line train, which has a stop in the neighborhood. The Orange Line is still the most recent expansion to the CTA rapid transit network, and as a result it's one of the fastest and smoothest rides in the city.

Over the years, the demographic makeup of West Elsdon has changed considerably from the time when it attracted a cultural mix of immigrant railroad workers. Many of the aging European populations have since moved on to the suburbs or to Chicago's north side and have been replaced by incoming Mexican immigrants and Mexican-American families. Today the West Elsdon neighborhood remains solidly working class, and is one of the most comfortable and family-friendly neighborhoods in the southwest side.
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Parks

In the summertime the parks and public places of West Elsdon come alive with the sounds of children playing baseball and other sporting events at the many camps organized by the Chicago Park District. And during the cooler months, indoor gymnasiums provide respite from the bitter winter chill.

If you're walking near Strohacker Park (4347 W 54th St, 312-747-6723) in the warm weather months, particularly on summer afternoons and weekends, it's not unusual to hear the crack of a bat from pick-up games at the baseball field, or the excited squeals of little ones chasing a colorful kite as it darts through the big blue sky. And for children ages 6-12 the Chicago Park District offers "Fun and Games" programs from June through August, which provide organized games for boys and girls looking for safe, fun activities to keep busy (and out of trouble) while school's not in session. Admit it parents, that sounds like a welcome alternative to having the kids holed up in the house all summer long playing video games and watching television shows.

Situated on the southern side of the neighborhood, Pasteur Park (5825 S. Kostner Ave., 773-284-0530) has undergone a number of renovations in recent years, including brand new playground equipment, and is now one of the best recreational spots around. This West Elsdon public park is adjacent to Pasteur Elementary School, but it bursts to life in the summer months when several different children's camps sponsored by the Park District open up to area residents. There is a day camp, a sports camp and a play camp from June through August. For adults, the park has walking paths that make a nice place to get a shady workout. In the fall the maple trees pop with color making this a picturesque setting for family photos and autumn picnics. Pasteur Park hosts tennis courts and baseball fields available for pick-up games and league play as well as a gymnasium to help West Elsdonites stay active during the long, cold Chicago winter. Also, if you are planning a meeting for a community group or other organization, look into booking one of the onsite assembly rooms. And, we hear Pasteur Park's indoor game room is pretty cool, although we haven't yet had a chance to check it out -- so we'll leave the exploration up to you.
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Real Estate

West Elsdon is a stable, family-oriented neighborhood of redbrick bungalows, two-story homes and raised ranches. Many of the single-family dwellings provide residents with detached back garages, freshly-mowed front lawns and modest backyards -- just enough space for a barbeque and to send the kids or dog out to play. While not typically large in size, most lots boast green grass, manicured hedges and leafy trees scattered here and there. The architectural characteristics found along the streets of West Elsdon are quite diverse, which gives the community a delightfully intriguing atmosphere that permeates from home to home. Never sure what you'll come across on the next block, a stroll though this southwest side Chicago neighborhood can easily turn into a lengthy tour of quaint housing designs.

While many homeowners have lived in the neighborhood for a generation, there are a lot of new families beginning to move into West Elsdon as well, attracted by the proximity to good transportation and schools, and the reasonable price of property. In addition to the renovation of older houses, the recent completion of Park Place Homes, a master-planned residential development of over 200 residences, is one of the factors that have sparked widespread growth in the area.

Generally speaking, the average sales price for a three-bedroom single-family detached home in West Elsdon is around $250,000. There are a handful of houses this size for under $200,000, but at the same time the neighborhood boasts several properties that sell for $300,000 or more. If you need more living space and want a home with four to six bedrooms, you are looking at an average price of about $267,000. On the other hand, the average sales price for a one- or two-bedroom condo or multi-unit dwelling in the neighborhood is around $138,000, although there are several options in the $150,000 to $175,000 price range, if want the most bang for you buck.

West Elsdon Residential Real Estate Info

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

In West Elsdon there's a battle raging almost every night of the week over who has the best pizza, and this neighborhood has several good pizza joints that shouldn't be missed. Don't take our word for it, though, you'll have to come judge for yourself.

For that authentic neighborhood feel, you can't beat Positanos Pizza (4312 W. 55th St., 773-284-7745). This is primarily a delivery place but they do have a few tables and an old TV if you decide to stay. The reason locals flock to this pizzeria is not for the atmosphere (obviously); instead they come for the pie. The sauce is deliciously sweet, and the crust is nice and chewy. Check out the nightly specials for the best deal, and with every order you get a free one liter of soda. Don't forget, Positanos is cash only, so you can leave your American Express card at home. Most Chicagoans have tried Giordano's Pizzeria (5159 S. Pulaski Road, 773-582-7676) at least once, and some would argue that it's the finest Chicago-style stuffed crust pizza in the city. They have thin crust, too, but if you do go with the stuffed, just remember, those suckers take up to 40 minutes to bake, so you might want to order a starter to tie you over while your pizza cooks. We like to get one of the crisp, fresh salads or an appetizer such as fried calamari or breaded mushrooms. But don't eat too many appys because Giordano's slices are no joke -- one piece can fill you up and two will have you unbuttoning that top button of your jeans.

Another Chicago-only chain, Ricobene's (5160 S. Pulaski Rd, 773-284-2400), opened in the 1940s and has several locations around town including one in West Elsdon neighborhood. As far as pizza goes, they offer both deep dish and thin crust on their expansive menu. They get high marks for their buttery crust which is only the beginning of why their pie is so popular. Beyond pizza and Sicilian beef, the specialty of the house is the "South Side Original," a breaded steak sandwich. The steak is coated, deep-fried, and then stuffed into a roll with marinara sauce. This must be where waistlines come to retire.

No matter how much we love it, not even Chicagoans can stand having pizza every night of the week. Fortunately, West Elsdon residents have a few other dining options, starting with a stop at Hoe China Tea Restaurant (4024 W. 55th St., 773-284-2463). This Chinese restaurant rises above the typical assortment of standard Szechuan fare, offering sizable portions and reasonable prices. Another nice feature that keeps us coming back is the adjoining cocktail lounge, which mixes up some pretty wicked drinks, like the Dragon Lady and the One Step Down. As the name of this neighborhood establishment indicates, they also have an interesting selection of fine Chinese teas.

Also a popular restaurant among the West Elsdon crowd is Cocula (5241 S. Pulaski Road, 773-582-2900), a Mexican cantina that has two other locations in Chicago. The menu here is wide-ranging from cheap tacos to more expensive complete dinners. One of their specialties is the torta, a traditional Mexican sandwich. At $3.95, you can't beat the price. Choose from steak, breaded steak, chorizo, avocado, and beef tongue (yikes!). If you're craving a bigger meal, try the pechuga de pollo a la tampiquena (chicken breast served with an enchilada and avocado dip), which, at $13.95, should leave you with some leftovers, especially because the dinner entrees come with rice, beans and salad. But no matter what we order at Cocula, we always get one of their irresistible margaritas to go with the meal.
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Night on the Town

There aren't a whole lot of places to hit after hours in West Elsdon, but for a classic taste of a true Chicago shot-and-a-beer bar, swing into The Gathering (5758 S. Pulaski Road, 773-582-7062). This small neighborhood watering hole features a pool table, a dartboard and a bowling machine which seems to be enough to keep everyone entertained. However, if none of those traditional bar setting activities floats your boat, The Gathering also has one of those bar-top video games loaded with fun options like the matching game or rock trivia. The drink list here sticks to the straight and narrow -- no frou frou cocktails. We suggest you sample the brews from the taps or just ask the bartender to give you something good. Whether you pop in here for a beverage after work, or on a weekend for a night of partying with the neighborhood crew, the place will always be low-key and full of regulars.
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Best Shopping Stops

An eclectic collection of stores can be found in West Elsdon, and many of them specialize in hard-to-find items and discount pricing.

Looking for that special jar of giardinara peppers? Or hankering for some of those specialty kolacki cookies? Stop into West Lawn Finer Foods (5806 S. Pulaski Road, 773-585-644) and you won't leave disappointed. This grocery store always has a wide selection of Italian, Polish and Latin specialties. When we don't feel like dealing with the larger grocery stores and just want to pick up a few things, this is the place to visit. They have a first-rate produce section, and the deli consistently has good sales on selected meats.

If you don't have time to get to Blockbuster, another alternative for West Elsdon residents is F.Y.E. (5151 S. Pulaski Road, 773-284-2116), which stands for "For Your Entertainment." They have a huge selection of DVDs to purchase, as well as a large selection of CDs and peripherals. Look for the bargain bin, which usually has items for under $10. When we really want to save a buck -- or spend a buck, literally -- we head to Dollar Store Plus (5160 S. Pulaski Road, 773-582-2937) where everything in the store is only one dollar. They have everything from snack food and candy to house wares, pet supplies, cleaning aids and picture frames. It's difficult not to walk out of the Dollar Store with armfuls of fun things, be they completely necessary, or totally useless.

When you need to pick up shorts and shirts or pants and skirts for your kids from infants and toddlers to pre-teens, but you wouldn't mind browsing through the sale racks yourself, pay a visit to Rainbow Apparel (5160 S. Pulaski Road, 773-284-2716). In addition to children's duds, they have casual clothing for women, with a good assortment of items for under $20, as well as lingerie, accessories and plus sizes.
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Getting Around

West Elsdon is obviously very close to Midway International Airport, so if you need to head out of town on business or pleasure, you can practically walk to the departure area.

If you're driving, street parking is plentiful on 55th Street and Pulaski Road, which are the two streets that form the axis of West Elsdon. Generally it's not too difficult to find a spot, although be careful to watch for any nearby posted signs about restrictions. If you are picking up friends at Midway, be careful of the roving -- and ticketing -- police officers who seem to take great delight in pestering anyone lingering for more than a few minutes. Sometimes it's easier just to park in the adjacent parking garage, which is only $3 for the first hour.

By car, finding the neighborhood couldn't be easier. From I-55 (Stevenson Expressway) use the Cicero Avenue exit or the Pulaski Road exit and head straight south and you'll find yourself right in the center of West Elsdon. Likewise, West Elsdon locals have quick access to one of Chicago's main transit routes, which makes getting into the city's center a cinch&just watch out for delays during rush hour when the traffic can get a little bit hairy.

A few Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus lines operate through West Elsdon neighborhood that transport passengers all the way to the downtown Loop or out to the nearby southwest suburbs. A couple of our favorite lines to take are the #55 and #X55 (the express), which travel eastbound on 55th Street, and connect with the #29 northbound at State Street to bring us right into the Loop. Conveniently, the #55 also gets us directly to Midway in a jiff when we're running late for a flight and don't want to deal with all the hassles of overnight parking. Also a main route used by West Elsdon travelers, the #53A bus runs northbound on Pulaski Road all the way to Peterson Avenue and southbound to Merrionette Park.

West Elsdon residents are lucky because not only do we have excellent bus and vehicle routes, the CTA "El" (elevated train) also services the area. Get off the bus or walk over to 51st Street for the CTA Orange Line train stop, which is located half-a-block west of Pulaski Avenue on the north side of the West Elsdon neighborhood. Eastbound the Orange Line travels to the Loop, westbound you can take it one stop to Midway Airport.
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School's in Session

West Elsdon families will find there are a good selection of public and private schools available within the neighborhood boundaries. In addition to the following list, you can find more information on Chicago area schools at our Chicago Guide Schools page.

Peck Elementary 3826 W 58th St., - (773) 535-2450
John Hancock College Prep 4034 W 56th St - (773) 535-2410
Pasteur Elementary School 5825 S Kostner Ave - (773) 535-2270
Peck Elementary School 3826 W 58th St - (773) 535-2450
Saint Turibius School 4120 W 57th St - (773) 585-5150
Lourdes High School 4034 W. 56th St., - (773) 581-2555
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Basic Needs

It's always nice to know where you can expect to get those basic necessities and services we use everyday -- you know, the grocery stores, the pharmacies, the post office, etc. Well, West Elsdon folks will be happy to know all the essential elements are covered right within the neighborhood borders, and even happier to know we've assembled a list of all those places right here.

Library

Public Library Branch (Archer Heights) 5055 S. Archer Ave. 60632 - (312) 747-9241

Transit

Chicago Transit Authority - (888) 968-7282

Post Office

USPS (Chicago Lawn) 6037 S Kedzie Ave

Pharmacies

Elsdon Medical Pharmacy 4258 W. 55th St. - (773) 582-2660
Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy 5525 S. Pulaski Rd - (773) 585-3434
Walgreens 4000 W. 59th St. - (773) 581 2383

Hospital Emergency Room

Mercy Medical on Pulaski 5525 S. Pulaski Rd - (773) 585-1955

Grocery Stores

Jewel-Osco 5320 S Pulaski Road - (773) 284-7700
El Castillo Meat Market 3704 W. 55th St. - (773) 581-9052
Food and Liquor Market 3700 W. 55th St. - (773) 735-1067
West Lawn Finer Foods 5806 S. Pulaski Rd - (773) 585-6644

Gyms

Curves 5113 S. Pulaski Rd - (773) 767-2566

SHOPPING

C & N Western Wear 5220 S Pulaski Rd - (773) 251-4116
Cervantes Jewelry 5220 S Pulaski Rd - (773) 838-1344
Discovery Clothing, Inc. 5139 S Pulaski Rd - (773) 767-3767
Dollar Store Plus 5160 S. Pulaski Rd - (773) 582 2937
El Potro Western Wear 5310 S Pulaski Rd - (773) 735-0299
Frank's Hardware 4222 W 55th St - (773) 767-3538
F.Y.E. 5151 S Pulaski Rd - (773) 284-2116
International Shoes 5220 S Pulaski Rd - (773) 838-1153
Rainbow Apparel 5160 S Pulaski Rd - (773) 284-2716
Rocky Fashion 5220 S Pulaski Rd - (773) 767-8075
Ruby Furniture 5311 S Pulaski Rd - (773) 838-1248
Sally's Video 5622 S. Pulaski Rd - (773) 581 7526
Supermall 5220 S. Pulaski Rd - (773) 581 9200
Veronica Fashions 5220 S. Pulaski Rd - (773) 284 5591
Women's Place 5220 S Pulaski Rd - (773) 582-2228

DINING

Bars/Restaurants
West 55th Street 4201 W 55th St - (773) 582 8839
Tequila & Chicas Bar 5611 S. Pulaski Rd - (773) 585 3572
Andy's Inc. 5734 S. Pulaski Rd - (773) 581 3650
The Gathering 5758 S. Pulaski Rd - (773) 582-7062

Italian Cuisine/Pizza

Giordano's Pizzeria 5159 S. Pulaski Rd - (773) 582 7676
Positanos Pizza 4312 W. 55th St. - (773) 284 7745
Pizza Kitchen 4434 W. 55th St. - (773) 585 7600
Chicagoland Pizza & Pasta 5620 S. Pulaski Rd - (773) 581 9595
Pizza Nova 5849 S. Pulaski Rd - (773) 585 7000
Big Tony's Pizza II 3732 59th St W - (773) 767 5966
Ricobene's 5160 S. Pulaski Rd - (773) 284 2400

Asian Cuisine
Chop Suey Express 5200 S. Pulaski Road - (773) 735 3787
New Great Wall Buffet 5300 S. Pulaski Road - (773) 585 8708
Hoe China Tea Restaurant 4024 W. 55th St. - (773) 284 2463

Mexican Cuisine

Cocula Restaurant 5241 S. Pulaski Rd - (773) 582-2900
El Coco Loco 5220 S. Pulaski Rd - (773) 582-1647
Hacienda Del Sol 5315 S. Pulaski Rd - (773) 585-9700
El Solazo 5600 S. Pulaski Rd - (773) 627-5047

Fast Food

Subway 5131 S. Pulaski Road - (773) 284 6200
Burger King 5425 S. Pulaski Road - (773) 581 9558
Dunkin Donuts 5448 S. Pulaski Road - (773) 585 5115
KFC 4200 W. 55th St. - (773) 735 3335
7-11 4353 W. 55th St. - (773) 767 7171
Coppolino's Italian Beef Grill 4455 W. 55th St. - (773) 735 8647

Bakeries
Le Paris Bakery 5434 S Pulaski Road - (773) 581-1550
Pulaski Cake Shoppe 4012 W 55th St. - (773) 735-7564

Etc.
C R Video Cafe 3643 W 55th St. - (773) 767 4270
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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 West Elsdon 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 West Elsdon. 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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