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Welcome To West Englewood

West Englewood is a neighborhood on the move and in a state of transition. Transportation has always played a key role in the history of this southwest side Chicago neighborhood, and today is no different. The community's proximity to Midway International Airport and the Dan Ryan Expressway help to maintain its vitality and accessibility. Single-family houses and public parks are plentiful in West Englewood, and the business district along Western Avenue is expanding, enticing even more homebuyers to consider the available real estate in this affordable part of Chicago. Commuter friendly and full of housing options for budget-conscious buyers, West Englewood suits the needs of growing families who desire a home to call their own.

Read More About West Englewood...

Contents


[Demographics, Shopping, Entertainment, and more...]
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West Englewood Home Sales Statistics


West Englewood Facts

Location: Approximately 7.5 miles south/southwest of the Loop
Boundaries: Garfield Boulevard (55th Street) to the north, Ashland Avenue to the east, 75th Street to the south and Western Avenue to the west
Demographics: For zip code 60636 which includes West Englewood neighborhood
Median household income $27,727
Median Age 28.9
5.1% of population 25 and over have bachelor's degree or higher
White 0.8%
African American 97.8%
Hispanic 1.2%
Asian 0.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.1%
Some other race 0.4%
Two or more races 0.7%
(Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000)

Crime Statistics: Go to CLEARMap to search specific streets and areas for crime incidents
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Then and Now

Like much of the south side of Chicago, West Englewood was swampy grassland until it was settled by European immigrants in the 1840s. Farmers, mainly from Sweden and Germany, cleared and harvested the area, growing crops and maintaining a rural lifestyle. That was the norm until a commuter railroad line was built that cut through the region. The property near the tracks became more heavily developed and people started to take an interest in the budding section of town. Within decades, farms were subdivided and a residential district emerged.

Additional railroads were built that crisscrossed the neighborhood, which inspired the original name of the heavily-traveled locale: Junction Grove. (The neighborhood's name was later changed to Englewood, named after the town in New Jersey.) Railroad workers that were employed to lay track and operate the trains eventually settled in and around Junction Grove, creating a viable railroad town.

The greater Englewood area (which included West Englewood, too) was annexed by Chicago in 1889, while construction was underway on the World's Fair -- also called the Columbian Exposition -- in nearby Hyde Park. The event attracted more than 25 million visitors to the vicinity (which was a pretty impressive assemblage in the 1890s), effectively putting the south side of Chicago on the map. Just as had happened a few decades prior with the construction of the railroads, many of the workmen that were employed to help build the more than 200 temporary buildings for the fair grounds decided to stay in the area and erected homes in the neighboring Woodlawn and Englewood communities. Soon after the Exposition was held, electric streetcars were built to accommodate the growing population of Englewood, connecting the neighborhood to the rest of the city. Sidewalks and other basic amenities were incorporated into the region's infrastructure in the following decade, and by 1907, a rapid transit elevated line (now the Green Line) was extended to the eastern boundary of West Englewood.

Thousands of Italian immigrants moved to Englewood during the interwar period, taking manufacturing jobs and working in the stockyards, which were located just to the north of West Englewood. In addition, Englewood was home to the garages where the city streetcars and busses were housed and serviced, so many area residents took up employment there as well. After an elevated train station opened at 63rd Street and Ashland Avenue, Ashland emerged as the primary commercial district in the neighborhood. The stretch between 63rd and 75th streets was soon lined with small storefronts, restaurants and taverns, creating a thriving business center for southwest side residents.

In the 1930s, the African American population of Englewood increased dramatically, as thousands poured into Chicago and other northern cities from the southern states. The trend would only increase over the next two decades, marking a major demographic shift in the neighborhood that had once been composed almost exclusively of German and Swedish immigrants. By 1950, African Americans made up nearly half of the residents in Englewood, and by 1980, the neighborhood was almost entirely populated by African American families. Other changes took place during that time as well, chiefly the rise of poverty in the region. When the stockyards closed down in the 1970s, many West Englewooders lost their jobs causing a number of residents -- both black and white -- to leave the area in search of work elsewhere.

Today, many of those trends have been reversed and there are many promising signs for the community. Improvements to local infrastructure have helped to increase property values, and many abandoned buildings have been demolished to clear the way for future development. Even after the neighborhood lost the bulk of its employment opportunities, West Englewood bounced back and is seeing rejuvenated real estate prices thanks to its proximity to Midway International Airport and the Dan Ryan Expressway. Parks are plentiful, the shopping district along Western Avenue has rebounded and homebuyers are once again eager to call West Englewood home.
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Parks

Though West Englewood was once the site of light industry and major transportation, the neighborhood now boasts an abundance of green space and recreational facilities.

At 17 acres, Lindblom Park (6054 S. Damen Ave., 312-747-6443) is the most prominent patch of grass in this southwest side Chicago neighborhood. Its vast grounds include an athletic field, basketball courts (which can be lit at night), tennis court, and an outdoor swimming pool. A modern fieldhouse was recently added to the premises, which includes a gymnasium, fitness center and several meeting rooms. In addition to providing residents with a fun place to get some exercise, play outdoors, join a pick-up game and swim some laps, Lindblom also hosts a slew of intramural programs for West Englewooders of all ages and interests -- Hip Hop dance instruction for 13 to 16-year-olds, Junior Bear Football for varying age groups and karate class for everyone, young and old.

There are also two smaller parks in the West Englewood neighborhood that allow locals to commune with nature and partake in amusing sporting activities. Hermitage Park (5839 S. Wood St., 312-747-6179) is a 4-acre lot just a few blocks away from Lindblom Park. Hermitage has a baseball diamond and a football/soccer field where both pickup and organized sports are played. In the summertime the children's spray pool is a popular hangout and throughout the year social groups of residents assemble with a teen club for young adults and a senior citizens club for the older ones. Further south is Murray Playground Park (1743 W. 73rd St., 312-747-6562). This one-acre plot of land squeezes a lot into a small space. Of course there's a playground area with all the usual suspects: swings, slides, jungle gyms, etc. But the little lot also houses a spray pool that seems to have some sort of magnetic pull which attracts all the area tots to its cooling waters in those dog days of summer. And all you sluggers out there will be pleased that they managed to fit a whole baseball field in here, too. Like the other parks in West Englewood, this one offers several different programs that run the gamut from children's drawing and painting courses to NERF football to adult walking groups.
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Real Estate

West Englewood's central location on Chicago's south side is more or less equidistant to public transportation, the Dan Ryan Expressway and Midway International Airport. Far enough away that planes taking off or loud highway noise won't be a bother, but close enough that travel will be a breeze. With a good mix of housing options and empty lots prime for new construction, West Englewood has recently seen a resurgence of interest from buyers on the market for a decent size house with room to raise a family.

Ever see the show Flip That House? Well some of the properties in West Englewood are in need of a good flip -- that's not to say the rest of the real estate isn't in great condition and ready for moving in. The bulk of residential streets in this neighborhood are dominated by 1950s ranches, traditional brick bungalows, one-and-a-half-level houses and two-story A-frames with small yards and private garages. Shade-providing trees dot the area and well-maintained sidewalks run along the blocks.

A handful of properties in West Englewood neighborhood are listed higher than $200,000, but generally the real estate values here fall in a lower price bracket. Multi-unit residential buildings are less common in West Englewood than private detached homes. For the most part homebuyers will find a good assortment of single-family residences that are priced between $20,000 (for a place that could use some serious TLC) to $150,000 for a nice three- or four-bedroom house.

In addition to the neighborhood's modest single-family homes, there are dozens of brick two-flats and four-flats. Occasional condominium conversions are starting to appear but not at the pace seen in other neighborhoods on Chicago's south side. Nearby parks and schools and affordable real estate values make this neighborhood a good one to watch for future growth.

What's on the Menu?

West Englewood maintains a culturally eclectic community, which is reflected in the neighborhood's restaurants. Hungry diners will discover soul food, Middle Eastern eateries, Greek fare, as well as standards like Chinese cuisine and Mexican taquerias.

When we're in West Englewood and we're craving some down-home southern cooking, there's only one place to go: Elizabeth's Soul Food (7351 S. Western Ave., 773-925 1619). This popular neighborhood haunt specializes in chicken wings, which are sold in multiples of two. Entree heavyweights are the chicken dinner, fish dinner, or pork chop dinner that come with your choice of three sides -- collard greens, macaroni and cheese, candied yams or potato salad -- and all for under $6. Elizabeth's has our vote as the place least likely to leave you hungry after spending the least amount of dough.

Okay, Nick's may not be the most original name for a restaurant in Chicago, but at least at Nick's Gyros (2011 W. 63rd St., 773-434 0606) they have the right to use the name -- after all, Nicholas (the owner) is Greek. This particular Nick's has three other locations in the city, and at the West Englewood location you've got to try the namesake gyros and terrific french fries. Also check out some of their homemade pastries like sweet baklava. Great Baba's (6301 S. Damen Ave., 773-925-5088) offers West Englwood residents the perfect introduction to Middle Eastern food. The staff is warm and inviting and will describe any of the items on the menu. Sometimes they'll even give you a sample to help you decide. We like to start out with falafel (fried chick peas) in a warm pita with lettuce and tomato. If you like chicken, try the barbecued-to-perfection chicken shawarma or the baba ghanoush (eggplant mixed with tahini, garlic, lemon and onion). Their salads and hummus are also quite tasty. So bring your appetite and a few friends and try a little of everything.

When you first enter Arturo's (7151 S. Western Ave., 773-776 0433) you immediately notice the bright orange yellow walls and the ceiling painted to look like the sky on a sunny day, which is a welcome change during a Chicago winter. But once you settle into a table or booth, and a server brings out a complimentary basket of chips with red or green salsa, you're sure to focus beyond the painted skyscape overhead and to the business at hand: the food. The menu here offers diners tacos and burritos prepared in an authentic style, meaning no lettuce and tomato, just three items: meat, onions and cilantro wrapped in fresh corn tortillas. Open 24 hours a day, this is your savior for late-night cravings. Just remember to bring cash, not that you'll need much -- most orders are under $8 -- but they don't accept credit card.

Wrapping up our around-the-world tour of the West Englewood dining scene, we stop by Chop Suey Wok (6812 S. Western Ave., 773-471-2316) for the combo appetizer tray that includes two egg rolls, two fried shrimp, ribs, and two fried won tons. The shrimp and ribs are good, but the egg rolls are the real stand-out. They are almost a meal in themselves: huge and bursting with shrimp and vegetables. For entrees, try the barbecued pork or barbecued ribs. The dining room is pretty small, so most people order carryout, so be sure to keep that takeout menu in a convenient location.
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Best Shopping Stops

West Englewood neighborhood has a good number of businesses clustered along Ashland and Western avenues. Whether you need your tires rotated or a prescription filled, odds are this is where you can find it.

If you're looking for anything from a hammer to a new pair of high heeled shoes, Sears (6153 S. Western Ave., 773-925-7320) is sure to have what you want. This two-story department store carries major brand names in household appliances, clothing, footwear, sporting goods, jewelry and much more. Plus, there's even an automotive store that specializes in tire replacement. Most likely, you are familiar with Sears -- they are a nationwide company and the forerunners of catalog shopping and mail order retail -- so we'll spare you the details. Just know that there's an easily accessible branch handy in West Englewood. For another handy shop that'll give you lots of options without making a dent in your wallet, head to Family Dollar Stores (6308 S. Ashland Ave., 773-737-4511). Whether you need to stock up on sundry items like toothpaste or shampoo, or need to satisfy your sweet tooth with a bag of candy, you'll be able to do it here. Everything is only one dollar, which, as we all know, is an amazing deal these days.
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Mark Your Calendar

We adore most any film, from comedies to classics, but you'll probably be on board with us when we say the best kinds of movies are free. In the summer months head over to Murray Playground Park (1743 W. 73rd St., 312-747-6562) around dusk to take in one of the flicks being shown outdoors during the Chicago Park District's "Movies in the Park" program. Just remember that if you don't want to sit on the grass you'll need to bring a blanket or some lawn chairs, and don't forget a cooler for the drinks and snacks.
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Getting Around

West Englewood neighborhood is easily navigated by public transportation, particularly with the excellent system of Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus lines. A number of CTA bus routes crisscross West Englewood to take passengers just about anywhere in the neighborhood, or in the city, for that matter. Here's a rundown of the useful lines&

The #55 and #55X (express) is a local favorite, which runs along Garfield Boulevard. Take it eastbound to connect with the #29 State Street bus heading north and you'll end up right in the Chicago Loop. Or feel free to stay on board the #55 and ride all the way to the last stop at the Museum of Science and Industry on the lakefront. When we've got a flight to catch, we take the #63 westbound along 63rd Street to Midway Airport. On Western Avenue the #49 and #49X (express) run northbound all the way to Foster Avenue and southbound to 79th Street.

Although buses are the best way to get around West Englewood when it comes to public transit, the CTA Green Line train does have a stop on the eastern border of the neighborhood at Ashland Avenue and 63rd Street. This is actually the last station on the line. West Englewood residents can hop on here and shoot up to Loop in mere minutes. It's a great option for commuting into the city for work or to head downtown for shopping and entertainment on the weekends.

If you're driving, the neighborhood is accessible from I-90/94 (Dan Ryan Expressway) using the 59th Street exit. Just travel westbound on 59th Street until Ashland Avenue. In turn, West Englewood residents can just as easily cruise over to the highway and take it straight north into the city's center. But we will warn you, the traffic is sometimes heavy going into the Loop, so don't be surprised if you experience some bumper-to-bumper backups here and there. And once in downtown, the parking situation can be a tossup, so good luck! When in the neighborhood, however, you'll find plenty of street parking on Western and Ashland avenues and 63rd Street where most of the commercial activity is clustered. On weekends it's sometimes necessary to park on side streets, but many of the businesses and strip malls along Western also have parking lots to accommodate their shoppers with vehicles.
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School's in Session

The West Englewood neighborhood offers a good selection of public and private educational facilities for families with school-age children. In addition to the following list, you can find more information on Chicago area schools at our Chicago Guide Schools page.

Earle Elementary School 6121 S. Hermitage Ave., - (773) 535-9130
Harper High School 6520 S. Wood St., - (773) 535-9150
Sir M Davis Academy 6723 S Wood St - (773) 535-9120
Saint Rita High School 7740 S Western Ave - (773) 925-6600
Academy of St. Benedict the African School 6020 S Laflin St - (773) 776-3316
Lindblom Technical High School 6130 S Wolcott Ave - (773) 535-9300
Henderson School 5650 S Wolcott Ave., - (773) 535-9080
O'Toole Elementary School 6550 S Seeley Ave., - (773) 535-9040
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Basic Needs

One of the toughest things about moving to a new neighborhood is getting reacquainted with where to go for those daily items that we end up needing on a whim. You know, the milk and eggs, the bread and butter, the toothpaste and shampoo& Well, we've done the legwork for you and compiled a sampling of some of the places where West Englewood residents can get those everyday necessities, from newspapers and chewing gum, baba ganoush to broccoli.

Library

Public Library Branch (Gage Park) 2807 W 55th St - (312) 747-0032

Transit

Chicago Transit Authority - (888) 968-7282

Post Office

Post Office (West Englewood) 6559 S Ashland Ave

Pharmacies

Glendale Pharmacy 6326 S Ashland Ave - (773) 776 1794
Shiv Pharmacy 1608 W 69th St - (773) 778 3420
Walgreens 7111 S Western Ave - (773) 863 8004

Hospital Emergency Room

Holy Cross Hospital 2601 W. Marquette Road - (773) 471 8032

Grocery Stores

Ashland Supermarket 5659 S. Ashland Ave. - (773) 436 4420
Niles Convenient Food Mart 6124 S. Ashland Ave. - (773) 925 3394
Joe's Food Mart 6558 S. Ashland Ave. - (773) 925 4038
Stop and Shop Food Mart 7400 S. Ashland Ave. - (773) 434 4881
Friendly Foods 2001 W. 71st St. - (773) 471 6508
Quick Stop Food & Liquor 2424 W 71st St - (773) 778 5200
Jewel Food Stores 6057 S Western Ave - (773) 925 7658

Gyms

Curves 2832 W 63rd St - (773) 778-0123

Below are a few of the dining, shopping and entertainment activities that West Englewood has in store. Be sure to discover the other available amenities while discovering the neighborhood on your own.

Entertainment

Movies in the Park Murray Playground Park 1743 W. 73rd St. - (312) 747-6562

Shopping

Family Dollar Stores 6308 S Ashland Ave - (773) 737 4511
L & A Discount 7228 S Hermitage Ave - (773) 778 0634
Ebony Gents Management & Rental Service 2549 W 71st St - (773) 925 0065
Sears, Roebuck & Co. 6153 S Western Ave - (773) 925 7320

DINING

Bars
William's Inn 5701 S Ashland Ave - (773) 776 9871
It's Mine 2547 W 71st St - (773) 778 3334
Dot's Place 6915 S Western Ave - (773) 737 7939
Tabon Mc Donald & Friends 5732 S Claremont Ave - (773) 776 9201

Eclectic
John's Drive-In 5900 S Ashland Ave - (773) 925 6177
Fat Albert's 6854 S Ashland Ave - (773) 737 6161
Redsnapper Grill 1951 W Garfield Blvd - (773) 778 7020
The Wooden Spoon 7036 S. Western Ave. - (773) 737 1422

Fast Food
Supreme Fish Hoagy 5506 S. Ashland Ave. - (773) 925 6720
Harold's Chicken 5608 S. Ashland Ave. - (773) 476 5445
Landon Fast Food 5620 S. Ashland Ave. - (773) 863 8984
Subway 6230 S. Ashland Ave. - (773) 476 1287
Whale Fish & Chicken 1624 W. 63rd St. - (773) 737 8363
McDonalds Restaurants 6336 S. Ashland Ave. - (773) 436 2519
Kentucky Fried Chicken 1600 W. Marquette Road - (773) 778 7770
Rainbow Carry Out 7100 S. Ashland Ave. - (773) 471 2919
Fat Johnnie's Red Hots 7242 S. Western Ave. - (773) 737 6294
White Castle 6901 S. Western Ave. - (773) 776 0622
Wendy's Restaurant 242 W. Garfield Blvd. - (773) 285 6300

Soul Food
Elizabeth's Soul Food 7351 S. Western Ave. - (773) 925 1619

Mexican Cuisine
Arturos Mexican Restaurant 7151 S. Western Ave. - (773) 776 0433

Greek Cuisine
Nick's Gyros 2011 W. 63rd St. - (773) 434 0606
Middle Eastern Cuisine
Great Baba's 6301 S. Damen Ave. - (773) 925 5088

Chinese Cuisine
China Express 6239 S. Ashland Ave. - (773) 776 5857
Chop Suey Wok Restaurant 6812 S Western Ave. - (773) 471 2316

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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 West Englewood 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 West Englewood, 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 West Englewood, all without ever having to go anywhere.

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