West Garfield Park Facts

Location: Approximately 6 miles west of the Loop
Boundaries: Chicago Avenue to the north, Pulaski Road to the east, the Eisenhower Expressway to the south and Cicero Avenue to the west.
Demographics: For zip code 60624 which includes West Garfield Park neighborhood
Median Age 27.8
Median Household Income $22,426
6.0% of population 25 and older have bachelor's degree or higher
White 0.8%
African American 98.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.1%
Asian 0.1%
Hispanic 1.0%
Two or more races 0.5%
Other race 0.4%
(Source: US Census Bureau, 2000 Census)

Crime Statistics: Go to CLEARMap for crime stats on specific Chicago neighborhood, intersection, address or police beat.
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Then and Now

West Garfield Park started out as simply a place folks traveled through -- a turnstile on the way to Chicago or from the city to get somewhere else. Other than that, no one gave much notice to the area itself as a potential setting for anything more than a trail to other destinations. That was the case until Scandinavian and Irish immigrants built up the community between 1873 and the mid 1880s as a mostly residential, quiet village to raise their families. Though it was a family-first neighborhood, fun came in as a close second.

In the early days of the neighborhood there was no division between East and West Garfield Park and the two communities shared the infamy of having Garfield Park Race Track in the neighborhood. Initially founded as a gentlemen's club in 1878, its conversion to a racetrack came a decade later and brought commerce in the form of restaurants and taverns. Unfortunately, continuous hooligan antics and consequential police raids marred the race track's history. In 1892 two police officers and a horseman were killed in a deadly shootout -- and that was the end of the Garfield Park Race Track. The building was demolished and homes were built over the ashes along Madison Street.

In 1893 the construction of the elevated train (now known to Chicagoans as the "El") along Lake Street created easy access from the neighborhood into downtown. With the new residential areas and modern transportation Lake Street was the up-and-coming place to be, lining the northern side of what would become the Garfield Park Conservatory. But by 1914, the new "it" place in West Garfield Park was along Madison Street. Movie palaces, department stores, and hotels opened along Madison, and the neighborhood survived the Great Depression and both World Wars with an energy and resolve to remain a viable Chicago hotspot for years to come.

Through the 1950s the neighborhood spirit was sorely tested, though. The construction of the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) displaced families living on the south side of West Garfield Park. In addition, America was experiencing the nationwide changes and conflicts brought to light by the Civil Rights Movement, and as many middle-class African American families moved into the area, a number of white families left West Garfield Park. Tensions grew as landlords started to ignore their West Garfield Park properties and the area's new African American residents. Subsequently, the mistreatment led to a stigmatization that the neighborhood was undesirable. During the 1960s and 70s West Garfield Park went through trying times including race riots that many other large cities experienced.

In the aftermath, West Garfield Park was left in mild disrepair. It has been through the continuing efforts of nonprofit and church groups, such as Bethel New Life, that West Garfield Park is once again finding itself to be a strong and hopeful community.
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Parks

Sitting in the northeastern corner of West Garfield Park neighborhood, Orr Park (744 N Pulaski Rd, 312-746-5354), also known as Triangle Park, is a cozy, green haven. When Chicago humidity gets butter thick, Orr Park has a pleasant pool to cool off in. The one-third-mile walking and jogging path circles around the baseball field -- where you can join on-going leagues or just play a quick game of catch. The gym has seasonal team sports groups for local young adults and the tennis courts are kept-up whenever it's warm enough to play.

The slightly smaller, Tilton Park (305 N Kostner Ave, 773-287-0806) adds a little bit of green to the middle of West Garfield Park. The kids in the family will have a sweet getaway with on-going little league baseball and day camps available, and the kiddie spraypool keeps the little ones cooled off after a long day of playing. Then, when night falls, family movies are shown in the park during the summer months so everyone can enjoy a nice evening out, without spending a nickel -- that's right, these flicks are offered for free! Another quaint, child-friendly park in this west side Chicago neighborhood is Mason Playlot Park (4100 W West End Ave, 312-287-0806). Founded in 1951 and renovated in the late 1980s, Mason features a soft surface play area, a gazebo, a small amphitheater, and a spraypool for the kids (sorry, mom and dad, we know it looks like fun, but you'll have to just watch).
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Real Estate

West Garfield Park is a modest neighborhood where a complex history meets a hopeful future. Streets are calmer and easier to park on than other Chicago neighborhoods, and a flood of rehabbing has started in East Garfield Park that is beginning to trickle into its western counterpart as well. The modernization is slowly adding a contemporary face-lift to this classic neighborhood. With its proximity to the Garfield Park Conservatory, convenient forms of transportation, and short commute to the city, West Garfield Park is a neighborhood on the rise for young adults and families just starting out.

The residential areas of West Garfield Park are dominated by single-family homes, but also contain a limited number of large condominium complexes and many quainter two- and three-flat buildings. Though there are only a handful of multi-unit properties on the market in West Garfield Park, the average listing price for a one- or two-bedroom condo is approximately $83,000. Detached single-family homes are much more common along these streets. The average sales price for a three-bedroom is around $148,000, although there are plenty of places of this size available for under $100,000. A home with a little more space -- and perhaps another bedroom or two -- will up the average price to about $160,000, with some real estate selling for as much as $275,000.

West Garfield Park Residential Real Estate Info

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

What do you crave? Whether it is an old-fashioned hamburger or a thick and juicy Philly cheese steak, West Garfield Park has plenty of eateries to fill you up.

Original Maxwell Street (3801 W Harrison St, 773-722-1500) is one of those greasy spoons that smell like onions from half a block away and taste like heaven. Mostly, Maxwell's is a good joint to pick up food and go, but if you stop in, there are a couple of small tables for dining along with a table or two outside during the summertime. The fries are always fresh, and the polish sausage is served with a delicious pile of onions and peppers on a soft bun. Now that's good Chicago food! Since 1918, Andy's Deli (4021 W Kinzie St, 773-722-1000) has made quality Polish sausage and European meat products. Besides amazing Polish sausage, Andy's carries six different preparations of bacon, a variety of baked hams, pâte, delicious meatloafs, and more. Whether you are stocking up for Thanksgiving or getting a simple meal together for the family, Andy's is the west side deli of choice and a favorite among West Garfield Park neighborhood locals.

If you're in the mood to take something to eat home, but you have a whole family to feed, try Luigi's Pizza (4212 W Madison St, 773-722-0109). Luigi's is a small pizzeria with big taste. Get pizza by the slice or the whole pie. Here's a tip: Luigi's is New York-style pizza, which means its crust is thin and the pieces are huge. Really huge -- like so big that you have to fold one slice in half so that you can fit it in your mouth (just like true New Yorkers do). So, the moral of the story, folks, is: If you are only kind of hungry, one slice will be more than enough to fill your belly.
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Best Shopping Stops

The hunt is the best part about shopping. Finding that unique outfit, or the perfect chair to go in the living room, or even discovering that great store that hasn't quite hit the trendy scene yet -- we love it. Plus, you'll have everyone wondering where on earth you got your great stuff! Lucky for us, West Garfield Park is full of secret shops we almost hesitate to mention -- but you won't tell anyone else about them, right?

With iPods taking over, record shops are fleeting in Chicago. But if you still use vinyl, stop in at Out of the Past Records (4407 W Madison, 773-626-3878). There are no snooty attitudes when you walk in, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable and totally willing to help you remember the name of that tune that's been running through your head for the past two weeks. Out of the Past's specialty: Dusties. (Dusties, for those who don't know, is a Chicago term for older R&B albums.) There are gems you wouldn't believe hidden in the cramped, but clean corners of this West Garfield Park neighborhood institution. All we can say is -- happy hunting!

Looking for the perfect furnishings, but don't want to spend too much? West Town Liquidators (4150 W Madison, 773-722-6900) has offered quality furniture for affordable prices for over 30 years. West Town is a mix between warehouse and showroom with the bonus of direct factory-to-you pricing. It doesn't matter if you're looking for a dining room set or just need a new mattress; the huge selection will have what your home needs.

For a great affordable shoe selection, there's a Payless Shoe Source (1 S Pulaski Rd, 773-533-2740) in the neighborhood. We like it because it's one of the best kept secrets of vegans. Really! It's hard to find cool footwear that isn't made of leather and are completely free of animal products. Well, this national chain carries faux-leather shoes that actually look great, and are animal-friendly. As you probably know, Payless has a wide stock of men's women's and children's shoes from flip-flops to formal footwear. You can find fabulous kicks for under thirty bucks, and usually a lot less than that. And keep an eye out for the frequent buy one-get one free deals that will drop the price point even more.
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Getting Around

West Garfield Park is only six miles from downtown Chicago and transportation options are plentiful. Most in-neighborhood destinations can be reached on foot or via a quick bicycle ride, if you don't mind a little exercise. Fortunately, when traveling a further distance or harsh weather ensues, there are plenty of other transportation options to pick up the slack.

The Chicago Transit Authority elevated train (also known as the "El") runs across West Garfield Park about midway through the neighborhood. There are two Green Line El stops at Cicero Avenue and Pulaski Road, and the train follows Lake Street directly into the Loop where it then travels to the south side of Chicago. The ride typically takes about 20-30 minutes. Also, the Metra, a traditional commuter line train system, passes through West Garfield Park on its way to Chicago -- the Milwaukee District West Line has a stop at Grand/Cicero on its path towards the suburbs.

Hey, but if you don't feel like riding a train you could always hop on the road. The Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) is a convenient route to get in and out of the city. The Eisenhower runs along the neighborhood's southern border and empties directly onto Congress Parkway between the South Loop and the Loop. It also stretches back into the western suburbs if you take it in the other direction.
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School's in Session

Academic options in West Garfield Park neighborhood are plentiful. Whether there are kids in the family going off to elementary school or adult learners looking for a college, West Garfield Park has something for everybody.

The development of charter schools within the city has led to excellent education options for Chicago area children at institutions like the Academy of Communications and Technology (4319W Washington Blvd, 773-626-4200). At ACT, just over 300 students between 7th and 12th grade receive extra attention from instructors due to small class sizes. Academic focus lies in communication arts and technological literacy in an ever-changing world. For older students, the West Side Learning Center of Malcolm X College (4624 W Madison St, 312-850-7420) helps pave the way to a better career. Whether it's updating computer skills or grabbing some interesting art classes for fun, the West Side Learning Center is a place that makes education an affordable option.

In addition to the following list, you can find out more information about West Garfield Park and other Chicago area schools at our Chicago Guide Schools page.

Academy of Communications and Technology 4319 W Washington Blvd - (773) 626-4200
Academy of Scholastic Achievement 4651 W Madison St - (773) 921-1315
Bethel Lutheran Church and School 4215 W West End Ave - (773) 533-3636
Cole Child Parent Center 412 S Keeler Ave - (773) 534-6857
First Start Academy 4753 W Washington Blvd - (773) 379-4928
Goldblatt Elementary School 4257 W Adams St - (773) 534-6860
Hefferan Elementary School 4409 W Wilcox St - (773) 534-6192
Marconi Community Elementary School 230 N Kolmar Ave - (773) 534-6210
Melody Elementary School 412 S Keeler Ave - (773) 534-6850
Metropolitan Primary Academy 4540 W Washington Blvd - (773) 379-0790
Tilton Elementary School 223 N Keeler Ave - (773) 534-6746
West Side Learning Center of Malcolm X College 4624 W Madison St - (312) 850-7420
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Basic Needs

Here's the low-down on how to get situated in West Garfield Park neighborhood. Compiled is a list of the basics, from where the library is to the closest post office.

Transit

Chicago Transit Authority (888) 968-7282

Grocery Stores

African Supermarket 4158 W Madison St - (773) 722-2198
Angel Foods 4102 W Madison St - (773) 533-0654
Condreras Food Mart 4353 W Madison St - (773) 287-2369
Dearborn Wholesale Grocers 4525 W Madison St - (773) 378-5353
Jay's Grocery Store 4316 W Madison St - (773) 378-5222
M & K Foods 216 N Keeler Ave - (773) 826-5003
Maze Food 557 N Cicero Ave - (773) 261-2832
Meijer 4841 W Monroe St - (773) 261-3864
Sav A Lot 420 S Pulaski Rd - (773) 533-1690
Three Star Food and Liquors 310 N Kostner Ave - (773) 379-1612
Windy City Grocery 324 S Cicero Ave - (773) 626-9700

Library

Chicago Legler Library 115 S Pulaski Rd - (312) 746-7730

Pharmacy

A & D Family Medical Center 732 S Pulaski Rd - (773) 826-1719
Edison Medical Pharmacy 4240 W Madison St - (773) 533-2535
J & S Pharmacy 743 S Pulaski Rd - (773) 533-0530
Lake Pharmacy 4801 W Lake St - (773) 921-5533
Maar Pharmacy 4811 W Madison St - (773) 626-4101
Pulaski Health Pharmacy 701 S Pulaski Rd - (773) 638-1948

Post Office

4222 W Madison St - (773) 722-3740

When the weekend rolls around, West Garfield Park is the perfect place to be. Here are some of neighborhood establishments where you can enjoy shopping, eating or an evening out on the town.

SHOPPING

City Sports 4034 W Madison St - (773) 533-6993
Collection Clothing Company 4038 W Madison St - (773) 722-9681
DJ Fashions 4016 W Madison St - (773) 826-3529
Fashion Trend 616 4039 W Madison St - (773) 265-6378
Lillian's Shoes 3 N Cicero Ave - (773) 626-5191
L & L Furniture 313 N Pulaski Rd - (773) 235-6577
Madison Shoe World 4025 W Madison St - (773) 826-7440
Mary's Used Furniture 509 S Cicero Ave - (773) 921-4446
Maybrooks 4021 W Madison St - (773) 533-3710
MP Mall 3973 W Madison St - (773) 722-8920
Out of the Past Records 4407 W Madison St - (773) 626-3878
Payless Shoe Source 1 S Pulaski Rd - (773) 533-2740
Pearl's Fashion 7 N Cicero Ave - (773) 921-3221
Quality in Paradise 4127 W Madison St - (773) 265-8301
Rainbow Shops 4045 W Madison St - (773) 265-6323
Shoe Avenue 4019 W Madison St - (773) 722-0940
Spink's Men's Wear 4753 W Madison St - (773) 261-6764
Sportsland 3946 W Madison St - (773) 638-3300
Sun Shoes 4035 W Madison St - (773) 722-7718
TC Furniture and Appliance 409 S Cicero Ave - (773) 261-6029
True Value Bedding 155 S Pulaski Rd - (773) 826-3259
Urban Express 4121 W Madison St - (773) 638-1464
West Town Liquidation 4150 W Madison St - (773) 722-6900
Whisper A Prayer Collection 4750 1/2 W Madison St - (773) 921-4286
Worldwide Furniture 4536 W Gladys Ave - (773) 379-7690

DINING

Bars
Big Twenty Club 4510 W Harrison St - (773) 265-0777
Club 47 4757 W Madison St - (773) 473-4710
Ms. Ann's Pad 4701 W Harrison St - (773) 379-4040
There It Is Social Club 4417 W Madison St - (773) 378-6217

Coffee Shops
Dunkin Donuts/Baskin Robbins 4800 W Lake St - (773) 287-9755
Dunkin Donuts 782 N Laramie Ave - (773) 626-0933
Westside Coffee Express 314 N Pulaski Rd - (773) 638-5588

American Cuisine
Andy's Deli 4021 W Kinzie St - (773) 722-1000
Bab's 18 S Pulaski Rd - (773) 265-1111
Big Daddy's 4017 W Madison St - (773) 722-5100
Buffalo Sam's 508 S Kostner Ave - (773) 533-4000
Church's Chicken 2 S Pulaski Rd - (773) 722-6753
Dolphin Fish and Chicken 4100 W Madison St - (773) 722-5200
Ernie's Restaurant 4142 W Madison St - (773) 638-2877
Happy Fish and Chicken 5 S Cicero Ave - (773) 379-4444
Madison Submarine 4403 W Madison St - (773) 379-0270
Mary's Restaurant 606 S Pulaski Rd - (773) 638-2233
Original Maxwell Street 246 S Cicero Ave - (773) 921-8907
Philly Cheese Steakhouse 4731 W Madison St - (773) 921-4164
Royal Chicken and Sea Food 4749 W Madison St - (773) 378-2082
Ruby Red Fast Food 212 S Pulaski Rd - (773) 722-6338
Shark's Fish and Chicken 325 S Cicero Ave - (773) 626-2000
Subway 304 N Pulaski Rd - (773) 533-7827
Sunny Sub 4803 W Madison St - (773) 287-1100
Taste Bud 1 4123 W Madison St - (773) 722-8277
Tony's Subs 3959 W Harrison St - (773) 265-5900

Asian Cuisine
Boom Fried Rice 356 S Pulaski Rd - (773) 826-0589
C & P Fried Rice 521 S Cicero Ave - (773) 261-2800
Chop Suey Joy 8 S Karlov Ave - (773) 533-7373
Shang Hai Star 4125 W Madison St - (773) 826-0002

Italian Cuisine
Covington Freddie 4210 W Madison St - (773) 722-8117
Luigi's Pizza 4212 W Madison St - (773) 722-0109

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As one of the many diverse Chicago neighborhoods, West Garfield Park offers homeowners a wide range of residential properties. West Garfield Park homes include lofts, condos and townhomes, to name a few. In addition to Chicago real estate, you can get detailed neighborhood information from our comprehensive online Chicago neighborhoods guide. With features like dining, shopping, entertainment, and resources, we've done all the leg work already to make your home search that much easier. Now, when a listing in West Garfield Park Chicago catches your eye, you can read all about the surrounding area and what it has to offer, all without setting foot in the neighborhood. Like a Yellow Pages, Metromix and MLS database all rolled into one, this site is your ultimate Chicago neighborhoods visitors' guidebook.    

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