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Often called the "Gateway to Chicago" because of its historical importance to travelers and immigrant passage to the U.S., or a city within a city because of its self-sufficient, small-town environment, Jefferson Park is a neighborhood with rich cultural history and attractive residential property. Homebuyers will find a good assortment of real estate in Jefferson Park that covers every style of living, from contemporary condominiums to early Victorian houses. The area is surrounded by suburban, country club golf courses and thick forest preserves, so Jefferson Park residents are not for want of open space and lush greenery. Many of the homes in this neck of the woods have private yards and the small neighborhood parks provide even more room to stretch the legs and get a breath of fresh air. Entertainment in Jefferson Park comes in the form of community festivals, local theater, and knocking the pins down at the bowling alley. After working up an appetite, set out for any one of Jefferson Park's dozens of restaurants, cafés, bakeries, delis, pizzerias and takeouts.
Residents from all walks of life like Jefferson Park because there is an incredible variety of housing available. As it is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, the generations of residential design and architecture are apparent in styles from early Victorian to 1950s ranch houses to sleek new condo development.
Many of Jefferson Park's earliest homes are still standing on lots of green grass, having been rejuvenated to their original splendor. The neighborhood's residential streets are edged with well-kept single-family Georgians, Victorians, and a multitude of Chicago bungalows. Lush lawns, back yards and attractive shrubs are in abundance—and it's no surprise to see rabbits racing through the properties.
But not all Jefferson Park real estate is detached single-family places. Older mid-rise and courtyard condos are also common, and new construction three-flats, modern condominiums and contemporary townhomes have made their mark in this northwest side Chicago neighborhood as well.
The evolution of Chicago's Jefferson Park neighborhood began with the arrival of John Kinzie Clark. Known as the first white settler in Chicago, Clark also was one of the first pioneers of this northwest side neighborhood. In 1830, he arrived and constructed a log cabin hotel. The section of land where Clark built his inn was heavily traveled by merchants and traders journeying to and from Chicago. Subsequently, the Jefferson settlement became a convenient rest stop for these people and gained quickly gained popularity.
In 1850, the roads now known as Milwaukee Avenue and Elston Avenue were built to better connect people to Chicago. Jefferson Township, a separate entity from Chicago, was formed in that same year. A thriving village with several businesses emerged in the area where today Milwaukee Avenue and Higgins Road connect. Not long after, a rail line (Chicago & North Western) was extended and that, too, ran through this exact spot.
By 1889, Jefferson Township was annexed by Chicago. A system of streetcars was established along Lawrence, Milwaukee, and Elston avenues at the turn of the century. This furthered the accessibility of the area and many working class immigrants, mostly Polish and German, began to populate the area. But by the 1950s, what was once a major transportation hub fell increasingly still. With this slowdown in travel through the neighborhood, the population growth also dwindled.
Things started to turn around at the end of the decade; the Kennedy Expressway was constructed through the heart of Jefferson Park, offering residents a convenient passage in and out of the city. Ten years later, the CTA expanded Jefferson Park transportation by opening up a bus station, followed by a Greyhound station, and Blue Line train stop. The multiple means of transportation has helped the neighborhood return to its former glory as a central hub for the northwest side.
Today, remnants of the original residential architecture such as late 19th century Victorians still stand in the neighborhood, which is rapidly growing again with a new influx of families.
As Chicago neighborhood experts, Dream Town has successfully sold properties in Jefferson Park. Dream Town holds a well-earned reputation for its impressive sales volume and dedication to personal, attentive service. Benefit from the Dream Town advantage when selling your Jefferson Park home. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, Dream Town drives more sales than any other Chicago brokerage.
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