In this series of blog posts, we’re providing a summary of the neighborhoods where we’re currently listing and developing homes.
Irving Park is a diverse neighborhood on the northwest side of Chicago, full of historical homes and tight-knit communities. It’s a neighborhood of neighborhoods, with some considering neighborhoods like The Villa and Old Irving Park to be part of Irving Park as a whole.
Stone planters mark the boundaries of the Villa District
A home in the Villa Historic District
Another gorgeous home in the Villa Historic District
For our purposes, we’ll consider Irving Park to have the following boundaries: Bounded by the north branch of the Chicago River on the east and Pulaski and the Kennedy Expressway on the west. Stretching down to Addison on the south, until it hits the Kennedy Expressway, when the neighborhood boundary heads to the NW. The north boundary is Irving Park Road, though it stretches a bit further north of Irving Park Road, extending up the NE boundary of Elston before ending where Elston meets Pulaksi.
Irving Park’s main green space is Independence Park, known for being a tree-filled community gathering place with an excellent fieldhouse — and a beer festival every fall. The huge Horner Park is just outside of the neighborhood’s boundaries, on the northeast side, but is within easy walking distance for many residents.
Green space at Independence Park
And Athletic Field Park, near the Addison stop on the blue line, has its own ceramics building.
Athletic Field Park’s fieldhouse
The ceramics studio at Athletic Field Park
While the neighborhood doesn’t currently have its own branch of the Chicago Public Library, it looks like one may be coming soon.
Read on to see why it’s always a beautiful day in Irving Park.
Entertainment and Eating
Arun’s Thai Restaurant, at the corner of Kedzie and Berteau in Irving Park
Irving Park didn’t used to be known for its dining and imbibing options, but there are some excellent newer additions to the neighborhood that make going out to eat a treat. Eris Brewery & Cider House is a women-owned and -operated hybrid brewpub and cidery housed in a former Masonic temple. Named for the Greek goddess of mayhem who notoriously “threw the golden apple of discord into a party she wasn’t invited to,” their menu offers options for “meat lovers, vegans, vegetarians, pescetarians, and those who observe gluten free diets.” Independence Tap, kitty-corner from its namesake park, is a great neighborhood spot with an impressive beer menu. Arun’s Thai Restaurant (pictured above) offers creative, upscale Thai food with a fixed-price menu that changes daily. There is a Golden Nugget&
