Uptown | Sheridan Park and Avondale

While technically a sub-neighborhood of Uptown, Sheridan Park deserves a mention on its own. Bound by Irving Park, Montrose, Broadway, and Clark, the neighborhood, listed as a National Register Historic District, features a blend of architectural styles rich in history. In recent years, renovations and rehabilitations in Sheridan Park have expanded greatly and even further improved the area’s wonderful residential properties.

Bordered by Ashland, Foster Avenue, Lake Michigan, and Irving Park Road, Uptown is a neighborhood recovering from a less-than-stellar reputation. In the recent past, Uptown has often been described by words such as: borderline safe, economical and a bit run-down. However, due in part to the proximity to the hot Lakeview area, Uptown has recently been enjoying somewhat of a resurgence.

Those who bought homes a few years earlier have seen property values rise quickly as the number of properties being renovated and new constructions going up have dramatically increased. With the occurrence of all these positive revitalization developments, Uptown is fast on its way to recovering some of the prestige it once held during the late nineteenth century.

For those who enjoy theatre and culture, Uptown also holds appeal. Old structures such as the Aragon Ballroom, Riviera Theatre, Uptown Theatre, and the Green Mill Jazz Club now play host to respectively, cutting-edge musical acts, modern theatre, and authentic jazz performances.

In homage-like fashion, Uptown also plays host to the historic Graceland Cemetery, where many of Chicago’s famous historical personages eternally rest. Finally, the neighborhood is easily accessible via CTA buses and multiple “El” stops at Argyle, Lawrence, Wilson and Sheridan.

Simplicity, stability, and community are three words commonly used to describe the Northwest Chicago neighborhood of Avondale. Featuring a robust population of 43,000, a significant portion of which is of Polish ancestry, Avondale, though known as a tightly-knit, community is also viewed to be tolerant of people’s universal differences. With convenient access to transportation, Avondale features shopping opportunities ranging from national chains to simple mom-and-pop stores.

While generally stable, Avondale has recently experienced an influx of new residents, primarily consisting of younger people who have been priced out of trendier, adjacent neighborhoods. Such wanna-be homebuyers tend to look to Avondale as an option which will allow them to buy close to their desired locale. This is made possibility by Avondale’s affordability and accessibility to all areas of the city.

Not only for residential purposes, but also for recreational ones, Avondale doesn’t disappoint. From an array of inviting options for dining and entertainment, Avondale attracts a diverse crowd on account of its eclectic offerings. For instance, Avondale is home to the famed Abbey Pub, a destination for many looking for great food, an impressive assortment of beers, and nationally known music acts.

For those looking to pay a visit to the Avondale area, they will find it readily accessible via CTA buses that run along Addison, Belmont, Diversey and Pulaski.