by: Greg Nagel
Ask Nagel Realty

Avondale

Avondale Borders & Overview

Addison to the north, Diversey to the south, Pulaski to the west, Western to the east.

A residential neighborhood with an industrial edge, Avondale has been rising quickly among Chicago neighborhoods, buoyed by the success of Logan Square to the south.

Avondale is the product of numerous immigration waves, with buildings in some of the older sections of the neighborhood dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The industrial sections along the riverfront have been transformed as the neighborhood evolved, now more likely to host art studios and new businesses, while the residential areas retain their classic character, with a mix of single- and multi-family dwellings.

The commercial corridors along Belmont, Elston and Milwaukee have been booming in recent years, with numerous new bars, restaurants and shops popping up. The relatively low cost in the area has given rise to some of the more inventive restaurant concepts in the city.

For recreation, Brands Park and Avondale Park provide green space and public facilities, while the 2.9-mile 312 RiverRun Trail provides a scenic running and biking path along the Chicago River. For the more adventurous, The Garden provides a great opportunity to test out your dirt-bike jumping skills.

While the rise of Logan Square may have jump-started Avondale’s popularity, its small-town feel, vibrant restaurant scene and diverse housing stock all ensure that it stands on its own as a fantastic Chicago neighborhood in its own right.

Avondale Housing Stock

New construction homes stand alongside classic worker cottages throughout the tree-lined residential streets, offering a wide array of single-family options at all price points. Given the neighborhood’s industrial past, numerous loft options are available as well, like the Shoemaker Lofts at Pulaski and Belmont.

Avondale Schools

Lane Tech: One of the top selective enrollment high schools in Chicago, Lane Tech, at the border of Roscoe Village and Avondale, was recently ranked #60 in the nation by US News and World Report.

Avondale Eats

Warlord: Warlord seemingly appeared out of nowhere to become the hottest spot in Chicago. With no reservations available, be prepared to wait for a table no matter when you show up. While most of the menu changes with the seasons and the chefs’ whims, one of the city’s best burgers is a permanent fixture.

Thattu: Chef Margaret Pak explores flavors from the southernmost part of India at Thattu, bringing something new to Indian cuisine. Be sure to try the chicken sandwich for lunch!

Honey Butter Fried Chicken: Perfectly fried boneless chicken smothered in honey butter is the star at this standby, but don’t skip out on the sides. Their pimento mac and cheese, corn muffins, and garlic grits are standouts.

Avondale Shopping

Bucket O’Blood Books and Records: Don’t be scared of this neighborhood staple, offering sci-fi, horror and fantasy fiction, punk and heavy metal records, and the best selection of horror movies you’ll find in Chicago.

Joong Boo Market: In addition to a well-stocked Asian supermarket, Joong Boo Market also includes a Korean snack bar, offering authentic Korean food to eat while you shop or take home.

Avondale Organizations

Avondale residents are well-represented by the Avondale Neighborhood Association, working to unify the Avondale community by preserving history, embracing diversity, and connecting neighbors.

Avondale Transportation

Avondale is strategically positioned near the Kennedy Expressway, making car transport a breeze. Blue Line stations at Belmont and Addison make for easy access to O’Hare and the Loop, which all major east/west streets are serviced with buses.

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What's the Avondale vibe?

With a wide variety of housing types at significantly lower prices than neighboring Logan Square, Avondale is an accessible neighborhood quickly moving up in the Chicago real estate scene.

Greg Nagel

Greg Nagel is the Managing Broker/Owner of Ask Nagel Realty and a Top 1% producer of all Chicago brokers. He has been featured on two episodes of HGTV’s number one show, House Hunters. Check out the 200+ five-star reviews of Greg’s work from his clients on Zillow.