Austin

Austin is Chicago's largest community area by population and one of its most consequential: a West Side district of boulevards, greystones, and the kind of housing stock that would be fought over on the North Side. The Austin Town Hall and the mansions of Midway Park are reminders that this was once a wealthy commuter suburb the city annexed in 1899.

The Green Line runs along Lake Street and the Blue Line's Forest Park branch serves the southern edge, giving Austin more rail than most people assume. Buses on Chicago and Madison are frequent. Home prices are among the lowest in the city for the quality of the buildings, and block clubs here are strong. Austin suits buyers who see the West Side's trajectory and want a greystone before the rest of the market notices.

Austin offers moderate transit access: a single car per household is usually sufficient. One car typically covers the gap that transit leaves.

With a Walk Score of 72, Austin is "Very Walkable": most errands can be accomplished on foot.

At roughly $12,000/year for 1 car, transportation is a moderate line item in Austin's true cost. The neighborhood is served by the Green, Blue lines.