Back of the Yards

Back of the Yards is the neighborhood that organized America: Saul Alinsky's first community organization started here, and Upton Sinclair's The Jungle was set in these blocks. Today it's a predominantly Mexican neighborhood with a strong parish-and-plaza culture, taquerias along 47th Street, and The Plant, a former meatpacking facility reborn as a vertical farm and food business incubator.

Buses carry most trips, with the Orange Line's Halsted stop and the Red Line's 47th Street stop at opposite ends of a ride. Housing is cottages and two-flats at deeply affordable prices. Back of the Yards suits people who care about community history and want housing costs low enough to actually save money while living in the city.

Back of the Yards offers strong transit access: a car is optional for many trips. One car typically covers the gap that transit leaves.

With a Walk Score of 78, Back of the Yards 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 Back of the Yards's true cost. The neighborhood is served by the Red, Orange lines.