Irving Park

Irving Park grew up around a Metra stop in the 1870s and it still shows: the Villa District's Prairie-style homes and the old farmhouse streets around Independence Park give it some of the Northwest Side's most distinctive architecture. It's quieter than Avondale to its east and cheaper than North Center to its northeast, sitting in the useful middle.

Transportation options stack up well. The Blue Line runs along its southern edge at Irving Park and Addison, Metra's UP Northwest line stops in the neighborhood, and the Kennedy is right there for the days you drive. One car covers most households. Irving Park suits people who want vintage housing with a real commute plan and a lower profile than the name-brand neighborhoods.

Irving Park 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 82, Irving Park 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 Irving Park's true cost. The neighborhood is served by the Blue, Brown lines.