McKinley Park

McKinley Park is one of the Southwest Side's best-kept secrets: a compact, walkable neighborhood wrapped around its 69-acre namesake park, with a lagoon, pool, and enough green space to make the density feel easy. The old Central Manufacturing District's brick industrial fortresses line its northern edge, slowly filling with new uses.

The Orange Line stops right at 35th/Archer, making the Loop about 15 minutes away, and Archer Avenue's bus is frequent. Housing is brick two-flats and cottages at prices that make North Side renters do a double take. McKinley Park suits first-time buyers and renters who want a real park, a fast train, and a quiet block without paying a branding premium.

McKinley 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 80, McKinley 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 McKinley Park's true cost. The neighborhood is served by the Orange, Pink lines.