Montclare

Montclare is one of Chicago's smallest and quietest community areas, a pocket of bungalows and ranches tucked against the Elmwood Park border. It has no L stop, no famous main street, and no tourist reason to visit, which is exactly what its residents like about it. The neighborhood is heavily residential with a strong Polish and Latino mix.

The Metra Milwaukee District West line's Mars stop and buses on Grand and Diversey handle transit, but this is functionally car country: most households keep two. Housing costs are among the lowest on the entire Northwest Side. Montclare suits buyers hunting for a first house on a budget who work somewhere the Kennedy or I-290 reaches.

Montclare 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 62, Montclare is "Somewhat Walkable": some errands can be done on foot, but many trips need transit or a car.

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