South Chicago

South Chicago grew up around the U.S. Steel South Works, and when the mills closed in 1992 the neighborhood lost its engine but kept its grid: Commercial Avenue's dense storefronts, sturdy worker housing, and one of the city's largest lakefront redevelopment sites where the mill once stood. Plans for the South Works land have come and gone; the latest, a quantum computing campus, may finally stick.

The Metra Electric's South Chicago branch terminates at 93rd Street, running downtown in about 30 minutes, and buses cover the local grid. Housing costs sit near the city's floor. South Chicago suits pragmatic renters and buyers betting that a neighborhood with lakefront land, rail, and a returning anchor employer won't stay this cheap forever.

South Chicago 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 68, South Chicago 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 South Chicago's true cost. The neighborhood is served by the Metra line.