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West Town

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…vibrant and still evolving

Since no one else is going to tell you this (unless you sit down with a couple of straight-talking locals), we thought we’d take a moment to sit you down and tell you about West Town.

Located directly west of the Gold Coast, beyond the Chicago River and Kennedy Expressway but east of say, Kedzie, West Town has been a hotbed of activity since the 1990s, when what used to be a primarily Puerto Rican and Mexican area began changing. Gentrification happened as it usually does: first the artists come, then young singles, then families and now, West Town is slowly seeing a rise in rent and home prices, newer construction, rehabbed three-flats and cottages, more retail and more hotspots. It’s a good thing right? As long as it’s peaceful and good for all. And in West Town, it is.

There are some pockets, however, that are still either a little tense or sketch. But for the most part, it’s a fun, dynamic area that can be really fantastic when neighbors are responsible and respectful of their ’hood. In fact, it’s one of the most vibrant parts of the north side.

Take a walk down Chicago Avenue and you can’t stop your head from turning to look at the mix of trendy restaurants (Green Zebra) and tried-and-true originals (Tecalitlan), endless dollar stores and new boutiques. Then, head down to D’Amato’s or La Scarola, on Grand Avenue, for warm hospitality and cooking that would do your Sicilian Grandma proud.

View neighborhood hotspots

Known for:

It's vibrant art community

Main drag:

Chicago Avenue

West Town blogs and events

Apartments in West Town