Living in Irving Park
Irving Park is the Northwest Side's quiet architecture showcase: the Villa District's Prairie-style bungalows, Old Irving Park's Victorian farmhouses on oversized lots, and a commuter's dream position on the Blue line, Metra, and the Kennedy - all at prices below the lakefront neighborhoods.
The feel
Residential and proud of it - landmark districts, active neighborhood associations, Independence Park's programming, and a low-key restaurant scene growing along Irving Park Road and Elston. It trades nightlife for lot size and porch swings.
Homes & what they cost
The lot sizes are the story: Old Irving Victorians and foursquares $600K-$1M+ on 40-50 foot lots, Villa District bungalows $500K-$800K, plus two-flats $400K-$650K and condos from the $200Ks. New construction is filling in near the Blue line.
Who it suits
Families wanting a house with a real yard inside the city, commuters who split time between the Loop and O'Hare, and architecture lovers - the Villa District is one of only a handful of landmarked bungalow districts in Chicago.
Getting around
Blue line at Irving Park and Addison, Metra UP-NW at Irving Park (Ogilvie in about 15 minutes), and instant Kennedy access - one of the best three-way commutes in the city.
Irving Park questions, answered straight
Is Irving Park a good neighborhood?
Yes, especially for families: landmark housing stock on big lots, strong commuter access via Blue line, Metra, and the Kennedy, and prices meaningfully below the North Side lakefront. Old Irving Park and the Villa District are its signature pockets.
How much does a house cost in Irving Park?
As of mid-2026, Villa District bungalows generally run $500K-$800K, Old Irving Park Victorians and foursquares $600K-$1M+, and two-flats $400K-$650K. Oversized lots are common and factor heavily into value.
What is the Villa District?
A small landmarked pocket of about 120 Prairie- and Craftsman-style homes built 1907-1922, on parkway-style streets between Pulaski and Avondale. It is one of Chicago's few protected bungalow districts and homes there rarely trade - when one lists, it moves.