Main Content

North Center

Homes for Sale in North Center, Chicago

North Center
North Center, Chicago

If you’re looking for luxury homes for sale, North Center, Chicago offers a wide range of options. Here’s what you need to know about the lifestyle and the housing market.

NORTH CENTER AT A GLANCE

North Center, sometimes spelled as Northcenter, consistently ranks among Chicago’s best neighborhoods for its stunning homes, antique stores, dining scene, and nightlife. With an excellent mix of peaceful residential pockets and vibrant commercial areas, it offers a well-rounded lifestyle for buyers of all backgrounds.

Homes for sale in North Center, Chicago are some of the most sought-after properties in the city due to location, lifestyle, and craftsmanship. From indie coffee shops, trendy bars, and family-owned diners to art galleries, furniture showrooms, and a state-of-the-art theater, living in this fantastic neighborhood is an experience like no other.

Location and Surrounding Areas

North Center is conveniently located about five to seven miles north of the Loop within Community Area 5. As one of the city’s north side communities, it is bounded by the North Branch of the Chicago River on the west. It encompasses the residential areas of Hamlin Park, North Center, Roscoe Village, and St. Ben’s. It is surrounded by Montrose to the north, Ravenswood to the east, Chicago River to the west, and Addison and Diversey to the south.

Brief History

Once called Bricktown for the numerous brickyards and clay pits in this formerly industrial area, North Center dates back to the 1840s when developers turned their attention from the South to the North Branch. After several attempts to market subdivisions near the North Western Railway stops, prominent landowner William B. Ogden sold a sizable tract to John Turner, who established a cattle rancher and farmhouse in the area. He also rented out smaller tracts to truck farmers.

Chicagoans who were displaced by the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 fire moved into the North Center area. The post-fire rebuilding effort created demand for non-wood housing materials like clay, which was abundant on the nearby riverbanks. This led to the formation of the clay pits and brickyards for which the North Branch is known.

Most of the area remained undeveloped until the last quarter of the 19th century. In 1880, William Deering & Company opened a roughly 40-acre industrial campus at Clybourn and Fullerton Avenues. The campus expanded to include land in North Center and was renamed International Harvester’s Deering Works in 1902.

During this time, the community flourished with the arrival of working men and women who settled near the factories. The construction of the Ravenswood L (known today as the Brown Line) and the extension of streetcar lines at the turn of the century brought an influx of commuters to North Center.

Schools, housing developments, and entertainment venues opened along the river just as the brickyards closed down. The clay pits in the southern section of the community shuttered due to complaints about the noxious smell while light-manufacturing factories were built along Ravenswood Avenue.

What It’s Known For

North Center was a key player in the United State’s vegetable pickling and celery-growing region in the mid-19th century. It was known for its farms, greenhouses, and pickling factories along with the neighboring community of Lincoln Square. In fact, greenhouse technology was developed in North Center. Truck farming was also an important component of the local economy up until the 1890s.

North Center is also known for quality education and reputable schools. Opened in 1934, Lane Technical High School was an all-boys vocational school that became co-ed in 1971 and changed its name to Lane Tech College Prep High School. It is widely considered one of the best high schools in Chicago.

Riverview Amusement Park was a local landmark and renowned amusement park that had one of the largest carousels in the world. The establishment started out as a private shooting club that operated several rides. Known as “The Coney Island of Chicago”, Riverview closed in 1967. DeVry University, Riverview Shopping Plaza, and Area 6 Police Station stand on the former site of the amusement park.

NORTH CENTER LUXURY REAL ESTATE

Buyers will find an eclectic mix of homes for sale in North Center, Chicago. These include sleek condos on the Near North Side, Victorian-style homes in the east, and riverfront homes on the west section of town. As with the rest of Chicago, the neighborhood has a rich architectural history.

Workers’ cottages were widespread in the 19th century. These homes were affordable to construct and were often built back instead of widthwise to fit into narrow lots. These were typically single or one-and-a-half stories high with wood siding and Victorian-style design elements such pitched roofs and side-set front entrances. Other notable architectural styles in and around North Center include Bungalows, Chicago greystones, and Prairie-style homes.

After the rebuilding efforts following the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the Chicago School emerged with foundation construction and engineering techniques that enabled developers to extend building height past six stories on swampy ground. Steel frameworks replaced iron skeletons for modern skyscrapers with steel and glass structures. These skyscrapers stand alongside Art Deco and International Style/Miesian Modern-style buildings throughout the city.

Real Estate Market Trends

vintage house

There is a strong supply of buyers and a shortage of home listings in the North Side housing market as of mid-year 2023 despite higher mortgage interest rates and cautious consumer attitudes, according to real estate experts at Loop North News. Low market times and open house attendance indicate that buyers are entering the market and have gotten more comfortable with higher interest rates.

In 2023, housing inventory supply levels dwindled to 1.2 months supply of inventory (MSI), reflecting a shortage of available homes for sale. Local experts believe that this is due to homeowners’ hesitation to sell. According to Loop North News, the number of North Side real estate listings was 1,902 towards the end of the second quarter of 2023, down 29.9% from the previous year.

See North Center market updates here.

The median listing price was $657,500 as of July 2023, according to data from Realtor.com. On average, homes sold for approximately the asking price. North Center was a seller’s market in July 2023, with more buyers than there are available homes for sale.

Some of the most desirable homes for sale in North Center, Chicago are riverfront properties. The Chicago River is bordered by walking paths, lush foliage, and parks for residents who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

LIVING IN NORTH CENTER

Getting Around

The neighborhood provides access to reliable public transport. It is situated along several bus lines. There are also three stops on the Brown Line, namely Montrose, Addison, and Irving Park, which offer easy access to the downtown Loop.

Many residents get around by car with metered parking along commercial thoroughfares and side streets as well as several residential streets, which require permits for parking. Biking is a fun way of exploring and traveling through North Center. Residents will find bikeshare stations and cycling paths in the area.

Check the following resources for more information on public transportation in and around North Center:

Reputable Schools

North Center is served by Chicago Public Schools, also known as the City of Chicago School District 299. It is the fourth-largest school district in the US with several National Blue Ribbon Schools that have been recognized for strong overall academic performance and vibrant student bodies. There are also a number of private schools offering high-quality education in the North Center area.

Some of the schools in and around the neighborhood include:

When it comes to higher education, residents have access to DeVry University and the Keller Graduate School of Management Chicago at Ravenswood and the Loop. The university offers a wide range of certificate, undergraduate, and graduate programs in various fields as well as online courses in coding, medical billing, and technical management.

Things to Do

friends hugging each other

  • Ribfest Chicago has been celebrating delicious BBQ with the North Center community for over 23 years. The fun-filled festivities take place over the course of three days in summer of each year. It attracts tens of thousands of attendees that come to Irving Park Road and Damen and Lincoln Streets for Chicago-style ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, chicken breast, and tacos courtesy of more than 20 vendors.

    As a nationally renowned food and indie music festival, Ribfest Chicago typically features two stages featuring local and national musical acts. There’s also rides, play structures and activities for kids, including slides, bounce castles, mini golf, and art classes.

  • Northcenter Farmers Market is one of the oldest markets on Chicago’s North Side. It features an array of local vendors offering fresh vegetables, fruit, flowers, home-baked goods, pastries, and handmade products. The market takes place at Northcenter Town Square every Saturday through October, with the exception of Ribfest Chicago weekend in August.
  • Gold Coast Greek Fest offers a memorable weekend of live music and dancing to anyone who wants to experience Greek culture. Attendees can also sample an assortment of authentic Greek food, drinks, and pastries, including souvlaki, gyros, Mediterranean-style fries, loukoumades, wine, and beer.

Attractions

  • 312 RiverRun is a multi-use path for walking and biking along the North Branch of the Chicago River. It encompasses the Riverview Bridge, the longest pedestrian riverfront bridge in Chicago at over 1,000 feet and stretches across an underpass below the Irving Park Road Bridge.

    It connects California Park and Horner Park, covering about 95 acres of park land and providing access to an outdoor pool, playgrounds, tennis courts, baseball fields, boathouses, fitness centers, and ice skating rinks.

  • Northcenter Town Square is a plaza and cul-de-sac with a spacious raised lawn, play area, and performance stage. It hosts farmers markets, outdoor concerts, and street festivals throughout the year.
  • There are protected bike lanes, wide sidewalks, and pedestrian-friendly areas along Irving Park Road, the 47th Ward, and other areas of North Center to encourage outdoor recreation.
  • The Davis Theater, formerly known as the Pershing Theater, dates back to 1918. As a historical landmark, the theater has shown vaudeville, silent films, talkies, and second run films throughout the years. Today, it screens the latest box office hits and hosts private events.
  • Martyrs’ is a family-run music venue along Lincoln Avenue. It can accommodate up to 300 guests and has been providing world-class entertainment to locals and their guests since 1995. The venue also offers pizza, beer, wine, and sparkling drinks.

Shopping

  • Roscoe Square is a commercial strip with a supermarket and several fast casual restaurants and retailers selling clothing, pet supplies, liquor, and supplements.
  • Mint Home offers a curated selection of vintage furniture and home decor, including handmade pieces and unique items from local and national artisans. The shop also carries an array of original artwork for sale.
  • Broadway Antique Market offers a wide range of vintage furniture, lighting fixtures, art pieces, clothing, and jewelry from over 75 dealers. As the oldest and largest antique store in the city, it offers two stories of retail. Shop for Mid-Century Modern furniture, barware, vinyl records, and more.

Bars and Restaurants

North Center restaurant

  • Alexander’s Restaurant is a family-owned Greek-style diner with locations in Edgewater and Lincoln Square. The restaurant has been feeding hungry locals since 1960 with classic diner fare such as hot sandwiches, homemade meatloaf, bacon omelet, juicy burgers, fresh salads, and milkshakes.
  • Savanna Restaurant is a brunch spot offering American and Ecuadorian flavors. From fluffy buttermilk pancakes dripping in syrup to NY steak with eggs, the restaurant serves hearty meals that sate the appetite.
  • The Warbler is known for serving New American fare, craft beer, and artisanal cocktails in an elegant but laid-back environment. This restaurant is perfect for casual get-togethers, romantic dates, Friday night drinks, and special occasions.
  • ROCKS Northcenter is a popular hangout spot offering beer, cider, and whiskey on the rocks with the bar’s signature 2×2 ice cube. The venue can be reserved for private parties and events.
  • Gannon’s Pub is a neighborhood bar and beer garden known for ice cold beer, delicious bar chow, and fun events like trivia Mondays and game night.

Nearby Neighborhoods to Explore

FIND YOUR DREAM HOME IN NORTH CENTER TODAY

Ready to browse homes for sale in North Center, Chicago?

The Cindi Sodolski Group is ready to assist you. We are an elite group of real estate professionals known for client-focused service. Our team is led by top producer and luxury real estate expert Cindi Sodolski, who brings more than 10 years of experience to the table.

Our team has helped numerous clients find their dream home through exceptional service and meticulous attention to detail. 98% of our business comes from referrals. Get in touch with us 773.450.0820 or send our team an email. You can also leave us a message here and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

 



There's no result found.

Connect with us

logo

    I am:
    Skip to content