The Wrigleyville Neighborhood
Located just five miles north of Chicago’s Loop in the heart of the Lakeview community, this vibrant neighborhood is one of the most populated areas in the Midwest. Part of that has to do with Wrigleyville’s world-famous Wrigley Field baseball stadium – which attracts over 40,000 ticket-holders (plus countless fans who cram into the surrounding bars) for every home game. But even when the Chicago Cubs aren’t in town, this area is still jam-packed with people. Wrigleyville may be physically centered around a Major League baseball park, but there are plenty of non sports-related attractions in this lively Chicago neighborhood to keep residents and visitors of all interests occupied. Whether it’s shopping, dining, grabbing a cup of joe or partying at the annual street festivals, this sought after spot has a little something for everyone.
A good percentage of Wrigleyville residents are qualified as the “younger generation.” You’ll find a number of early-career professionals and college students, many under the age of 30, living in condos, walk-up flats and apartments in this small six-by-three-block neighborhood. Thanks to its youthful populace, the community maintains a vibrant, energetic atmosphere that seems to fill the air with a natural excitement and enjoyment of life. And Wrigleyville’s sports-fueled, party-hard crowd is no deterrent for those looking to nest – plenty of families with young children settle down in this prime Chicago location. So close to downtown (the Red Line L shoots right to the Loop in 25 minutes) and a five-minute walk from the lakefront parks and beaches.
Tucked into Wrigleyville’s tree-lined streets are a bevy of architectural styles, boasting everything from low-rise brick buildings and houses to new condos and a limited number of detached single-family homes. The unusual thing about Wrigleyville homes is that some of residences next to Wrigley Field actually have rooftop bleachers where people can go to watch the home games. The owners sell tickets or rent out the whole roof and basically run mini stadiums out of their properties with stands, concession and beer stations, grilled hotdogs, restrooms – the whole nine yards! For those looking to purchase a home to live in (as opposed to just watch baseball from), you will find a selection of condominiums and walk-up flats in Wrigleyville averaging in the high $300,000s for a one or two bedroom place. There are also a number of beautiful attached single-family residences with lavish amenities like stainless steel appliances, vaulted ceilings, newly finished hardwood floors, rooftop decks and cozy balconies. Despite their million-dollar price tags, these elegant abodes get snatched up almost as soon as they hit the market.
Perhaps the only real drawback to Wrigleyville is its parking (or lack thereof). It certainly isn’t easy here with so many Cubs fans driving in from every corner of the city to go to the games, but there are a few ways around the limited parking options if you live in the neighborhood. For one, many homes have garages, carports, gated lots or designated alley spots. If you aren’t lucky enough to snag one of the coveted parking-equipped residences, just remember this: head west. The farther you are from Wrigley Field, the easier it is to find parking.
Many of Wrigleyville’s streets have bike lanes to accommodate the two-wheeler form of transportation, which is how many people choose to get around the neighborhood. Walking is another great alternative to driving in this congested region of Chicago. No matter where you are in Wrigleyville, there’s bound to be at least one grocery store, sports bar and restaurant within a couple blocks, so it’s easy to hoof it to your neighborhood destination. Public transit is also convenient in Wrigleyville with the CTA Red Line (stops right at Wrigley Field) and a handful of bus routes crisscrossing the area.