Northcenter

Welcome to Northcenter

Friendly and enjoyable in every way and often overlooked by outsiders yet never unnoticed by locals, this community-minded neighborhood offers an unmatched residential feel while still being undeniably big city. Appropriately named for being at the the center of the city's northside, its highly connectable to so many of its neighboring areas, yet there's really little that cannot be enjoyed within the confines of this gem of a neighborhood. Surrounded in part by Lakeview, Ravenswood, Lincoln Square, Irving Park, and Roscoe Village, Northcenter features lovely tree lined streets with expansive single family homes and wonderful condos. Just north and south of its nexus at Lincoln Ave, Damen Ave, and Irving Park Rd, there's countless dining, shopping, and entertainment which its resident have come to love over the generations. 

What to Love

• Sense of community with many family life being top priority
• Countless laid back, friendly restaurants, taverns, as well as highly reviewed dining experiences
• Small business haven with an entrepreneurial spirit
• Large neighborhood with even smaller identifiable pockets

What to Do

Somewhat inconspicuous in comparison to its sister neighborhood Lakeview, some aren't even aware when they've entered this expansive neighborhood consisting of several little enclaves. Located just north of Irving Park Rd, Lincoln Ave, & Damen Ave intersection, the Northcenter Town Square is the neighborhood's year-round pedestrian-friendly plaza with green space, picnic area situated adjacent to countless walking destinations. Surrounded by dining, bars, and shops up and down the Lincoln Ave corridor, this is the heart of Northcenter. In summer, the annual Northcenter Ribfest is the northside's largest and most popular festival of its kind, inviting residents throughout the city to partake in this of pork-infused party.

And being in Chicago, of course there's plenty of indoor revelry to enjoy as well. Countless pizza joints, delectable gastropubs, family-friendly microbreweries, and neighborhood taverns all greet their regulars throughout this expansive neighborhood. 

A large neighborhood in comparison to others, it offers direct access to the north branch of the Chicago River, where its many residents freely launch their kayaks and enjoy nature on sunny Chicago afternoons. Offering a different kind of outdoor experience than its lakeside neighbors to the east, North Center also houses much public green space with its parks comfortably populated at all times of the year.

Schools

Chicago Public School District 299's provides desirable Lane Tech College Prep, the largest CPS high school, where a selectively enrolled student base from throughout the city is academically challenged. The popular Bell Elementary and Coonley Elementary are where the majority of Northcenter's K-8 learners prepare for high school. Northcenter is also the home St. Benedict's Parish and K-12 school, which has strong neighborhood ties.

Stats

**Chicago consists of 77 official community areas, none of which is identified as Northcenter. Considered a neighborhood within the greater North Center community, which also consists of Roscoe Village, St. Ben's, and Hamlin Park. Below are the official stats for the greater North Center community area.  

Population: ~ 35,000

12-mo Median Single Family Home Price: $1,175,000 (as of 9/1/2021)

12-mo Median Condo/Townhome Price: $455,000 (as of 9/1/2021)