West Town

An amalgamation of several distinctive neighborhoods—including Pulaski Park, Wicker Park, Ukrainian Village, River West, East Humboldt Park, East Village, Noble Square, and Smith Park—West Town is one of the most populous of the 77 communities that comprise the Chicago area.

 

With an impressive history of several waves of immigration, West Town is known as a melting pot of cultures, ethnicities, and nationalities and has residents from all walks of life in a wide range of professions. Here, you’ll find neighborhoods steeped in varying international influences ranging from Mexican to Puerto Rican, Polish, Italian, Russian, and others.

 

West Town’s residential options are varied and plentiful. Prospective buyers can choose between modern lofts, historic single-family homes, and a mix of luxury and affordable apartments, all set in the bustle of this hip urban center.

• FunkenHausen’s incredible German-Southern blend of food
• Diving into local art at the West Town Art Walk
• Family fun and recreation at Humboldt Park
  
  

The community is split almost evenly between families and individuals and provides the perfect blend of culture, diversity, and urban opportunities. Whether you’re visiting or settling down and starting the next chapter of your life, West Town is a place worth exploring.

 

Artistic and creative types flock to the area to take part in its vivacious energy, and the majority of the population skews towards the younger side. The employment here tends to be white-collar, and more than half of the population has a bachelor’s degree or higher.

West Town is a paradise for shoppers and foodies who love distinctive, one-of-a-kind products and dining. Reflective of the area’s trendy, urban vibe, the commerce and entertainment opportunities in West Town are sure to leave you dazzled.

 

At Seek Vintage Wares and Apparel, patrons will find everything from clothes to accessories, home décor, and furniture. Browse hand-crafted, quality jewelry brought in from all over the country at Komoda, or treat yourself to one of their unisex perfumes and luxury self-care items.

 

Dine at Beatnik and become immersed in the exotic, creative aesthetic that permeates everything from their style to the menu. Try one of their seasonal cocktails or delight in the menu’s bold flavors, which draw inspiration from all over the world.

 

Adventurous eaters can embrace the Omakase style—a formal Japanese dining experience where menus are abandoned, and the diner’s choice is left to the chef—at Kai Zan. Prefer something a little more classic? Head to La Scarola, an Italian restaurant with some of the best pasta in town.

West Town is brimming with activities for residents and visitors from all walks of life. The community has parks, ample festivals, and incredible opportunities to embrace singular experiences, like the ancient baths at AIRE.

 

There’s plenty to celebrate here, and West Town’s frequent events are a testament to the community’s diversity. Take part in the live music, food, family fun zone, and local fashion runway shows at the ever-energetic Do Division Street Fest. The West Town Art Walk caters to those who favor a more subdued experience—visitors can take self-guided art tours and explore local businesses. Holiday festivities abound at the annual Winterfest, West Town’s premier shopping event.

 

For outdoor recreation, West Town contains the nearly 200-acre Humboldt Park. In addition to its expansive green acreage, the park’s facilities are wide-ranging: two gymnasiums, an inland beach, sports fields, fishing by the lagoon, playgrounds, and so much more.

West Town is home to several excellent schools. Top educational opportunities include:

• A.N. Pritzker Public School, PK-8, highly rated public school
• West Town Academy, an alternative high school for ages 16-21 hoping to obtain their diploma