Mayfair Apartment Living
Neighborhood Vibe
Heart of the Neighborhood
What We Love Most
Best Way to Get Around
| Find Mayfair Apartments |
|---|
Around the Neighborhood
Overview of Mayfair
This northwest side nook is where Chicago keeps it real. No pretentious art galleries or overpriced juice bars here - just solid homes, family-run shops, and parks where you can actually hear yourself think. It's not trying to be the next hot spot, and that's exactly why it's cool. Mayfair's the place where you can live in the city without feeling like you need a trust fund or a hipster wardrobe revamp.
Demographics of Mayfair
Mayfair's got a little bit of everything, and I'm not just talking about the menus at the local diners. Polish grandmas, Latino families, and a whole bunch of other folks call this place home. The median age is around 40, which means you're not drowning in a sea of strollers, but you're also not the only one who knows how to use TikTok.
Weather in Mayfair
Like all over the city, Mayfair has seasons - sometimes all four in one week. Summers turn Chicago into a sauna, but hey, that's what those lovely front porches are for. Fall's gorgeous until you remember you need to rake all those leaves. Over the winter, you’re going to get really intimate with your parka and snow shovel. And probably your sofa. And teapot.
The spring, unfortunately, is usually a tease. One day you're sunbathing, the next you're questioning why you ever left Florida. But that first real warm day when everyone's out and about? That’s when you’ll be twice as happy to be a Chicagoan.
Location of Mayfair
Distance to Downtown and Other Notable Locations
Mayfair's got that sweet spot thing going on. We're about 10 miles northwest of the Loop, which means you're close enough to the action but far enough to dodge the tourist traps. O'Hare's just a 20-minute drive, perfect for those last-minute "I can't take another Chicago winter" getaways. And hey, Wrigley Field's only about 7 miles east – you can catch a Cubs game without dealing with the bar crowd afterward.
Transportation in Mayfair
- Access to Highways: I'm not saying Mayfair's the center of the universe, but we have some prime real estate when it comes to highways. The Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) is right there, ready to take you downtown or out to the 'burbs. Just don't expect any miracles during rush hour - this is still Chicago, after all.
- CTA Bus Routes in Mayfair: The 81 Lawrence and 92 Foster are our neighborhood regulars, shuffling folks east and west. If you're feeling fancy, hop on the 68 Northwest Highway for a diagonal adventure.
- Metra Train Stops in Mayfair: Mayfair's got its own Metra stop on the UP-Northwest line, and it's a game-changer. In about 25 minutes, you're in the Loop, sipping your latte and feeling smug about bypassing road rage.
- Parking Options and Availability: Unlike some Chicago neighborhoods where finding parking is like winning the lottery, Mayfair's actually got space for your wheels. Most rentals have dedicated spots, and street parking isn't a blood sport here.
What to Do in Mayfair
Local Shopping in Mayfair
Village Discount Outlet is a thrifter's paradise, where you can score vintage threads or that funky lamp your apartment's been missing. Fits N Kicks keeps the sneakerheads happy with a solid selection of streetwear and shoes. Albany Square is your go-to for those "oops, forgot to grab a gift" moments, offering a mix of knick-knacks and locally made goodies. And let's not forget good ol' Walgreens, holding down the fort for all your late-night ice cream runs and cold medicine needs.
Restaurants in Mayfair
Mayfair's dining scene is a tasty tour around the globe, no passport required. Shibam Yemeni Kitchen serves up aromatic Middle Eastern dishes that'll make your taste buds do a happy dance. When the taco craving hits (and let's be real, when doesn't it?), TTS Tacos & Tortas is there with Mexican street food that's the real deal. Max's Restaurant Chicago brings a slice of the Philippines to Chicago, dishing out comfort food that'll have you planning your next visit before you've finished your meal. And for those days when only the catch of the day will do, Lawrence Fish Market hooks you up with fresh seafood (but cash only, so come prepared!)
Coffee Shops in Mayfair
Whether you're a coffee snob or just need a quick jolt, you’ve come to the right place. Casa Cactus is the neighborhood's indie darling, serving up artisanal brews in a space that's more "cool local artist's living room" than "cookie-cutter cafe." Alibaba Coffee Shop brings a touch of Middle Eastern flair to your morning routine, with strong Turkish coffee that'll make your teeth chatter. For those who like to stick to the familiar, there's always Starbucks, ready to misspell your name on a pumpkin spice latte, and Dunkin's, there to save the day with no-frills joe and donuts.
Nightlife in Mayfair
Mayfair might not be River North, but we've got our own brand of after-dark fun. 240 Lounge and Café is where the cool kids hang, mixing craft cocktails with live music. O'Donnells is your classic Chicago corner bar, where everybody knows your name (or at least pretends to after a few beers). Sidekicks Entertainment brings the party with karaoke nights that range from "surprisingly good" to "hilariously bad" - either way, you're in for a show. If you prefer a more laid-back, dive bar vibe that your hipster cousin would love, Hock Shop delivers a stiff drink with zero pretension. Perfect for when you need to decompress after a long day of adulting.
Parks in Mayfair
Mayfair Park is our crown jewel - 11 acres of pure Chicago park perfection. It has your standard playground equipment for the kiddos, tennis courts for the wannabe Serenas, and enough open space to fly a kite or practice your cartwheels. Gompers Park is right on our border too, offering a nice little lagoon where you can pretend you're communing with nature instead of living in a big city.
Events in Mayfair
The Mayfair Park Summer Fest in August is our time to shine. There’s local bands, food that'll bust your diet (worth it), and enough activities to tire out even the most energetic kids. We also have a solid Farmers Market running from June to October. It's where you pretend you're going to eat healthy all week, but end up buying more baked goods than vegetables. In the fall, the Halloween Walk along Lawrence Ave is like trick-or-treating, but with small businesses and a lot less chance of getting lost in a corn maze.
Real Estate In Mayfair
Overview of the Real Estate Market in Mayfair
As of 2024, this northwest side neighborhood offers a sweet spot of affordability and charm that's hard to beat. With rental prices averaging 20% below the city median, Mayfair is attracting a diverse mix of renters, from young professionals to small families. The area's stability is a big draw, with a low vacancy rate of around 5% indicating strong demand without the cutthroat competition you'll find in trendier zip codes.
Rental Rates in Mayfair
In Mayfair, your dollar stretches further than in many Chicago neighborhoods. Studio apartments typically range from $1,000 to $1,20 per month, while one-bedrooms hover between $1,300 and $1,600. If you need more space, two-bedroom units usually go for $1,600 to $2,100, and three-bedrooms for $2,300 to $2,800. Many rentals include perks like off-street parking or utilities, which can save you a bundle in the long run. Keep in mind, these rates can fluctuate based on factors like proximity to public transit and building amenities.
Before you start your search, it's best to run your salary through our handy rent calculator. This way, you’ll know exactly what to spend on rent and what to spend on pizza. We also have plenty of renter's resources, which will help you determine your budget, dial in your credit score, understand security deposits and moving fees, and discover why renters insurance is a no-brainer.
Popular Housing Styles in Mayfair
The neighborhood is famous for its classic Chicago bungalows, many of which have been converted into cozy apartments. These often feature hardwood floors, built-in shelving, and those quirky nooks that give older homes their character. You'll also find plenty of two-flat and three-flat buildings, offering a more apartment-like feel with the bonus of a small yard or back porch. For those seeking modern digs, a handful of newer low-rise apartment buildings have popped up, offering updated amenities without sacrificing the neighborhood's charm. Whether you're after vintage vibes or contemporary comfort, Mayfair's got a rental to match your style.
Schools and Higher Learning Institutions In Mayfair
Public, Private, and Charter School Options
Mayfair offers a handful of educational options for families living in the neighborhood. The main public school serving the area is William J. Onahan Elementary School, serving students from pre-K through 8th grade. For high school, most Mayfair students are zoned to attend William Howard Taft High School, which is just outside the neighborhood in Norwood Park. While there aren't any charter schools within Mayfair itself, the ASPIRA Early College High School is nearby in Avondale. As for private schools, St. Edward School, a Catholic institution, provides quality education for students from pre-K through 8th grade.
University, College, and Others Higher Learning Institution Options
Mayfair doesn't have any colleges or universities within its borders, but it’s close enough that taking the bus won’t make you late for class. The closest is Northeastern Illinois University, about 2 miles east in North Park. Wright College, one of the City Colleges of Chicago, is about 3 miles northwest in Dunning.
History In Mayfair
Mayfair's story is a quintessential Chicago tale of urban evolution. Back in the late 19th century, this area was just another patch of Jefferson Township, probably more familiar with corn stalks than apartment blocks. But the 1920s rolled around, and Mayfair decided it was time for a glow-up. The real catalyst was the Northwestern Railroad (now our trusty Metra UP-Northwest Line) chugging into town in 1887. Suddenly, Mayfair wasn't just some far-flung outpost - it was prime real estate for city workers looking to escape the Loop's hustle without completely ghosting urban life.
Now, about that name - "Mayfair." In a stroke of marketing genius that would make Don Draper proud, some savvy real estate developers in the 1910s decided to sprinkle a little English charm on our Chicago neighborhood. Never mind that the closest thing to British royalty was probably the King of Lawrence Avenue.
Over the decades, Mayfair has grown into its own, developing a distinct personality that sets it apart from its flashier downtown cousins. It's weathered the Great Depression, seen families come and go, and watched Chicago transform around it. Today, it stands as a testament to the city's resilience - a bit older, a lot wiser, but still holding onto that classic Chicago charm.
Ready to Make Mayfair Your New Home Base?
Listen up, apartment hunters! If Mayfair's blend of charm, affordability, and killer location has you nodding along, it's time to take the next step. Domu has the inside scoop on all the best rentals in the neighborhood. Whether you're after a vintage bungalow with character for days or a modern apartment with all the bells and whistles, we've here to help.
Don't waste time scrolling through sketchy listings – let Domu be your shortcut to Mayfair magic. Click, browse, and before you know it, you'll be debating which local coffee shop to make your new morning routine.
Your Mayfair adventure starts here!
