Old Irving Park Chicago Apartments

Old Irving Park blends city living with suburban comfort. This historic north-side neighborhood offers an easy downtown commute while providing a quieter, more spacious environment. Recently revitalized, Old Irving Park attracts a mix of long-time Chicagoans and newcomers with its lower living costs and diverse housing options.

The architectural landscape is a combo of stately vintage homes and modern apartments, creating a charming visual that adds to the tree-lined streets. Folks are drawn here by the relatively affordable living costs and the strong sense of community. Summer brings a flurry of block parties, turning streets into impromptu social hubs.

With excellent public transportation and proximity to major roads, Old Irving Park is well-connected to the rest of Chicago. It's a neighborhood that offers urban convenience without sacrificing a sense of community, making it an increasingly popular choice for those looking to experience a different side of Chicago living.

Demographics of Old Irving Park

Old Irving Park's population is as varied as its architecture. Long-standing residents mingle with those unpacking moving trucks, creating a dynamic community. You'll find a mix of ages, from retirees to young professionals and growing families. The neighborhood's cultural diversity is evident in its local businesses and community events.

Money-wise, bank accounts are all over the place. Some folks live in huge old mansions, others sleep happy in apartments above shops. But most people are somewhere in the middle, enjoying the wide range of rental options that Old Irving Park offers.

Weather in Old Irving Park

Old Irving Park's weather is pure Chicago chaos. Summers hit hard, turning sidewalks into frying pans and parks into unofficial saunas. Fall swoops in like a cool breeze, painting trees in reds and golds, but it never sticks around long enough. Winter barges in uninvited, dumping snow by the truckload and freezing everything in sight. Locals become pros at winter parking Tetris and mastering the penguin walk on icy sidewalks. Spring's a fickle friend, teasing with warm days one minute, then slapping you with a cold front the next. But when it finally settles in, the whole neighborhood bursts to life, as if everyone's been holding their breath all winter.

Through it all, Old Irving Park folks take it in stride - complaining about the weather is practically the neighborhood pastime.

Location of Old Irving Park

Distance to Downtown and Other Notable Locations

Old Irving Park sits about 8 miles northwest of the Loop. It's not exactly next door to downtown, but it's close enough to meet a friend for lunch. Wrigley Field's about a 15-minute drive east, perfect for Cubs fans. O'Hare's about the same distance west, handy for frequent flyers or those with visiting in-laws. The lakefront's a bit of a hike, maybe 20 minutes by car, but hey, that's what weekends are for!

Transportation in Old Irving Park

Access to Highways: Highway access here is pretty sweet. The Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) runs right along the eastern edge of the neighborhood and you can hop on at Irving Park Road or Addison Street. It's great for zipping downtown or escaping to the suburbs, assuming traffic's playing nice.

CTA Bus Routes in Old Irving Park: Buses here are like feral cats - they're everywhere. The 80 Irving Park is the main east-west route, running all day and night. The 54 Cicero and 56 Milwaukee cover north-south trips. For diagonal adventures, there's the 78 Montrose. They're not exactly bullet trains, but they'll get you where you need to go.

Metra Train Stops in Old Irving Park: Old Irving Park's got its own Metra stop on the UP-NW line. It's right in the heart of the neighborhood, so you don't need to be a marathon runner to catch your train. Trains run pretty regularly during rush hour, but nights and weekends are a bit sparser. It's perfect for commuting downtown or heading out to the distant 'burbs.

Parking Options and Availability: Parking in Old Irving Park isn't the nightmare you'll find closer to downtown, but it's not exactly a parking paradise either. Most homes have garages or dedicated spots, so residents are usually set. Street parking is generally available, but watch out for permit zones and street cleaning days. Some blocks can get tight, especially when everyone's home for the night. But compared to many Chicago neighborhoods, you’ll be riding easy.

What to Do in Old Irving Park

Local Shopping in Old Irving Park

The Marketplace at Six Corners is like a blast from the past - an old-school shopping district that's gotten a modern facelift. It's where your grandma might've shopped, but now with more hipster coffee shops. Close by, there's Portage Park Shopping Center. It's perfect for those "oops, I'm out of toilet paper" moments.

For the fish fanatics, Old Town Aquarium is a treasure trove of fin-loving finds. It's like a mini-vacation to the tropics, minus the sunburn and overpriced cocktails. Even if you're not in the market for a new fishy friend, it's worth a visit just for the "oohs" and "aahs."

And for the sneakerheads, Fits N Kicks is footwear heaven. It's the kind of place where you might go in for one pair and come out with three, plus a sudden urge to start a sneaker collection.

Restaurants in Old Irving Park

When it comes to grub, Old Irving Park's got options. Number 1 Chop Suey is your classic no-frills Chinese joint. It's not fancy, but it's the perfect cure for those late-night cravings.

Chicago Taco Authority sounds like it should be handing out taco licenses, but instead, they're dishing out some seriously good tacos. It's the kind of place you take out-of-towners to make them jealous. Zebda and Shokran bring a taste of Morocco to the neighborhood, and AVVIO is where you go when you want to pretend you're in Italy for a night.

Coffee Shops in Old Irving Park

Old Irving Park's coffee scene caters to all tastes, from quick fixes to leisurely sips. Dunkin' and Starbucks hold down the fort for those needing a familiar cup on the go. But for a more local flavor, Café Urbano serves up artisanal brews in a cozy setting that'll make you want to linger over your latte. Not to be outdone, Backlot Coffee brings a hip vibe to the neighborhood, with carefully crafted drinks that'll satisfy even the pickiest coffee snobs.

Nightlife in Old Irving Park

When the sun goes down, Old Irving Park lights up with a variety of watering holes. Eris Brewery and Cider House leads the pack with its unique combo of craft beers and hard ciders, served up in a space that feels like a Victorian scientist's lab. For a more laid-back vibe, Hock Shop offers no-frills drinks and a jukebox that's practically a neighborhood institution. Paddy Mac's brings a touch of the Emerald Isle to Chicago, complete with perfectly poured pints and live music that'll have you tapping your feet until they're sore. The Cabin at Old Irving, a spot that manages to be both cozy and cool, is like drinking in a rustic lodge that just happens to make killer cocktails. Whether you're looking for craft brews, cheap shots, or something in between, each night brings an adventure Old Irving Park.

Museums in Old Irving Park

While Old Irving Park doesn't have any museums within its borders, it's a quick hop to some great ones. The Ed Paschke Art Center is just a short bus ride away in Jefferson Park. It's dedicated to the famous Chicago artist and is free to visit. For aviation buffs, the Illinois Aviation Museum at Bolingbrook is about a 30-minute drive. It's not exactly next door, but it's worth the trip if you're into old planes.

Parks in Old Irving Park

Old Irving Park has a few green spaces of its own, but the real gem is Independence Park, right on the neighborhood's eastern edge. It has a nice pool, tennis courts, and a field house that's always buzzing with activities. If you're willing to venture a bit further, Portage Park is just a quick drive or bus ride away. It's huge, with an Olympic-sized pool and tons of space for picnics or just lounging around.

Events in Old Irving Park

The annual Old Irving Park Beer & BBQ Challenge is a neighborhood favorite. It's like a block party dialed up to 11, with local breweries and BBQ joints competing for bragging rights. In December, don't miss the Holiday Walk along Irving Park Road. The local shops go all out with decorations, and there's usually hot cocoa and carolers to really get you in the spirit. Throughout the summer, keep an eye out for pop-up events in Independence Park - they often have outdoor movie nights and concerts that are perfect for a chill evening out.

Real Estate In Old Irving Park

Overview of the Apartment Market in Old Irving Park 

Old Irving Park's real estate scene is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're gonna get, but it's usually pretty good. The market here's a mix of old and new, pricey and (relatively) affordable. You've got your vintage beauties that have been around since Chicago was just a twinkle in some settler's eye, sitting next to shiny new condos. Prices have been creeping up as more folks discover this gem, but it's still not as wallet-busting as some trendier North Side neighborhoods.

Apartment Rental Rates in Old Irving Park

Renting in Old Irving Park won't make you feel like you've won the lottery, but it won't have you living on ramen either. Studios and one-bedrooms usually run from about $900 to $1,400, depending on how fancy you want to get. Two-bedroom spots typically land between $1,300 and $1,900. If you're after a whole house, three-bedroom rentals often go for $1,800 to $2,500.

The first step to finding the right place (and not searching outside your means) is calculating your budget. From there, you want to dial in your expectations, make sure you know the difference between the security deposit and move-in fee, and learn the ins and outs of renters insurance. From getting updated on your credit score to finding a pet-friendly apartment, Domu’s resources will help you feel like a local in no time!

Popular rental Styles in Old Irving Park

In Old Irving Park, you'll find a beautiful mix of housing styles that really show off the neighborhood's character. Classic vintage walk-ups stand shoulder to shoulder with sleek modern new apartments, giving you a blend of old-world charm and contemporary comfort. Many of the historic buildings have been lovingly updated, merging their original charm with modern amenities. If you love a bit of history, check out the converted single-family homes—they have tons of space and unique layouts. And for those seeking a touch of luxury, the newer condos come with all the high-end finishes and amenities you could want.

Schools and Higher Learning Institutions In Old Irving Park

Public, Private, and Charter School Options

On the public side, there’s Disney II Magnet School, which despite the name, doesn't actually feature Mickey Mouse as a teacher. It's a solid K-8 option that's popular with local families. For high school, most kids head to Schurz, which has a long history yet still keeps things modern.

If you're more of the private school persuasion, St. Viator Elementary School is right in the hood. It's been dishing out education with a side of Catholic values since way back when. And for those looking for something a little different, there's the Chicago Academy, a contract school that's part of the Chicago Public Schools system but marches to its own drummer.

University, College, and Other Higher Learning Institution Options (H3)

Old Irving Park isn't exactly a college town, but it's got higher ed options within spitting distance. Northeastern Illinois University is just a quick trip north. It's a solid choice for commuter students looking to save some dough on housing.

For the community college crowd, Wright College is just a hop, skip, and a jump away in neighboring Dunning. It's part of the City Colleges of Chicago system and a great spot for knocking out those gen eds or picking up a new skill.

And let's not forget, you're in Chicago - home to heavy hitters like Northwestern, UChicago, and UIC. They're all accessible via public transit, perfect for those looking to snag a world-class education while enjoying Old Irving Park's chill residential vibe.

History In Old Irving Park

Old Irving Park has a past that's as colorful as a Chicago summer festival. This neighborhood has been around since the 1860s, when it was just a bunch of farms and not much else. It's named after Washington Irving, the guy who wrote "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" - though good luck finding any headless horsemen around here these days.

The neighborhood really took off in the 1870s when a bunch of rich folks decided it'd be a great place to build their fancy summer homes. These weren't your average cottages - we're talking mansion-level fancy. Some of these old beauties are still standing, looking like they're straight out of a history book.

Things changed big time when the railroads rolled in. Suddenly, Old Irving Park wasn't just for summer vacations anymore. Regular folks started moving in, building more modest (but still pretty nice) homes. The area became a proper suburb of Chicago, complete with its own town hall and everything.

In 1889, Chicago decided it wanted a bigger piece of the pie and annexed Old Irving Park. But the neighborhood kept its suburban feel - wide streets, big lots, the works. It's like they took a slice of the suburbs and plopped it right in the middle of the city.

Fast forward to the 20th century, and Old Irving Park kept on changing. Bungalows started popping up like mushrooms after rain, giving the area that classic Chicago look. The neighborhood weathered the Great Depression and came out swinging, staying a solid, middle-class area through thick and thin.

These days, Old Irving Park is a mix of old and new. You've got your history buffs restoring those old Victorian mansions, right next to young families in brand-new condos. It's like a living timeline of Chicago architecture.

One thing that hasn't changed is the neighborhood's knack for community. From the early days of town meetings to today's block parties, Old Irving Park's always been big on that neighborly vibe. It's the kind of place where history isn't just something you read about - it's something you live in.

View more History of Old Irving Park

Experience the Charm of Old Irving Park: Where History Meets Modern Living

Ready to call Old Irving Park home? This sweet slice of Chicago life offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern perks, with plenty of housing variety to suit every taste and budget. From vintage Victorian mansions to modern apartments, Old Irving Park has a mailbox waiting for your name.

Don't miss out on your chance to be part of this thriving community. Start your search for the perfect Old Irving Park apartment today with Domu. Our extensive listings, email alerts, and local expertise will help you find your ideal home in no time!