Once owned and operated as a single farm, one of Chicago’s top neighborhoods was born when the landowners decided the suburban success that was sweeping the Chicagoland area was just what they needed. Old Irving Park resides on the northwest side of Chicago and provides residents with a fantastic mix of urban culture and suburban living. Today this community has a humble, yet intricate area filled with homes and businesses alike allowing for any number of fun and exciting opportunities throughout. Whether it's popular local restaurants like Smoque BBQ or highly-rated spas like Luxe Blue or even an afternoon at Independence Park for kids and adults, Old Irving Park has much to offer. There are excellent schools and extracurricular activities that give children an excellent experience both in and out of school. There is no shortage of nightlife in Old Irving Park as many hotspots for the area lie within the community, whether it be the PL Lounge for dancing, Brudder’s Sports Bar for the game, or Sidekick’s for karaoke. Independence Park is home to not only a playground, baseball diamonds, and long fields, but it is also home to recreation programs for disabled adults, a pool, and a gymnasium that are all open for community use. A truly exceptional neighborhood, Old Irving Park can offer a great home to anyone looking as well as a great atmosphere and amenities for members of the community.
Immediately west of Irving Park, this neighborhood was considered poor farmlands due to the nearby marshes and was thus turned into a suburban-like community revolving around the marshes themselves where residents would often spend time swimming and relaxing outside. Today, Portage Park’s society does not stray too far from its past as the community is centered around the park sharing a name with the neighborhood itself. The park is home to baseball diamonds, a dog park, a senior center, a public outdoor pool, live music, recreational gymnastics, cultural arts, a nature walk, tennis courts, and much more. What has changed is the development of the area surrounding its central park, which now includes a wide variety of businesses (National brands and local shops alike), food, and entertainment, all of which can cater to the needs of all the residents in Portage Park. Eat at classic establishments like The Community Tavern, Legno, BRGRBelly or Easy Street Pizza, before heading out to any number of entertainment options like the Patio Theater, Art Deco Building, or Nationals Veterans Art Museum where all the pieces have been created by veterans inspired by their time in the service. Nightlife is abundant in Portage Park with numerous bars and clubs to visit from casual cocktails and darts at Di’s Den to great music and dancing at the JC Martini Club. Portage Park accommodates families splendidly outside of the park itself with excellent schools for a great education, and activities to bring together the community in an enjoyable way. With a history rooted in community connection and integration, Portage Park is certainly a unique place in Chicago for people of all ages and backgrounds.
