Albany Park Illinois Real Estate

With a population that has grown more than 25 percent since 1980, Albany Park, Illinois has long been a choice destination for scores of hard-working newcomers to Chicago. Today, this city of *57, 655 residents is “one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in the country.” Albany Park also claims the highest percentage of foreign-born residents of any neighborhood in Chicago, with more than 24 languages regularly spoken in the area, and over 40 different languages spoken in its public schools.

Although perhaps most notable for being the home of the current governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich, Albany Park’s extensive residential and commercial development and reconstruction over the last few decades has helped breathe new life into the city. The quiet, tree-lined community offers affordable rents and multi-family housing, with mostly bungalows, cottages, and small apartment buildings dotting its side streets. The main strip around Lawrence and Kedzie Avenues boast a large array of ethnic eateries, restaurants, and shops, and there are nine parks and playgrounds, along with two dozen churches positioned throughout the area.

Conveniently nestled midway between O'Hare International Airport and the Chicago Loop, the Albany Park community is located on the northwest side of Chicago (approximately 3400 west and 4800 north), with CTA Brown Line (Ravenswood) rapid transit services at Kedzie Avenue and the Kimball Station terminal. Albany Park is approximately bounded by Foster Avenue on the north, Montrose Avenue on the south, Elston Avenue on the southwest, and the North Branch of the Chicago River on the east.

*According to the 2000 census