Humboldt Park, located on the northwestern side of Chicago, is bordered by N. Kimball on the west, N. Western on the east, W. Bloomington on the north, and W. Chicago on the south.

The architecture in Humboldt Park is a time capture of the late nineteenth century, ranging from Colonial to Victorian style homes. The area includes enormous mansions (15,000 square feet) along with stunning grey stone apartment buildings, single family homes, and even row houses. 

The rental inventory in Humboldt Park is mostly rehab buildings, as opposed to the out-of-date original buildings. Prices range from $550 up to $1,800. The rental fee for a one bedroom apartment is $550 - $1,200, two bedrooms for $650 - $1,400 and three bedrooms for $800 - $1,800. 

 

The price ranges due to apartment size, location, and decorative appeal. The apartments closest to the train (between North and Armitage) tend have the premium prices. Residents can also expect to pay more for the view of the parks along the boulevard. The rent-conscious can find great bargains further away from the boulevards and trains, where a five minute walk can sometimes save up to $500 per month.

Sales prices in Humboldt Park have increased dramatically in recent years. Condos are available for below $200,000, but those usually have something to sacrifice (either they are small, or they have yet to be rehabbed). Most condos sell in the $250,000 - $350,000 price range. The West Bucktown area is usually higher than the rest of Humboldt Park.

 

Small single-family homes (ones that have been remodeled in the past 15 years) can be found for as little as $350,000. New construction luxury homes generally start at $700,000.

 

Because of the driving forces of the condo market, the prices for multi unit property have become quite expensive. It starts around $300,000 for 2-flat, $700,000 for a 3-flat, and much more for the Victorian-era architecture. 

 

As with all of Chicago, home choices can vary greatly from location to building styles. In the future, expect to see the stabilization of condo prices and a possible boom in single family homes.

Humboldt Park has several elementary schools, including Ronald E. McNair, West Park Academy, and Brian Piccolo. Residents also have access to 3 different public high schools: Clemente, Westinghouse, and Orr. Other private schools include St. Mark School, Lafayette Elementary, Humboldt Community Christian, Puerto Rican High, and Chopin School.

The Dining experience in Humboldt Park is considered to be one of the best. The community has quite a few Mexican restaurants including Garcia’s Place, Latin American Restaurant, Serio Cosimo, and many more. For the Chinese food lover, they offer Kin’s Chop Suey, Hi Ho Chop Suey, Yun Lung Carryouts, and China Star. Of course, there’s also an array of Italian and American restaurants including the famous Boston Bar-B-Q and Pizza Metro.

The nightlife is alive with action with over twenty five bars and clubs. Citizens can go dancing at Brother’s Palace or listen to the blues at The California Clipper. Live bands play good music at the Empty Bottle while the patrons (many college kids) play pinball or pool. Finally, residents can get their fill of food and beer at NXXT Restaurant and Bar—known for it’s funky interior design and American cuisine.

According to some, L. Frank Baum wrote The Wizard of Oz here. The statues inspired some of his characters, the fields of dandelions made him think of the intoxicating poppies. And the walkways became the famous Yellow Brick Road. He lived just north of the park on Humboldt Boulevard itself, in a since-renovated grey stone.