Albany Park Neighborhood

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Albany Park is called “Chicago’s Gateway to the World” and is one of the city’s most ethnically diverse communities. Located in the far northwest side of Chicago, residents in Albany Park enjoy efficient and affordable public transportation while providing a neighborhood away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

History

Albany Park grew from a sparsely settled farming community to an urban neighborhood in the course of one generation. Settlement began in 1868 when local entrepreneur Richard Rusk purchased ten acres of land and developed a brickyard near the north branch of the Chicago River and Rusk Race Track. The area was annexed to Chicago with the Jefferson Township in 1889.

In 1893, a group of investors bought land in the area to develop electric street cars and provide transport to Albany Park as well as setting up banks and other commercial businesses. The Brown Line elevated trains, then known as the Ravenswood Elevated line, was extended to Kimball in 1907 causing an increase in business and commercial establishments and increasing the residential population.

The suburban exodus led Albany Park into economic and social decline, but relief came in 1978 when the North River Commission and the Lawrence Avenue Development Corporation renewed and redeveloped the area that can be seen today.

Schools

Like most Chicago neighborhoods, Albany Park has a mixture of public schools and charter schools. The area’s home schools are Volta Elementary School and Roosevelt High School; however there are many school options in the area. For more information, visit the Chicago Public School website.

Transportation

The neighborhood’s convenient location provides easy access to both public transportation and multiple major expressways. Both the Edens and Kennedy Expressways are a quick trip away which can be very convenient for reverse commuters. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers many bus and subway routes to residents to get anywhere in the city.

Entertainment/Festivals

The biggest local festival and parade is the Albany Park Arts Festival. This annual tradition brings together local artists, supporters of the arts and various community institutions for three days of celebration.

Albany Park is home to the Irish American Heritage Center, one of the premier Irish cultural organizations in the country. The center provides a museum, an art gallery and auditorium that hosts local theatrical groups and other related programs.

The Albany Park Theater Project creates original theater that shares the life stories of urban teens, immigrants and working-class Americans. The group performs regular productions that can often sell out.

Restaurants

Albany Park’s restaurant scene reflects the neighborhood’s diversity. Residents and visitors can enjoy cuisine from around the world within just a few blocks.

Arun’s Thai Restaurant, 4156 N. Kedzie Ave, (773) 539-1909
Arun’s Thai Restaurant is an internally-known, award winning presenting the exotic cuisine of Thailand.

The Fishguy Market, 4423 Elston Ave., (773) 283-7400
Known for supplying many of Chicago’s top chefs with the best seafood in town, The Fishguy Market also offers lunch/early dinner Monday through Saturday.

Marie’s Pizza, 4127 W. Lawrence Ave., (773) 725-1812
This local hang-out has been providing delicious pizza to the neighborhood since 1940.

Outdoor Recreation

The Chicago Park District operates almost a dozen parks throughout Albany Park, offering playgrounds, sports fields, tennis courts, community gardens and walking trails. Ronan Park hosts a series of concerts throughout the summer.

The North Park Village Nature Center is a 46-acre nature preserve and educational facility situated within the 155-acre North Park Village campus. The nature preserved offers trails that wind through woodland, wetland, prairie and savanna. A discovery room, a hands-on table of natural objects and interactive displays are highlights of the center.

We specialize in these Chicago neighborhoods;

Belmont cragin area, Jefferson Park, Hermosa Area, Albany Park, Austin Area, Humbolt Park, Logan Square, Rogers Park, Irving Park, among others.

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