Lawndale

North Lawndale, or just Lawndale, is within MLS area 8029. It is located on the West Side of Chicago and is known as one of the 77 well-defined community areas of the city. Lawndale is bounded by Western Avenue on the east and Cicero Avenue on the west.

The area was inhabited by Bohemians from Eastern Europe in the late 1800s. The elite Czech community gathered in the area to enjoy drama, literature, and music mostly celebrated and performed by Czech artists but by the early 1900s, the Czech population left and the Jewish community started moving in. By the 1950s, however, the African American community moved in and the Jewish population dropped to less than 9% in the area. In the years the came after, neighborhoods like K-Town and Homan Square came about; this last area known for its retail and new residences.

Lawndale’s Farmer’s Market is a popular destination for the locals from June to October. Residents are also attracted to the area for its easy access to transportation and its various dining, shopping, and entertainment options. It is one of the most eccentric and socially complex neighborhoods of Chicago, having plenty of affordable renovated housing available The area is an excellent place due to its proximity to UIC, the Illinois Medical District and downtown.