Chicago Housing Market: Trends & Prices

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    Chicago Real Estate Market Overview

    (Last Updated – 06/2020)

    The good old Windy City is known for its beautiful architecture, access to world class art and entertainment options, and for having some really good pizza. While deep dish may not be reason enough alone to move to Chicago, perhaps the current Chicago housing market is enticing enough.

    Even though home values nationwide were up 3.9% in January of 2020, in Chicago home values only rose about half as much as the national average that month. While Chicago homeowners may not relish in this news, it may help hopeful homebuyers find a good deal on Chicago home prices.

    If you’re more of a snow bunny than a beach lover, you may find Chicago’s chillier weather appealing. Chicago has 38 inches of rain, 35 inches of snow, and 189 sunny days per year, compared to the national average of 38 inches of rain, 28 inches of snow, and 205 sunny days.

    What the city of Chicago lacks in sunny days, it makes up for in education opportunities. Illinois landed the 19th spot (out of all 50 states) on U.S. News’ Best States for Education list.

    Families may also appreciate having ample room for their children to play in Chicago, which isn’t a given in all cities. With more than 8,800 acres of green space, The Chicago Park District is the largest municipal park manager in the nation. Throughout more than 600 parks, there are ample sports, cultural, and environmental programs for residents of all ages.

    Not to mention, there are 28 indoor pools and 50 outdoor pools to choose from. Add in 26 miles of lakefront access and you’re looking at some nice family beach days in the summertime.

    $330,000

    Avg. Home Price

    $222

    Avg. Price Per Sq. Ft

    40 days

    Avg. Time on Market

    Chicago Housing Market Forecast

    Until recently, Chicago market trends were red hot. Chicago house prices rose by 0.6% in the past year, but experts expect they will fall by 2.3% in the coming year.

    As the chart illustrates below, this decline is a sharp contrast from rising housing home values in recent years.

    Housing market forecast chart

    *Graph taken from Zillow as of 06/2020

    Demographics of the Chicago Market

    While the demographics of Chicago can vary greatly by neighborhood, before you dive deeper into which part of town you want to call home, you should familiarize yourself with demographics of the entire Chicago real estate market.

    Median Income: $112,376

    Median Age: 34.9

    College Educated: 38%

    Homeowners: 45.7%

    Married: 37%

    Hyde Park

    If you and your family enjoy the great outdoors as much as you do the hustle and bustle of city life, then Hyde Park may be able to combine your two great loves. Locals enjoy cycling and jogging along the lakefront, swimming and sailing on the lake, and having picnics in nearby parks.

    When winter comes and it’s time to stay inside curled up with a good book, stop by the oldest bookstore in Chicago, O’Gara & Wilson, or the world-renowned academic bookstore Seminary Co-op.

    Quick Facts

    Population:

    12,567

    Median Age:

    32

    Housing Units:

    6,934

    Bike Score:

    92

    Walk Score:

    89

    Transit Score:

    68

    Average Household Income:

    $66,200

    Hyde Park Housing Market

    The Hyde Park housing market isn’t the most competitive in the Chicago market and that may be because not all Chicago area home prices are rising as quickly as Hyde Parks’.

    Home values in this neighborhood rose by an impressive 31.9% in the past year.


    Average Home Price

    $238,000

    Average Price Per Sqare Ft.

    $161


    Logan Square

    If you have an artistic spirit, then you’ll feel right at home in Logan Square! This neighborhood is known for its creative energy and urban vibe, as well as being home to some major Chicago landmarks and architecture.

    If you’re hungry, stop by one of Logan Square’s Michelin-rated restaurants or enjoy a stroll at the Sunday Farmers Market.

    Quick Facts

    Population:

    87,509

    Median Age:

    31,8

    Housing Units:

    38,659

    Bike Score:

    92

    Walk Score:

    89

    Transit Score:

    68

    Average Household Income:

    $102,153

    Logan Square Housing Market

    Homebuyers should note that home values in the Logan Square neighborhood have skyrocketed since last year. Home values in this neighborhood have risen by a whopping 14.7%.

    A rise in prices is not slowing down sales, the average home sells in around 17 days, whereas more popular homes can complete the sales process in just six days.


    Average Home Price

    $528,000

    Average Price Per Square Ft.

    $277


    Lincoln Park

    Lincoln Park is one of Chicago’s more famous neighborhoods and according to some, it’s one of the more desirable neighborhoods to live in. Lakefront views don’t hurt the curb appeal of this neighborhood and neither does the conveniently close access to downtown.

    Of course, you can’t forget about the Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago History Museum, and the Nature Museum, as well as the many other artistic and family-friendly attractions in this neighborhood.

    Quick Facts

    Population:

    71,308

    Median Age:

    30.3

    Housing Units:

    36,451

    Bike Score:

    92

    Walk Score:

    94

    Transit Score:

    79

    Average Household Income:

    $170,947

    Lincoln Park Housing Market

    Home prices in Lincoln Park have dropped over 5% in the past year and typically homes sell for around 3% below their list price in this neighborhood.

    It can take around 44 days for a home to complete the sales process from start to finish, but that should give buyers a little more time to mull over their options than in more competitive neighborhoods.


    Average Home Price

    $525,000

    Average Price Per Square Ft.

    $345


    Bridgeport

    Bridgeport is one of the oldest and most politically influential neighborhoods in Chicago. Baseball fans will appreciate this neighborhood is home to the Chicago White Sox, which will make for plenty of fun family outings to the ballpark.

    Quick Facts

    Population:

    26,421

    Median Age:

    32.4

    Housing Units:

    10,603

    Bike Score:

    84

    Walk Score:

    78

    Transit Score:

    61

    Average Household Income:

    $59,387

    Bridgeport Housing Market

    Housing prices are dropping in Bridgeport (3.6% since last year), so now might be a chance to snag a home in this charming neighborhood at a great price. Especially as most homes for sale sell for about 2% below the list price.

    Move quickly if you find a home you love—homes that Redfin considers to be “hot homes” can sell in around a week.


    Average Home Price

    $405,000

    Average Price Per Square Ft.

    $215


    Avondale

    Avondale was named one of the hottest neighborhoods by Loney Plant in 2017 and ever since, Chicago residents and the media began taking notice of this somewhat small and quiet neighborhood.

    This neighborhood’s vibrant music and food scene helped catch the attention of Lonely Planet and eager home buyers alike.

    Quick Facts

    Population:

    94,395

    Median Age:

    34.4

    Housing Units:

    39,992

    Bike Score:

    80

    Walk Score:

    84

    Transit Score:

    68

    Average Household Income:

    $107,994

    Avondale Housing Market

    Avondale is considered by experts to be a very competitive housing market as many of the homes for sale in this neighborhood receive multiple offers.

    Homes can complete the selling process in six days for in-demand homes or a longer 27 days for the average home in this neighborhood.


    Average Home Price

    $475,000

    Average Price Per Square Ft.

    $235



    SoFi Home Loans

    It’s easy to see why Chicago has become such a popular market to buy a home in. There are some really amazing neighborhoods to choose from whether you’re young and single or have a family to look after.

    If you think Chicago could be your home sweet home, then you may need to consider your home loan options.

    If you’re buying a home or refinancing an existing mortgage, SoFi can help you make the process as quick and painless as possible.

    Learn more


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