Neighbourhood Spotlight: Irving Park
Neighborhood Spotlight: Irving Park
Have you been to Irving Park? A spacious community on the northwest side of Chicago, this neighborhood has plenty to recommend it. A blend of the old and new, Irving Park has everything from Victorian-style homes to contemporary houses, single family homes to apartments, creating an architectural diversity that makes it stand out among Chicago neighborhoods. Its proximity to public transportation makes for a stress-free commute to downtown Chicago and beyond, and its walkability makes it easy to enjoy all the neighborhood has to offer. In this Irving Park neighborhood spotlight, we’ll look at some of the many factors that make this such a desirable place to live.
A Rich History
Irving Park began in 1869, and was originally named Irvington in honor of Washington Irving. The neighborhood was originally an enclave for affluent people with spacious homes, but as the neighborhood grew and changed, the charm of the area extended to the middle class, as well. The neighborhood evolved into a lively, connected community, with a cultural fusion that began with residents of German and Scandinavian origin, and grew richer over time. In the 1980s, the Old Irving Park Association was formed to help preserve the neighborhood’s character, reflecting the spirit of unity, preservation and adaptability that still represents the neighborhood today. It’s a history worth preserving, especially as many of the historic homes in Irving Park have ties to the Underground Railroad. Bounded by the Chicago River to the east, Montrose Avenue to the south, Cicero Avenue to the west, and Addison Avenue to the north, Irving Park maintains a distinct identity among neighborhoods in the city.
A Place to Belong
Irving Park is a tight-knit community, with active community involvement and regular events and get-togethers. There is a wide range of schools, and it’s the perfect place to raise a family, in a place that offers a true sense of belonging. With a deep community spirit, serene parks, and diverse shops and restaurants, Irving Park is a great place to settle down and settle in, putting down roots.
A Legacy of Cultural Fusion
Today’s Irving Park not only reflects its German and Scandinavian roots, but is also home to substantial Latino, Serbian, and Filipino communities. This diversity is reflected in the neighborhood’s dining experiences, which feature family-owned restaurants with dishes from around the globe. A quick spotlight on Shokran Moroccan Restaurant or the Serbian Café Beograd should give you some idea of the level of diversity, and you can also treat yourself to authentic barbecue, classic Chinese or Italian food, Columbian pizza, and so much more.
A Place to Explore
Get out in nature at Horner Park, 55 acres by the Chicago River, where you’ll find facilities for baseball and tennis as well as a nature area. There are plenty of other parks in the area as well, including California Park, which features indoor tennis courts and an ice rink. If strolling through a beautiful neighborhood is more your speed, check out The Villa District, where tree-lined avenues showcase distinct architectural beauty and a glimpse into the rich heritage of the area.
Moving to Irving Park
If the idea of moving to Irving Park appeals to you, make sure to partner with a local moving company well-acquainted with the area as well as the permitting requirements and other regulations involved in a move. Midway Moving and Storage is just such a company, having served Chicago and its neighborhoods for more than 35 years. We offer a wide variety of moving and storage services, and whether you need a little bit of help or a turnkey move, we are here for you.
Premier Movers for Irving Park
Whether you’re moving across the country or across the street, trust Midway Moving and Storage to handle your move efficiently and professionally. Started by an entrepreneur in his parent’s basement, Midway Moving and Storage has been in operation since 1987, and has grown to become a team of professional movers respected in and around Chicago and beyond. We’re not your typical moving company, and the assets that set us apart from the competition include professional movers, trained at our Moving Training Center in Chicago on the latest best practices, moving strategies, and packing techniques, ensuring that well-trained, certified, insured moving professionals are used for every job, with no use of subcontractors, students or day laborers. We provide service to residential and commercial customers, handling jobs of all sizes, including local moves and relocations to and from 48 states. You can count on our estimates to be accurate and our service to be dependable and exceed your expectations. For more information or to request a custom quote, call (800) 659-0874 or contact us through our website.