Belmont Central

Originally a largely Polish community, Belmont Central has become known for its ethnic diversity. Its location on the city’s northwest side puts it a little out of reach for many city-dwellers, but if you’re in search of an affordable residential area, this is one worth considering. Locals won’t find much of interest here unless you’re looking for a place to settle down. Belmont Central isn’t so much a place for visitors, but is more of an area to escape from the big city.

My favorite thing about the neighborhood is the fact that it is filled with charming homes, many of which are unique and historic. The affordable home prices make it a popular choice for young families, couples, and anyone on a tight budget in search of a quiet area. Not much of note in the way of entertainment, dining, or shopping, Belmont Central is a place to go when house hunting away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

For me, there isn’t much that makes me want to visit Belmont Central. I’m not in search of a place to settle down and there isn’t much else here. It’s a nice area, but not much of note for anyone that likes being close to the action.

Belmont Central is a mostly residential neighborhood with a population mostly dominated by Hispanics. It is fairly affordable, and safe. Not a bad place to raise a family, although I'd say you may feel out of your element if you're not Hispanic. They're still welcoming, and there is still a portion of the population that's Polish.

Eating out is also good, but unmemorable. I doubt very many people are going to be coming here for the food, but if you lived here, you'd have some options. The remaining Polish restaurants would be the best reason to visit for food. At least it's something relatively unique, although there are other Polish restaurants in the city.

Nightlife is similarly unremarkable, but you can still find a drink. This is a residential neighborhood that's mostly occupied by families.

The main things to remember about Belmont Central are the affordability and safety. It's not a big destination for many people, and you won't find as many exciting things to do, but even in the areas where there are a number of things to do, you get used to them and just want a quiet, nice place to live. That can be Belmont Central.

Belmont Central seems to operate at it's very own pace. It has not become one of Chicago's neighborhoods that have gone to the tourists, but it is far from a ghetto as well. It consists of mostly working to middle class families who generally mind their own business. The area is not a tourist draw, but doesn't seem to have a desire to be either. I'd consider it a neighborhood with a fair amount of charm, but nothing to go out of your way for.

In Belmont Central you'll find average dwellings that are comfortable and affordable. The shopping is great for residents, but again nothing that a tourist would want to travel out of their way for. The dining is pretty much geared towards the residents and a fair amount of the food and eateries have a neighborhood feel to them. The demographic has moved swiftly from predominantly Polish towards middle-class, young Hispanic families.

This area would make a comfortable home for someone who isn't looking to go broke, or someone who doesn't need the trendiest of trendy neighborhoods. Overall it is a good mix of comfort and convenience.

Yet another residential neighborhood that is home to many of the windy city’s ever-expanding Hispanic population, Belmont Central is a relatively solid middle class ‘hood. (It’s also yet another Polish neighborhood that is finding itself less and less occupied by these immigrants.)

There is a pretty strong showing of shopping locales in Belmont Central – but I wouldn’t say that these are anything to travel out of your way for. That is not to say that shops here don’t see plenty of foot traffic, however, as area residents generally keep them in business (I say generally because, hey, it’s still a recession out there). If you ask me, it actually seems like this neighborhood isn’t much of a tourist draw because it doesn’t really want to be. That said, there are some decent Polish restaurants operating here, so it wouldn’t be too crazy to check the place out if you’ve already see all of Chicago you came to see and you still have some extra time on your hands.

Living space here is known for its affordability, and the area does offer an intense shopping district, truth be told: there you can lay you hands on just about anything you would want for your apartment or your apartment’s closet in the Belmont Central shopping district.

Seriously. I swear. Look it up- I dare you.

This is an area primarily inhabited by Poles- but with a ton of diversity. One neighborhood gem is an older Irish Shop that seems a bit out of place given the other areas in the city so known for Irish residents.

Riis Park is a beautiful park. It is unusual because it is on two levels thanks to an ancient Glacial Ridge and a historic field house.