East Side

The East Side of Chicago has historically been noted for its industrial contributions. Once the home of the US Steel Works and Wisconsin Steel, the economy of the area took a dive after the companies closed in the 1990s and 1980s, respectively. Originally part of Hyde Park, the East Side established itself through both industry and ethnic diversity over the years since it was established in the 1880s.

As the steel industry grew, so did the East Side. Today, the neighborhood has much potential in spite of its recent economic woes. Its location along Lake Michigan gives the East Side access to some of the city’s most tranquil lakefront parks as well as many other outdoor areas. Many believe the area could have a bright future and it does offer many affordable housing opportunities. The many smaller homes found here can be the ideal choice for small families or couples on a tight budget.

The East Side is a unique South Chicago neighborhood with a lot of potential. Although it

This is an average place and there's not too much of interest to say about it if you don't live there. It once was home to Serbian and Croatian steelmill workers. The majority of its residents are Mexican now.

Most of the home styles are the bungalow. New development has been going on, however, and this makes some areas feel more suburban. There are new grocery chains like Aldi moving in and shopping malls are moving in. The big news for this area is that 140 acres of new parkland is coming which will include the expansion of the Calumet Park and Beach as well as the extension of existing lakefront bicycle and running paths. People here are really looking forward to this development and what it might do for their community.

Not only is it on Lake Michigan but is also has the Calumet River. Great place if you like to fish or just hang out by the water, maybe do some boating. There's also the Eggers Grove Forest Preserve.

Transportation is good with several major highways, the Metra train service, the Red Line elevated train and three bus routes all going through here.

The restaurants are mostly pizza joints and Mexican restaurants, as you might expect.

The median income per household is $38,625. The value of average owner-occupied housing units is $132,400.

Not a bad place to live.

East Side was once known for its steel mills, although today it's mostly a residential area with a more and more suburban feel, rather than the industrial tone that used to dominate.

As far as real estate goes, East Side isn't half bad. The cost is lower than average in Chicago, without being so bad as to attract the wrong crowd. I wouldn't call it dangerous, although it may not also be considered the safest part of the city. Overall though, the area is pretty safe and you can raise a family here without having a lot to worry about.

For food, there is, of course, a handful of good pizza places, although there's more Mexican food than Italian. There is a decently portion of the population that's Hispanic, so much of the food is authentic, which is welcome for me, as I grew up on Taco Bell, which isn't exactly true Mexican cuisine.

The nightlife isn't really great, which I attribute to the mostly residential nature of the neighborhood.

I think of East Side as a nice area, although I have to admit I don't go there all that much. It's a bit far from down town, and there aren't any tourist attractions that would give you reason to visit.

Boundaries: North and West - Calumet River, South - 126th Street, East -State Line Road (4100 E).

Although I didn’t live in this neighborhood it felt a lot like it. I went to one of the only Catholic high schools in the area – St Francis de Sales. I attended for all for four years and participated in many of the events and activities so I was there a LOT. Back then (early to mid 70s), the East Side was dominated by the huge Republic Steel Mill and most of the residents worked there. It was very much and still is a neighborhood of blue collar, working class people. Most of the original residents were Serbian, Croatian and Polish immigrants. When I was attending high school, there were also a significant numbers of Hispanic and Italian families. Many of the kids were my classmates and friend. I’d venture to say the racial/ethnic makeup hasn’t changed much, even though the steel mills are long gone.

Most of the homes are the older, standard Chicago bungalow type. However, as in most neighborhoods, new development has been going on, giving the former gritty East Side more of a suburban look and feel. And with that of course, there has come development of large shopping malls and grocery chains. Aside from that, the East Side claims its own little section of Lake Michigan at Calumet Park. Rumor has it that their lakefront shoreline will include development of 140 acres of new parkland which will include an expansion of the existing Calumet Park and Beach, and extension of the existing lakefront bicycle and running path to the proposed new lakefront parklands in the adjacent South Chicago neighborhood to its north. That’s certainly something to look forward to.