Langwood

Just South of Hwy 290 and West of Loop 610 is a small area known as Langwood. Hempstead Road divides the middle of the neighborhood, while main roads include Kempwood and Bingle. Langwood is a lower middle class neighborhood that is highly populated by Hispanics along with a Caucasian minority.

There is an above average amount of crime in the Langwood area, mostly involving theft and burglary charges. Real estate here leaves a lot to be desired. Most of the homes here are affordable but older and run down. You may find a bargain if your are on the hunt for a renovation or in the market to flip houses. The school district here is not at the top of the list, but there are private schools in close proximity to drive to. If you are looking to shop or dine, you may try the nearby Fornos of Italy for some wonderful Italian Cuisine, but you will be in for a few mile drive to Hwy 290 for shops beyond convenient stores.

Langwood reminds me of my grandparents neighborhood in the suburbs of Chicago... but for all the wrong reasons. In my grandparents neighborhood, the older homes are being torn down and replaced by larger, new, nicer homes. Those that do not want $2 million for their house and land can keep their homes. I am all for older homes that have the appeal of history or grand architecture. But, in Langwood, the majority of the streets look like they need these renovations, not as an option, but as something entirely mandatory. Roofs are falling apart, boards are missing, and roads and driveways look like they were shipped from LA after their last major earthquake. Streets give way to rural technology hubs. And while it is quiet, the silence is more of inactivity than a serene pleasantness. But Langwood is not all bad. The houses are affordable.... Major roads such as Bingle, Hempstead, Kempwood and Antoine are easily accessible. 290 is the northern border of Langwood and provides easy access to the shopping center to the north. Wirt, which feeds from Kempwood, will take you to two shopping centers to the south. Antoine will take you to Edward's Plaza, which is a hub for bars, great restaurants, shopping and entertainment in general. There's also an IKEA, just in case you decide to revitalize your little fixer-upper. There's also a park at the north end of the neighborhood for less expensive recreation.