Old Town

Welcome to Old Town

A small community brimming with history and energy, from its brick alleyways to busy main strips.

With roots dating back to the mid-19th century, Old Town is historically “old,” but still young at heart. The community, just north of downtown, thrives on its myriad shops, restaurants, bars, and theaters; it’s easy to understand why people have decided to call it home for centuries.

The Neighbors

An educated and affluent population with a love for the European neighborhood vibe.

From artsy to well-off, the neighborhood’s inhabitants have changed over the decades. Today, they’re generally well-educated and cultured with a considerable income. However, residential properties also tend to be slightly less expensive than other neighborhoods in Chicago, so it is also affordable.

What to Expect

Peaceful, private streets with a few commercial stretches.

While it's primarily composed of tranquil residential blocks lined with low-rise, Victorian buildings, the neighborhood is more active in the Old Town Triangle District to the north, Division Street commercial areas to the south, and populated Wells and Clark Streets running through its core.

The Lifestyle

A lively atmosphere with some of the best comedy in town.

Old Town springs to life with specialty shops full of handmade goods, music and books, spices, and cigars; coffee shops and family-owned restaurants; and a mix of seasoned taverns like Old Town Ale House and newer bars like Old Town Pour House. The Second City and Zanies Comedy Club also regularly welcome notable acts to the stage, so there’s always new shows to catch for belly laughs.

Unexpected Appeal

A welcome escape from the chaos of urban expansion.

Old Town's popularity stems from its close proximity to the lake and downtown Chicago. Aside from the Cabrini-Green redevelopment and some multi-story, mixed-use developments with luxury apartments and multi-family buildings in the works, new construction buildings are relatively rare, making it an exceptional spot for those who want a mellow place in the city to call home.

The Market

Affordable walk-ups and high-rise condos with lake views.

While not quite as new or pricey as nearby downtown neighborhoods, Old Town certainly still has a prime real estate portfolio. A diverse selection of brick townhomes, single-family homes, and vintage walk-up apartment buildings line its charming streets, and condo units in high-rises that display sweeping lake views.

You'll Fall in Love With

Charming backdrops and close proximity to the lakefront.

Simply meandering the streets enroute to the nearby lake can be a treat for Old Town residents and visitors, and its distinctive architecture is a natural draw for those who appreciate being surrounded by history. Many of the city’s oldest Victorian-era buildings, such as St. Michael’s Church, which survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, are still staples of the community.

Overview for Old Town, IL

21,882 people live in Old Town, where the median age is 34 and the average individual income is $89,969. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

21,882

Total Population

34 years

Median Age

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

$89,969

Average individual Income

Demographics and Employment Data for Old Town, IL

Population Households Employment

Old Town has 11,945 households, with an average household size of 2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Old Town do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 21,882 people call Old Town home. The population density is 66,774.979 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

21,882

Total Population

High

Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.

34

Median Age

47.66 / 52.34%

Men vs Women

Population by Age Group

0-9:

0-9 Years

10-17:

10-17 Years

18-24:

18-24 Years

25-64:

25-64 Years

65-74:

65-74 Years

75+:

75+ Years

Education Level

Less Than 9th Grade
High School Degree
Associate Degree
Bachelor Degree
Graduate Degree

11,945

Total Households

2

Average Household Size

$89,969

Average individual Income

Households with Children

With Children:

Without Children:

Marital Status

Married

Single

Divorced

Separated

Blue vs White Collar Workers

Blue Collar:

White Collar:

Commute Time

0 to 14 Minutes

15 to 29 Minutes

30 to 59 Minutes

60+ Minutes

Schools in Old Town, IL

All ()

Primary Schools ()

Middle Schools ()

High Schools ()

Mixed Schools ()

The following schools are within or nearby Old Town. The rating and statistics can serve as a starting point to make baseline comparisons on the right schools for your family. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Type

Name

Around Old Town, IL

There's plenty to do around Old Town, including shopping, dining, nightlife, parks, and more. Data provided by Walk Score and Yelp.

98

Walker's Paradise

Walking Score

85

Very Bikeable

Bike Score

83

Excellent Transit

Transit Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Way Too Gouda, The Colette Collection, and Mp Mall.

Name	Category	Distance	Reviews	Ratings by Yelp
Visit the Way Too Gouda page on Yelp	Dining	1.19 miles	13 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the The Colette Collection page on Yelp Search 2858 N Clark St on Google Maps	Shopping	2.16 miles	19 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Mp Mall page on Yelp Search 3973 W Madison St on Google Maps	Shopping	4.78 miles	10 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Backcountry page on Yelp Search 1574 N Kingsbury St on Google Maps	Shopping	0.94 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the PingPod page on Yelp Search 676 N La Salle Dr on Google Maps	Active	0.67 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Krav Maga Force page on Yelp Search 1043 W Madison St on Google Maps	Active	1.76 miles	17 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Mind Body Defense page on Yelp Search 4143 N Broadway St on Google Maps	Active	3.84 miles	24 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Oui Chef page on Yelp Search 2622 North Halsted St on Google Maps	Active	1.9 miles	13 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Phenix Sailing Charters page on Yelp Search 111 N Lake Shore Dr on Google Maps	Active	1.81 miles	8 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Aaron Gunn Wellness page on Yelp Search 4043 North Ravenswood Ave on Google Maps	Active	4.05 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Fly Club page on Yelp Search 2229 S Michigan Ave on Google Maps	Active	3.64 miles	15 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Valko Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy page on Yelp Search Hifi Fitness on Google Maps	Active	0.45 miles	80 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Molinaro Jiu Jitsu page on Yelp Search 3260 N Clark St on Google Maps	Active	2.7 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Fetish Lash Lounge page on Yelp Search 1050 N State St on Google Maps	Beauty	0.47 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Urban Hair page on Yelp Search 2008 S Prairie Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	3.47 miles	19 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Total Body Solutions page on Yelp Search 405 W Superior on Google Maps	Beauty	0.59 miles	8 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Masters Massage & Skincare page on Yelp Search 1821 W Belmont Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	3.13 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Studio 8 Hair Salon page on Yelp Search 17 N Wabash Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	1.57 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Emily Rousse Mens Grooming page on Yelp Search 111 N Wabash Ave on Google Maps	Beauty	1.51 miles	5 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Rachel Reiman Makeup page on Yelp Search 1610 W Augusta on Google Maps	Beauty	1.59 miles	19 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the Advanced Acupuncture & Massage page on Yelp Search 3354 N Paulina on Google Maps	Beauty	3.23 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars
Visit the StretchLab page on Yelp Search 1065 W Madison St on Google Maps	Beauty	1.77 miles	7 reviews	5/5 stars