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Welcome To Wrightwood

Located on the southwest edge of the city, Wrightwood is a diverse middle-class neighborhood of manicured lawns and yellow-brick bungalows that was recently cited by The New York Times as a model for successful, harmonious integration in an urban setting. Much like other parts of Chicago, in Wrightwood businesses and restaurants are concentrated mainly along the neighborhood's major thoroughfares, while the rest of community is filled with neat residential blocks. Affordable housing has long made Wrightwood an attractive place to set up housekeeping, and the variety of architectural styles make sure every homeowner gets exactly what they are looking for in a home. The neighborhood's public park is an added bonus for those who like to indulge in outdoor recreation and appreciate a little breathing room. There is even an indoor swimming pool on hand for Wrightwood resident of all ages to enjoy.

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Contents


[Demographics, Shopping, Entertainment, and more...]
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Wrightwood Home Sales Statistics


Wrightwood Facts

Location: about 13 miles southwest of the Loop
Boundaries: 75th Street and Columbus Avenue to the north, Western Avenue to the east, 87th Street to the south and Kedzie Avenue to the west
Bordering Neighborhoods: Beverly, Ashburn, Beverly View, Gresham, Evergreen Park
Crime Statistics: Go to CLEARMap to search specific streets and areas for crime incidents

Then and Now

The history of Wrightwood is fundamentally linked to that of Ashburn, the larger neighborhood along its western border. Like Ashburn, which once served as Chicago's favorite dumping ground for furnace and fireplace ashes, Wrightwood was long overlooked as a desirable place for residential development and was instead used for more utilitarian purposes. Annexed by Chicago in 1889, it remained sparsely populated until the industrial expansion and population surge that followed World War II.

At the start of the 20th century, Wrightwood's ethnically diverse mix of inhabitants consisted mostly of Dutch, Swedish, Lithuanian, Polish and, above all, Irish immigrants. By the mid 1900s, the neighborhood had solidified as an Irish Catholic enclave centered about St. Thomas More Parish, or "Tommy More" as the locals call it. In the latter part of the century, however, as in much of urban America, those demographics began to change rapidly, creating tensions within the community which sometimes led to violence. Fair housing issues and ethnic conflicts flared up throughout Chicago's southwest side for decades starting in the 1960s. The neighborhoods of Chicago Lawn and Marquette Park, just to the north of Wrightwood, saw their reputations badly tarnished when Martin Luther King, Jr. was struck in the head by a hurled brick during a protest march there in 1966. And, certainly, Wrightwood had its share of tension and turmoil during those "days of rage" as well.

Yet there was always something a little different about Wrightwood. Its community organizations are strong, and even in the toughest times there was a determined sense of fair play among its citizenry and a will to see racial integration work. Their efforts ultimately proved successful, a phenomenon which did not go unnoticed. In 1988, storied journalist Vernon Jarrett ran a series in the Chicago Sun-Times about Wrightwood, promoting it as "a model for racial harmony," and ten years later The New York Times published a case study pinpointing Wrightwood as an example of "successful neighborhood integration" for the rest of America to emulate.

Today, Wrightwood is a happily diverse community with a strong sense of pride in its reputation for openness and respect for all. In 1997 its residents came together to celebrate this with the opening of the Chicago Public Library's Wrightwood-Ashburn Branch. This handsome $3 million structure houses over 40,000 volumes, including an African American Heritage collection and a division of NatureConnections, a citywide program combining literature, videos and artifacts related to natural history, and geared specifically to engage young people. Only a few of Chicago's public libraries are fortunate enough to take part in NatureConnections, and it's appropriate that Wrightwood's branch is one of them -- in view of what was discovered here in 1992...

During the construction of the nearby Westport Commons Shopping Center at Kedzie Avenue and 87th Street, a long forgotten and undisturbed patch of prairie was found behind the construction site in an undeveloped area belonging to Evergreen Cemetery. The two-acre plot of "wet prairie" (so called due to its high water table) provided a glimpse of what this entire area used to be like prior to the arrival of European settlers. At least 64 significant species of native flora were found there -- from nodding wild onions and water parsnips to wildflowers with charmingly evocative names like rush horsetail, prairie sundrop and ladies' tresses. In 1993 the Chicago Park District carefully relocated this unusual find to a corner of the central lagoon in nearby Marquette Park (which is in the next neighborhood to the north of Wrightwood), where the mountain mint and blue-eyed stem grasses continue to thrive, oblivious to the surrounding bustle of the big city.
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Parks

Just as Wrightwood's unique patch of prairie found a new home several blocks to the north of the neighborhood in Marquette Park (6700 S Kedzie Ave, 312-747-2761), many folks around here take advantage of that sprawling 323-acre "playground of the southwest side" for outdoor fun and recreations. But that's not to say that Wrightwood neighborhood doesn't have a park of its own -- and a fine one at that.

After World War II, as the population in the area began to grow, the city foresaw the need to create a new park specifically for the Wrightwood community. Though a 20-acre site south of 83rd Street at Richmond Street was selected in 1946, it wasn't fully developed and opened for public use until 1957. It bore the name Ashburn Park until the mid 1970s when various improvements were added, which included a new brick fieldhouse, and the name was changed to go with the facelift. The revamped park was rechristened as Hayes Park (2936 W 85th St, 312-747-6177) in honor of Father Francis D. Hayes, a beloved Wrightwood resident and founder of the St. Thomas More Parish.

Not surprisingly, Hayes Park remains a popular and well-used recreational resource for Wrightwood neighborhood inhabitants. In addition to its six baseball diamonds, two football/soccer fields, tennis and volleyball courts, which are all surrounded by a curving half-mile walking path, the park's indoor features include a dance and fitness center, gymnasium, meeting rooms and -- best of all -- an indoor pool. Several hours each day are set aside for free "open swims," with separate times scheduled for youngsters, adults and seniors. And there are special classes, too, many of which are also free of charge. This is a great place for kids and teens to learn how to swim in the first place, or for experienced swimmers to take part in organized lap practices. There's also an extensive aquatic exercise program that has proved very popular among adults and seniors in the community.
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Real Estate

Wrightwood is very much a residential district. Much like other parts of town, you'll encounter businesses and restaurants mainly along the neighborhood's major thoroughfares, so as not to detract from the area's quiet, homey quality found down the side streets. For the most part single-story brick bungalows and ranches dominate, though you'll notice a greater variation in home styles here than in many a southwest side Chicago neighborhood. Green yards, towering trees and wide sidewalks embrace the lots throughout, attracting many families to the region.

Wrightwood homes are well-maintained and offer residents a suburban-like setting to raise kids, buy a first home, or just live outside the congested blocks of Chicago's city center. Two-story brick houses, raised ranches, classic bungalows, adorable frame homes, and split-levels line the peaceful neighborhood avenues, most with one-car garages in the back. While some sections of Wrightwood sustain the typical alley access to garages found in many Chicago neighborhoods, much of the community boasts side driveways that give the area a subdivision feel. Certain streets even form cul-de-sac-like circles were houses fan around, creating quiet pockets of serene existence just minutes from busy roads and commercial buildings.

Affordable housing has long made Wrightwood an attractive place to set up housekeeping, with prices for single-family detached properties ranging from $100,000 (for a three-bedroom ranch) to $300,000 (for a newer model two-story house with four bedrooms). And generally speaking, the average sales price for a three-bedroom home in Wrightwood is only around $200,000. Low-rise apartment buildings and condominiums are limited to the neighborhood's main roads which include Kedzie Avenue and 87th Street. One-bedroom units with a street parking space start around $70,000, but the two-bedroom places range between $82,000 and $132,000.
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What's on the Menu?

Wrightwood is closely linked to its neighboring community of Ashburn to the west, where residents find a much greater variety of restaurants and taverns to choose from. Still, there are a few local eateries that manage to put Wrightwood on Chicago's culinary map.

Two neighborhood favorites specialize in Asian foods. Fon Fon Chinese Cuisine (8253 S Kedzie Ave, 773-918-1111) is a popular place in Wrightwood for carryout. Located in a small strip mall, it offers precious little seating, but the excellent food and low-priced lunch specials make a stop here worth your while. Try their red rose scallops (seafood sauteed with vegetables and smothered in spicy Hunan sauce), or the orange beef in a hot pepper sauce. The sauces here are exceptional, especially if you like 'em like we do: the hotter, the better! If the spice is too much and it feels as though your tongue's on fire, you can always cool it off with a rich papaya and tapioca smoothie. For full service dining, head on over to South China Kitchen Two (7836 S Western Ave, 773-778-8822), also a pocketsize place, but with seven tables it's positively spacious compared to Fon Fon. The extensive menu focuses on Szechwan and Cantonese cuisine rounded out by a few Thai specialties, all of which you'll see your chefs prepare in their open kitchen. We've always found the service here to be particularly fast and friendly, which makes it a pleasure to stop in -- well, that plus the best pad thai on the southwest side. The fresh fruit smoothies are pretty irresistible here, too, especially when you opt for the ones with more unusual ingredients, like avocado, cantaloupe, or honey dew melon. Trust us, it's good -- and there's no better way to get your daily dose of all the essential vitamins.

The hottest spot of all for dining in Wrightwood has got to be the small but extraordinary Rhythm & Spice Restaurant (2501 W 79th St, 773-476-5600), where Jamaican cuisine finds a cozy little home for itself in Chicago. While the grilled jerk-style chicken is the house specialty -- and we highly recommend it -- the fresh fish of the day is cooked to order, so you can enjoy it however you want. We've developed a taste for the salt cod and ackee, a Caribbean fruit sauteed with onions and peppers, which comes with rice, salad, Jamaican bread and a sweet slice of plantain. The hush puppies and the oxtail stew are real winners here, while pork chops, black-eyed peas and collard greens are the stars of the menu on "Soul Food Sundays." Don't hesitate to bring the kids, too, since the children's menu features American standbys to satisfy the pickiest of eaters. Oh, and by the way, this is a BYOB restaurant, and they don't even charge a set-up fee. Of course, that also means you'd be wise to have your own corkscrew if you're bringing a bottle of vino.

One thing all these Wrightwood restaurants have in common is their size. The local eateries are notably tiny, offering just a few tables or booths, or none at all. Perhaps it's a testament to Wrightwood's unshakably residential nature that carryout seems to be your best option around here. If you want to eat somewhere other than your own kitchen table, you'll have better luck heading southeast to Beverly or west to Ashburn or Scottsdale to find a sizeable sit-down restaurant. The one exception found within the neighborhood boundaries is Dan's Soul Food & Bakery (2523 W 79th St, 773-737-6695), a comfortable diner that seats around forty people -- pretty big by Wrightwood standards. At Dan's, it isn't just "Soul Food Sundays," it's soul food every day (except Monday when the place is closed). The pork ribs are mighty fine, and the fried chicken is to die for. If soul food is down-home cookin' to you, you'll reckon your own grandma must be working in Dan's kitchen. The fresh baked goods are an added treat and here's a tip: If they've got some of that red velvet cake, pick up a slice for dessert -- you'll thank us later.

As a final note, it is perhaps surprising in view of the many Irish-Americans in the vicinity that Wrightwood, like nearby Beverly, is "dry." In other words, if you're thirsting for an alcoholic brew, you're in the wrong neighborhood. Have no fear, the nearest bar is still pretty much next door in the tap room adjoining the Gaelic Fire Brigade (8404 S Kedzie Ave, 773-778-5542), which is officially located on the other side of the border street from Wrightwood in Ashburn. What looks like a windowless, makeshift fire station is in fact a members-only fraternal organization for south side Chicago firefighters. Its tap room, however, is open to the public -- and they're not messing around because these guys unlock the doors at 7 am Mondays through Fridays, in case you need that kind of eye-opener!
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Best Shopping Stops

Like most of the communities on the southwest edge of the city, local retail businesses don't stand much of a chance against the behemoth in the area -- Ford City Mall (7601 S Cicero Ave, 773-767-6400). And what you can't find among its 150 stores, you can probably get at the nearby Scottsdale Shopping Center (7905 S Cicero Ave, 773-582-6677). But, since 1992, consumers in Wrightwood neighborhood can do at least some of their shopping even closer to home, thanks to the stores of Westport Commons Shopping Center (87th Street and Kedzie Ave, 312-939-8500) that offer residents both essentials for the entire family and a bit of recreational retail -- you know, all the fashion fundamentals that give your wardrobe that extra oomph.

Parents in Wrightwood are big fans of Rainbow Kids (3264 W 87th St, 773-925-9551), your one-stop shopping spot when it comes to children's and infants' clothing at unbeatable prices. It's the perfect source for all your basics, plus you'll find sturdy sleepers and play outfits here that will really hold up well. Best of all, be sure to check out Rainbow Kids' dynamite shoe department for your toddler. All those miniature booties, sneakers, Mary Janes and sandals are so adorable you'll want to buy an extra pair just to hang from your rearview mirror!

When it comes to girls' and women's apparel, from the latest trends to those comfortable closet staples, you can't beat the selection and value you'll find in every aisle at Fashion Bug (3258 W 87th St, 773-737-1377). In addition to their apparel, it's a great place for lingerie, accessories and shoes -- though, when it comes to the latter, you might prefer to save a few pennies by hiking across the parking lot to Payless Shoe Source (3242 W 87th St, 773-737-8216). And speaking of hiking -- or running, walking, shooting hoops, you name it -- Sports n' Fashion (3252 W 87th St, 773-776-3187) lives up to its name with its collection of stylish athletic attire and footwear for men and women. For those of us who like to work up a sweat and look good doing it, this should be your first stop. Whether you are in the market for new kicks for the court (basketball, tennis, or otherwise) or need a full track suit to layer up for the cooler weather months that can't keep us from our daily jog around the neighborhood, you'll be pleased with the stock of sporting wear at this Wrightwood neighborhood favorite.
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Getting Around

Cars and buses are the name of the transportation game on Chicago's southwest side. Don't expect to walk down the street and flag down a cab as if this were downtown or the north side, pal. If you really need one, most south siders will call a taxicab company to arrange a pick-up. For those of you with your own set of wheels, street parking is rarely a problem on this side of town where it's far less congested than in the heart of the city or up north. So, when you have to do an errand or swing by one of the neighborhood restaurants for takeout, you won't have any trouble finding a spot to leave the car while you run in.

The Chicago Transit Authority's renowned "El" system ventures only as far southwest as Midway Airport, so you won't spot any of those photogenic elevated tracks in Wrightwood. Instead, public transportation around here is handled by city buses. East and westbound travelers rely on the #79 79th Street and the #87 87th Street routes, while north and southbound riders use the #52A Kedzie Avenue bus and the #49 Western Avenue line for getting around quickly and conveniently.

Despite the lack of El stops in the neighborhood, you can commute to the Loop with even greater dependability and comfort by using Metra's commuter rail service. The Metra South West Service line maintains a handy station in Wrightwood at 79th Street and Columbus Avenue, where you can grab a seat on an air-conditioned double-decker train that will drop you off downtown at Union Station (at Canal Street between Adams Street and Jackson Boulevard) in a mere 30 minutes. The Wrightwood terminal is small, providing a shelter with no ticket agent, but that only means you buy your pass from the conductor on board. Parking near the Wrightwood station is available for a reasonable fee, in case you have need to drive to the stop before commuting in to the Loop for work. (For more information and details you can call them toll-free at 866-989-1199). Metra sells weekly, monthly and 10-ride tickets at discounted rates, and rush-hour outbound trains even have a bar car, something you won't see on the good old CTA El.
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School's in Session

As we've mentioned before, Wrightwood neighborhood is a fairly family-oriented community. And, not surprisingly, residents here have several public and private school options for where to send their kids to class. In addition to the following list, you can find more information on these and other Chicago area schools at Chicago Public Schools and Great Schools.

Carroll Elementary School - 2929 W 83rd St - (773) 535-9414
Chicago International Charter School - 8130 S California Ave - (773) 434-4575
Luther High School South - 3130 W 87th St - (773) 737-1416
Rosenwald Elementary School - 2541 W 80th St - (773) 535-9355
St Rita High School - 7740 S Western Ave - (773) 925-6605
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Basic Needs

To help you out, we've compiled a list of where you can find the bare necessities and handy resources in Wrightwood neighborhood, from bread and butter to Band-Aids and books.

Dining

American Cuisine
Dan's Soul Food & Bakery - 2523 W 79th St - (773) 737-6695
Johnny B's Restaurant - 2749 W 79th St - (773) 422-2082
L & R's Grill House - 2455 W 79th St - (773) 863-8290
Shark's Fish & Chicken - 8245 S Kedzie Ave - (773) 778-3333
Taste Buds Gyros - 8618 S Kedzie Ave - (773) 476-4333

Asian Cuisine
Fon Fon Chinese Cuisine - 8253 S Kedzie Ave - (773) 918-1111
Sky Chop Suey - 8616 S Kedzie Ave - (773) 778-6970
South China Kitchen Two - 7836 S Western Ave - (773) 778-8822

Caribbean Cuisine

Rhythm & Spice - 2501 W 79th St - (773) 476-5600
Jamaican Jerk Chicken & Vegetarian Restaurant - 8216 S Kedzie Ave - (773) 434-2408

Emergency Rooms

Holy Cross Hospital - 2701 W 68th St - (773) 884-9000

Grocery Stores

Ultra Foods - 3250 87th St - (773) 776-9000

Gyms

Bally Total Fitness - 3348 W 87th St - (773) 925-0400
Essential Element Fitness Center - 2565 W 79th St - (773) 434-9500

Libraries

Wrightwood Public Library - 8530 S Kedzie Ave - (312) 747-2696

Pharmacies

CVS Pharmacy - 7855 S Western Ave - (773) 436-6000
Walgreens - 8700 S Kedzie Ave (708) 499-5196

Shopping

Beauty World - 3276 W 87th St - (773) 737-0995
Fashion Bug - 3258 W 87th St - (773) 737-1377
Payless Shoe Source - 3242 W 87th St - (773) 737-8216
Rainbow Kids - 3264 W 87th St - (773) 925-9551
Sports n' Fashion - 3252 W 87th St - (773) 776-3187

Theatres

AMC Movie Theatres - 7601 S Cicero Ave - (773) 582-1839

Transit

Chicago Transit Authority - (888) 968-7282
Metra South West Service - (312) 322-6777
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As one of the many diverse Chicago neighborhoods, Wrightwood offers homeowners a wide range of residential properties. Wrightwood homes include lofts, condos and townhomes, to name a few. In addition to Chicago real estate, you can get detailed neighborhood information from our comprehensive online Chicago neighborhoods guide. With features like dining, shopping, entertainment, and resources, we've done all the leg work already to make your home search that much easier. Now, when a listing in Wrightwood catches your eye, you can read all about the surrounding area and what it has to offer, all without setting foot in the neighborhood. Like a Yellow Pages, Metromix and MLS database all rolled into one, this site is your ultimate Chicago neighborhoods visitors' guidebook.
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