Old Town

A small community brimming with history and energy.

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 walkable, narrow streets and historic homes of Old Town give way to a string of high-rises lining the open vistas of the lake and parkland. Home to a variety of comedy venues, shops, and a mix of old taverns and modern bars, the tiny neighborhood also packs its fair share of entertainment.
 

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 are 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 en route 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

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.

97
Walker's Paradise
Walking Score
85
Very Bikeable
Bike Score
84
Excellent Transit
Transit Score

Points of Interest

Explore popular things to do in the area, including Chicago Food Truck Hub, Dos Bros, and TNS Pop Shop.

Name Category Distance Reviews
Ratings by Yelp
Dining 1.06 miles 11 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining 2.22 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining · $ 1.81 miles 12 reviews 5/5 stars
Dining · $$ 1.19 miles 26 reviews 5/5 stars
Shopping 0.79 miles 6 reviews 5/5 stars
Shopping 3.29 miles 5 reviews 5/5 stars

Demographics and Employment Data for Old Town, IL

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
Category
Grades
School rating

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