Though not included on most official city maps of Chicago, Roscoe Village is indeed a great north side Chicago neighborhood located between Lakeview and North Center. Many residents define the neighborhood’s boundaries as Addison Street to the north, Ravenswood Avenue to the east, Belmont Avenue to the south, and the Chicago River to the west. Roscoe Village’s early beginnings can be traced to the late 19th century when developers purchased the area to build an amusement park, which they named Riverview Park. After it opened its gates in 1903, many businesses were established along Belmont Avenue to take advantage of the droves of tourists visiting the park. Most of the original frame and brick houses were later built in the 1920s when the village experienced its first economic development boom.
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Roscoe Village is known today for its laid-back vibe and charming collection of local eateries offering nearly every type of cuisine, from Italian to the Mediterranean, Thai to South American, and almost everything in between. Along with its wonderful collection of restaurants, the neighborhood is also home to a dynamic selection of shops and boutiques offering a wide range of merchandise which include the latest designer clothes, furniture and home accessories, music and artwork, baby accessories, and more.
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Quick Facts
- More than 6,000 residents currently live in Roscoe Village.
- Notable summer festivals include:
- Retro On Roscoe: A unique twist on your typical summer festival- 6 blocks of live music, food and shopping with an emphasis on all things retro. Bands play oldies but goodies while artisans and antique vendors sell their wares. Fun for the young and old
- Roscoe Village Burger Fest: Basically every kind of burger you can imagine- veggie, turkey, bbq, steak, the list goes on. Try them all for less than you would pay in the restaurant.
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Schools
- Audubon Elementary School
- Jahn Elementary School
- Alcott College Prep
- Lake View High School
- Lane Tech High School
- Bell Elementary School
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Dining, Nightlife, and Shopping
Easy access to locally owned establishments is a major plus. Whether you’re looking to sample exotic cuisine, enjoy a warm cup of coffee with friends, search for elegant antiques for your home, or try on the latest designer apparel, there’s always a restaurant or boutique within walking distance. Roscoe has a lot to offer by way of food, drink and shopping. Here’s just a sampling:
Real Estate Options
Roscoe Village is a fantastic place to call home, with its family-friendly environment, multiple park & recreation areas, excellent private and public schools, and superb collection of locally owned shops and restaurants.Â
Those looking to relocate to this charming neighborhood will have many diverse housing options. Buyers can choose from affordable 1 to 3-bedroom condos equipped with modern amenities, beautiful townhomes with spacious interiors and private roof decks, and stunning Tudor-style single-family homes with luxurious features.