Canaryville
Ranked 59th best neighborhood in Chicago
- Follow
- Write a review
- Ask a question
Great for
- Cost of Living
- Peace & Quiet
- Internet Access
- Neighborly Spirit
- Childcare
Not great for
- Nightlife
- Eating Out
- Shopping Options
- Schools
- Clean & Green
Who lives here?
- Families with kids
- Singles
- Retirees
Got a burning question? Why not ask the locals! Simply ask your question below
Reviews
Canaryville
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Not my favorite spot in Chicago"
The Canaryville area of Chicago is on the South Side. The area is not too far from the Harold Washington Cultural Center, which has become one of the focal points for the entire area. Named after the former mayor of the city, the Harold Washington Cultural Center is a large and impressive facility at over 40,000 square feet, making it easily one of the largest buildings in the area.. There is also a 1,000 seat theater that has been used for a variety of different events. In recent years, the Harold Washington Cultural Center has become a key location for important events in the city.
The Digital Media Resource Center offers up free workshops on technology. This center uses state of the art technology and has working relationships with some of Chicago's key tech players as well as educational institutions such as the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Of course, there are other sites to see in the area but the Harold Washington Cultural Center is certainly at the top of the list of attractions. The Center also has a large bronze statue of the cities famous mayor, Harold Washington.
There was a Canaryville library, but it shut down recently.
The Digital Media Resource Center offers up free workshops on technology. This center uses state of the art technology and has working relationships with some of Chicago's key tech players as well as educational institutions such as the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Of course, there are other sites to see in the area but the Harold Washington Cultural Center is certainly at the top of the list of attractions. The Center also has a large bronze statue of the cities famous mayor, Harold Washington.
There was a Canaryville library, but it shut down recently.
Cons
- Not much to do
- Not welcoming
Recommended for
- Families with kids
- Retirees
Canaryville
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Peace & Quiet
- Cost of Living
"Not so Welcoming"
Canaryville, which is found just outside the Back of the Yards neighborhood, is a largely Irish area. Not known as being the most welcoming of all areas, most locals know it’s best to avoid Canaryville. The boundaries of Canaryville are Canal, Halsted, 39th, and 49th. A small neighborhood, there really isn’t much to see in Canaryville and I have never enjoyed visiting the area (especially since I'm not a Sox fan).
The biggest thing I notice when in Canaryville is the feeling of being an outsider. The predominantly Irish population doesn’t seem interested in having visitors, giving the area the feeling of eras of the past. Territorialism is one of the many things that make me not want to go back to the area. Really, there just isn’t much to take note of here other than the hostile energy you’re overwhelmed with as soon as you set foot in the area.
Other than corner stores and rather boring restaurants, Canaryville doesn’t have a lot to offer. If you’re Irish and looking for a place to live, you might be welcome here—otherwise, I’d stay away. Visitors beware; Canaryville residents probably don’t want you there. I don’t plan to visit the area again unless there are significant changes, which I don’t see as a possibility.
The biggest thing I notice when in Canaryville is the feeling of being an outsider. The predominantly Irish population doesn’t seem interested in having visitors, giving the area the feeling of eras of the past. Territorialism is one of the many things that make me not want to go back to the area. Really, there just isn’t much to take note of here other than the hostile energy you’re overwhelmed with as soon as you set foot in the area.
Other than corner stores and rather boring restaurants, Canaryville doesn’t have a lot to offer. If you’re Irish and looking for a place to live, you might be welcome here—otherwise, I’d stay away. Visitors beware; Canaryville residents probably don’t want you there. I don’t plan to visit the area again unless there are significant changes, which I don’t see as a possibility.
Cons
- Not welcoming
- Not much to do
Canaryville
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Parking
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Quiet, but with nothing to do"
Canaryville is a boring residential area on the south side of the city. I can't think of anything you'd really want to visit there for, and I wouldn't suggest living there because of the lack of interest and some crime. It isn't the most dangerous part of the city, and I'd say it's mostly quiet, although the quiet makes me feel uneasy at times because you wonder if any police are even in the area.
I wouldn't visit for a park, or for dining or going out for drinks, as there is essentially nothing there worth looking into. It isn't terribly expensive, but that's because of how much it lacks.
Overall, I just don't have as much to say about Canaryville. It just doesn't interest me as much as other parts of the city.
I wouldn't visit for a park, or for dining or going out for drinks, as there is essentially nothing there worth looking into. It isn't terribly expensive, but that's because of how much it lacks.
Overall, I just don't have as much to say about Canaryville. It just doesn't interest me as much as other parts of the city.
Pros
- Quiet
- Affordable Housing
Cons
- Not terribly safe
- Not a lot of dining options
- Not welcoming
- Not much to do
Recommended for
- Singles
Canaryville
rating details
2yrs+
- Neighborly Spirit
- Safe & Sound
- Clean & Green
- Pest Free
- Peace & Quiet
- Eating Out
- Nightlife
- Parks & Recreation
- Shopping Options
- Gym & Fitness
- Internet Access
- Lack of Traffic
- Cost of Living
- Resale or Rental Value
- Public Transport
- Medical Facilities
- Schools
- Childcare
"Quiet Residential Area- except when the Sox are playing."
By South Side Chicago standards this neighborhood is very quiet. It is not Mayberry, be sure, but it is not nearly as rough as some surrounding areas.
It is another Irish enclave of Chicago that owes much of its history and development to the former Union Stock Yards.
It does not have hot trendy restaurants or clubs. But it does boast several neighborhood eateries that are beloved by locals. The area sees the most activity when the Sox are playing- as being a Sox fan in the neighborhood is almost a prerequisite.
It is another Irish enclave of Chicago that owes much of its history and development to the former Union Stock Yards.
It does not have hot trendy restaurants or clubs. But it does boast several neighborhood eateries that are beloved by locals. The area sees the most activity when the Sox are playing- as being a Sox fan in the neighborhood is almost a prerequisite.
Recommended for
- Families with kids
Canaryville
"Outside of the tourist agenda, Canaryville soldiers on"
Canaryville is outside of most tourists’ agendas, but this smallish community is an attractive one – often the streets are drawn up with perfectly landscaped yards and sprawling old trees in front of numerous easy-on-the-eyes residences. Back in the day (say, nineteenth/early twentieth century) this was not a place where anyone wanted to be, having a reputation as a generally rough area.
Today the place is still known for being less-than-friendly, and as one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods the lack of love for outsiders is almost understandable.
That being said, there isn’t much in Canaryville that is likely to attract a gaggle of outsiders – this South Side neighborhood stays pretty quiet in spite of its reputation to the contrary. It even seems a bit out of place, though it and the surrounding areas are predominantly Irish neighborhoods.
Perhaps that uneasiness about outsiders is what keeps Canaryville from really expanding its retail outlets, but in any case this is a place for residents and not for tourists.
Today the place is still known for being less-than-friendly, and as one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods the lack of love for outsiders is almost understandable.
That being said, there isn’t much in Canaryville that is likely to attract a gaggle of outsiders – this South Side neighborhood stays pretty quiet in spite of its reputation to the contrary. It even seems a bit out of place, though it and the surrounding areas are predominantly Irish neighborhoods.
Perhaps that uneasiness about outsiders is what keeps Canaryville from really expanding its retail outlets, but in any case this is a place for residents and not for tourists.
When are people going to stop identifying with countries our ancestors came from generations ago and start saying they are American? Who cares what our skin color is? It doesn't define who we are. Most of us have multiple , different nationalities in our DNA because America is the Melting Pot. I did my DNA and found at least 8 different European countries my ancestors are from. I love being able to find out who my amcestors are, but at the same time, it made me realize I identify my nationality as American. If you go to a foreign country, they ask what you are, you say American, not Irish. How come the previous nationalities go in front of American anyway? It should be American Irish, not Irish American, if you have to claim it...
You would be surprised at how many who claim white actually have ancestors that are black.
My ex husband was so racist. Imagine his surprise when I informed him of our son's Dna results. Yup, there was a small percentage of African descent in there. Like I said, America is the Melting Pot.
I am sorry that some of you felt like outsiders visiting Canaryville. Question: How sociable were you? Were you being standoffish? I know the people who live in Canaryville have known each other's families in most cases for generations. We enjoy laughter and visiting with one another and the Church is a major influence in our daily lives. I know for a fact they try to welcome visitors. When I brought my boyfriend to a block party on 47th Placw he was welcomed with open arms and included in all festivaties. Cheri Conners Canaryville Family