Clearing, Chicago

Clearing is a part of the south west side of Chicago, tucked away ad mist the larger neighborhoods in the southern area. Filled with single family homes amongst a middle class income, this area has good, solid schools with all you need to raise a family. Common grocery stores, restaurants, bakeries, and shops, Clearing is approx. 10 minutes from downtown Chicago, so it's great to have a balance of family life with the availability of urban Chicago right in your backyard. One of the most popular pastimes in Clearing are the sports leagues for all to enjoy. They rank among the top in the area, and are available for all age groups and family members.

I would describe Clearing as a decent neighborhood. It isn't great, but it isn't as bad as other nearby neighborhoods.

The first thing to mention would have to be Midway Airport. The airport really dominates the area. If you stop by Clearing you'll likely hear and see some planes going overhead, which could be really annoying if you live here. The upside is that it's a bit safer than some of the surrounding neighborhoods, and you are close to the airport if you need to travel a lot. I wish I was a more frequent flyer than I am, so if I was jet-setting a bit more I might have another look at Clearing.

Otherwise, I'd say that the neighborhood is reasonably safe, the home prices aren't half bad, and there are a fair number of local businesses that do well in part because of their proximity to the airport.

Like that other neighborhood close to the airport, Clearing has attracted a number of strip malls, stores and restaurants that wouldn’t be there without the presence of the Chicago Midway International Airport. Outside of the airport action, Clearing is a residential ‘hood with an architectural population of single family homes and rows of bungalows.

Clearing may have some crime creeping in from surrounding neighborhoods, but the presence of the airport and the jobs and business that it brings to the area make Clearing one of the safer South Side Chicago neighborhoods.

To the naked eye, Clearing is a clean area – but beware that the surrounding areas are not as great. Also, prospective residents may want to consider the constant air traffic noise of Clearing’s skies.

In my opinion you are better off heading to other areas for a real taste of Chicago – the businesses that are set up here are often outdone by restaurants and shops elsewhere in the city. With that, I’ll leave a suggestion for anyone stuck at the airport with time for a short walk or cab ride: visit El Gallo Tapatio on W 63rd St.

Clearing is often grouped in with Garfield Park as "Midway" because the airport sits within both neighborhoods. Clearing is an average area with a fairly decent population and nice housing options. The area is moderate and won't break the bank too much, but it is still nice and can be considered an affordable option for people who don't need to be right in the thick of downtown. If you are willing to put up with Airport traffic and the noise that comes with it the neighborhood can be a nice place to call home.

Within the neighborhood you'll find a good deal of Polish and Slovak establishments. Buffets and eateries are grouped together nicely and the entire neighborhood has an interesting aesthetic. The nightlife is a bit lower than what a single, club-hopper would look for but the neighborhood doesn't cater to that crowd anyway. It is relatively quiet (except airport traffic and noise) and is a decent place to call home.

Those traveling in the area will find that Clearing is a bit out of the loop, but is convenient for transport from and to Midway Airport, but that's not what tourists worry about most.