7.6 out of 10

Dunning

Ranked 13th best neighborhood in Chicago
41.9461528057632 -87.8074237938172
Great for
  • Neighborly Spirit
  • Public Transport
  • Peace & Quiet
  • Cost of Living
  • Eating Out
Not great for
  • Parking
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Students

Reviews

4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
2yrs+

"Far West, But Lots to Do"

If you don’t mind traveling to the far Northwest Side, there is plenty to see in Dunning. A larger neighborhood, which encompasses Belmont Heights, Irving Woods, Schorsch Village, and The Villa, Dunning is mostly a residential area that has undergone much growth. Historically the area has been a Polish and Italian community, but the presence of Wright College has created an influx of younger residents and has added a much-needed dose of diversity.

Visitors to Dunning might be inclined to come here for one of the many restaurants, parks, golf courses, or other points of interest. Merrimac Park, Shabonna Park, and the Galos Caves are perhaps the most noted outdoor areas found here, attracting quite a few visitors. Also of note are the many eateries, which include the famous Eli’s Cheesecake Factory. Dunning also has shopping and many nice homes or apartments.

Its far removed location makes it an unlikely trip for me, but there is still plenty to see and do in Dunning. If you appreciate the outdoors, this neighborhood feels like quite an escape from the city. True urbanites wouldn’t want to call Dunning home, but it’s a nice option when you’ve grown tired of the hustle and bustle of downtown.
Pros
  • Lots to do
  • Short commute to/from downtown
  • Quiet
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Students
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Nice and safe, and close enough to down town."

Dunning has a great atmosphere and is one of the safer neighborhoods in the city. It makes for an excellent place to live for people with a lot of different economic backgrounds to live.

There is some excellent food, and while there aren't the famous restaurants that you might find in other places. Of course, you'll find pizza (this is Chicago) and many of the other options are your basic but good Midwest style American cuisine.

I wouldn't come for the nightlife, as there isn't so much for a younger guy like me, but you can find a drink if you've had a long day.

The main thing I think of is the safety and good neighborhood atmosphere. You can get to know your neighbors and go for a walk without being afraid. It's nice to have that in the city, and it isn't like you're particularly far from downtown.
Pros
  • Great neighborhood spirit
  • Lots to do
  • Quiet
  • Good, affordably priced food
  • Very safe
Cons
  • Not the best bars or nightlife
  • A bit too low key for me
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 5/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 5/5
2yrs+

"Schorsch Street? Schorsch Village? Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.........."

This is MY quiet, tree-lined street, MY "hood" so I'm a bit reluctant to tell everyone about it! It's VERY off the beaten path and isn't trendy or sophisticated. It's not the "in" place to hang. There isn’t row after row of chic boutiques to shop at or posh restaurants to eat in. But.... I have my cake and am eatin' it too because within about 30-45 minutes, via the CTA or by car, I can be in the Loop taking advantage of my majorly fabulous city and get my fix of all the happnin', trendy, noisy, culture and sophistication I want and need! What this street does have are the friendliest neighbors and unique brick homes (built around the teens and early 1920's by the Schorsch brothers - hence the name of the street and the neighborhood) that look like they're straight out of a storybook. And within walking distance you'll find a big-beautiful park (Shabbona), a great place that delivers old-style, thin-crust pizza (Frank's), a very cool Czech cafe (Cafe Prague), plus the requisite Walgreen's, 7/11 and CVS. I love MY street and hope you'll visit MY neighborhood one day!
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
AdamS
AdamS great review shekaago!

AJ
2yrs+
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