Ashburn

Ashburn is a neighborhood on the western side of the South Side. Although a bit out of reach for city-lovers and those in need of a faster paced lifestyle, this is an idyllic setting for families. If you’re not quite ready to become a suburbanite, you can get the security and tranquility of the suburbs right here. The affordable home prices make it an easy place to call home even on a tight budget.

For me, this isn’t a place I’d look to call home and it’s probably not so great for visitors. That’s probably why it’s so perfect for families. There will be little to disturb the quality of life here, mostly because there is no cause for non-residents to visit. The neighborhood’s biggest growth spurt came in the mid-20th Century and most of the community seems content to keep it that way. The many charming homes and tree-lined streets give Ashburn a small-town feeling.

This is a truly great area. Perfect for families, retirees, and professionals that prefer a quieter neighborhood, Ashburn is a safe and secluded part of the city. If you’re looking for excitement, you won’t find it here. Safety, tranquility, and affordability—that’s what you’ll find in Ashburn.

Located on the far south side of Chicago ..
Ashburn is one of the most stable of all Chicago Communities. Growth in the neighborhood was slow initially as it was home for the dumping grounds of the ashes from furnaces and fireplaces from Chicago residents. The population had an upswing in the between 1940 and 1950. Many of the residents who moved to this area during that time still call Ashburn home today.
The range of home price today is beween $ 75,000 and $250,000. Homes in this area often have a second story that has been unfinished for future expansion needs.
Friendly is the word I would use to describe Ashburn. It is in close proximity to the Chicago Loop, with only about 14 miles separating the two, for shopping and entertainment with access to public transportation if desired. It offers all the perks of neighborhood living with streets lined with quality built homes on streets lined with shade trees. Ashburn has a lot to offer the family wanting to be close to the city life but enjoy the perks of a nice small family oriented community. Solid houses, great schools and public parks and play areas make this a suitable community for family living. The parks offer many activities such as swimming, jogging, basketball and tennis.
Ashburn is a full service community offering families the best in community living.

Ashburn is a nice, low key, residential neighborhood. It's a relatively quiet place to live, where you can raise a family. I wouldn't call it the best place to bring your friends when they're visiting, but it isn't bad for a quiet place to live.

The biggest problem I have is the nightlife. I'm a 25 year old guy, so not having a good bar scene can be difficult for me. I wouldn't want to live there at this point in my life, but in a few years, it could be nice if I have some kids. It's mostlty middle class, and pretty integrated, as far as it goes. I think it could use some gentrification, at least to bring in some more money. Otherwise, it's a nice neighborhood, especially for a family.

Barely in Chicago, Ashburn is the formerly the favorite location of city dwellers to dump the ashes from their fireplaces – hence the name. In the era of modern day heating systems, this neighborhood has become something of a racially diverse middle class community – populated by single family brick-and-aluminum-sided homes on grassy lawns. Ashburn greatly resembles a suburb – with rows of homes and commercial outlets in the form of malls instead of the typical city strips of shops and diners.

That doesn’t mean, of course, that Ashburn is without its own Chicago institutions, some of which are Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria (specializing in thin crust pizzas at this location since 1965), Rosario’s Italian Foods (family owned and operated shop dishing out sandwiches as well as take-away meats, cheeses and sauces) and Cake Walk (a bakery with especially good butter cookies).

Overall, however, Ashburn is not the most happening neighborhood, and it’s not the place I would select if I were going to show an out-of-towner around my city. I’m sure the neighborhood’s residents appreciate the area’s row-for-row peace-and-quiet, but the Scottsdale Mall isn’t exactly my idea of a fun day out on the town. So it's great if you're into the quiet family life - not so great if you're single and looking to move and shake it around Chi-town.

If you come to Ashburn, word is that you shouldn't miss the thin crust sausage pizza at Vito and Nicks located at 8433 S. Pulaski Road. Chicago Magazine wrote this on June 21, 2010. And, sure this is Chicago, but they didn't pay to have that put in here. Just thought you'd want to know.

Ashburn covers five square miles and is located on the Southwest Side of Chicago. Its boundaries are 75th Street on the North, Western Avenue on the East, 87th Street on the South, and Cicero Avenue is the Western boundary. The total population is reported as 39,584, according to the 2000 census.

Sixty-one percent of the residents have lived in the same home for more than five years. The area is so stable that many of the residents that moved there in the 1950's are still there.

The median household income, according to the 2000 census, is $53,120. Homes range from $75,000 to $250,000. It is known for its Cape Cod homes.

It offers convenience in its busy shopping areas, but its residential areas are set off enough to offer peace and quiet. It is good for family living with its good schools, nice public playlots--over 15 acres of open parkland--and attractive neighborhoods. It also has a community recreation building. It offers the city dweller a nearly suburban living experience without the long commute.

Ashburn was originally the dumping ground for the ashes from the City of Chicago. It saw its hey day in the 1950s and 1960s with the post World War II construction boom in Ford City. Ashburn also attracted a variety of carnivals in the earlier years.

It admittedly does not have an active night life or retail therapy, but it offers a neighborly feel with several of the areas original residents still residing there.

One thing of note was an article written about the area in 1999 for the New York times that discussed the difficulties of areas integrating.