7.4 out of 10

Roscoe Village

Ranked 16th best neighborhood in Chicago
41.9409849976758 -87.6818546401407
Great for
  • Peace & Quiet
  • Safe & Sound
  • Neighborly Spirit
  • Eating Out
  • Schools
Not great for
  • Cost of Living
  •  
  •  
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Families with kids
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • Hipsters

Reviews

5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 5/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"I like it"

I read some reviews on RV. Some seemed upset about it. But the complaints are more of a personal preference. I am a single working parent of two young adults and a child. The public schools are in the top 10 ten. The schools admin/ staff teachers are wonderful people in my expirience. I find between the staff and the dedicated parents, they really make the schools a great learning enviroment. The parents in this neighbor really pitch in time and fundraising to make sure the kids have everything they need. This is especially important as the cps budget continues to be declining and lacking. I didnt find the schools right for my youngest so I have choosen to homeschool. Still, I would recommend these schools to everyone.

It is definetly a dog friendly nieghborhood. That's hard to find, anywhere. So for pet lovers, this is a great neighborhood.

Someone said that there arent any parks. I know of a minimum of 5 within a mile walking radius. They are quaint. Hamlin Park is a couple blocks south of belmont. Bell school has a very nice park and Adubon School has a nice park.

I think the dinning options are fine. There's a little bit of everything. Of course it's not as good as food far: west, south and north. But it has some good spots. Like Hot Woks Cool Sushi on Roscoe. It's always clean, fresh, very tasty, appetizing, on time, etc. There is the new place Mod Pizza. MMM. Tourqouise really great middle eastern food. The chef is excellent. Heros has awesome sandwhiches. Kitch'n is just the best for tasty, interesting breakfast/ brunches. Friendly service, quick, clean. I can keep naming places. Most places have a couple favorite items of mine. I dont need to leave the nieghborhood for good food. But you can go out of RV just a block or two and and the next door nieghborhoods have good food too. Just a few minutes away. no biggie. Been meaning to try the new Brix Caterings morning window for coffee and hot breakfast open 7am. I am excited about that!
Yes, there are moms and strollers, families, dads, kids, tourists, pets. RV has an easy pace flow. Its not a super busy, crowded nieghborhood. I like that. When I walk the streets most people say hello and smile. Many even take the time to have a conversation. I do love that about a small nieghborhood. Seeing the usual business owners and employees and getting warm familiar greetings and chats. I think its cute

Its not a huge bar scene. But there are bars, and wine venues and they are frequented regulary. As I live in a garden unit and the nightlife patrons walk by after the bar and I can hear them, but its tolerable. I prefer a neighborhood where you can sleep in peace like RV. But if you do want that bar hopping, drunk scene, its just a 5 dollar uber away. no biggie.

A big plus for me are clean streets. I feel at peace in clean nieghborhoods. I love walking the streets and seeing everyones yards, front porches, gardens, landscapes, sidewalks. Lots of beautiful trees and florals.
I rent an apartment. It is actually a great deal, for being so close to everything. You can find low cost rentals here. There is great public transportation. Im not sure why someone said we dont have a trainstop. Its right there on Addison. We have the Belmont, Damen and Western Bus. Great for biking. Catch an Uber. Walk! It has a pretty safe feel at all hours of the day and night.

The shopping center on Roscoe and Western has just about all your basic needs covered. Costco is just a few minutes away. Trader Joes and Whole Foods both five minutes away. Lane Tech is an excellent High School. Gratitude Heart Garden is a precious Floral Boutique that also carries cool things, gifts, ect. The floral designer, Siddhanta, is one of a kind and super talented. He will whip up the beautiful, elegant boquets in minutes.
Woah, almost forgot, CUBA 312, such awesome food, owners, staff. Oooo and 90 miles cafe! I think they have the best cuban cafe con leche. a very tasty lechon sandwhich.
Anyhow. To each his own.
Pros
  • Clean Streets
  • Nice looking homes, various types of architecture.
  • Friendly
  • Lots of dining opportunities
  • Quiet
  • Dog friendly
  • Great schools in the area
  • Real safe
Cons
  • I would love to see more cultural and ethnic diversity here. So please move here.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 2/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 1/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 1/5
  • Shopping Options 1/5
  • Gym & Fitness 1/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 1/5
  • Medical Facilities 1/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 1/5
2yrs+

"Neighbor"

There are no parks, no farmer's markets, and there is no easy access to public transit. The closest train is Paulina, which depending on where you live in Roscoe Village proper is at least a half mile walk away.

The bars and restaurants are all sub par and are there just as a matter of convenience but not some place I would actually seek out.

If you aren't a parent I wouldn't recommend living here. You will be run off the sidewalk by triple wide strollers and kids on bikes and scooters. This is one stop away from Suburbia, for the parents who still think they want that city life but drive their mini-van or large SUV everywhere with their 5 kids.
Pros
  • Quiet
  • Great schools in the area
  • Real safe
Cons
  • Lack of parks
  • No farmer's markets
  • Slow nightlife
Recommended for
  • Families with kids
Priscila Damacela
Priscila Damacela A miles is about 7 blocks. Half a mile is about 3.5 blocks. A short, nice walk to the Addison Brown Line Stop. We have the Damen, Western, Belmont, and Addison Bus. There are all just blocks from each other. Very easy access to Public Transportation. Not sure what your specific circumstance is that it was not easy for you to access public transport. Seems really accessible to me. There is a farmers market at Lane Tech parking lot, I believe. But why waste energy complaining about what you lack? It's a great idea. Talk to RVN or RVCC. Get one started.
Ive lived here for 5 years. There are tons of parks. I have a dog, teen and child, so I frequent them regulary.
The bars, I see plenty of people enjoying them. Kind of seems like a "Cheers" type night life. Where the bars have regulars and people know your name. :) You go there after work to relax and or get to know your neighbors. They aren't popularity contest type places. I think alot of people like that. Maybe the youngins who want to be seen in "the scene" may not find what they are looking for here. But I think thats a positve thing.
There is good food here. And if you get to know the owners, staff , patrons, its really a lovely place to go out and eat. Its chill here.
if you look for the positive, and try new things, and have a humble outlook, I think there is much to be grateful for here or anywhere.

I've never seen anyone run off the sidewalks by strollers, bikes, etc. You were a child once too. Whats better than, a walk with the family, a stroller ride, or bike ride. Those are the good ol times. I live next to plenty of non parents/ or singles. They seem happy to me. We have nice converstations and greet eachother. Young proffessionals like the mellow enviroment. I believe so they can focus on whatever they are passionate about or working towards. Its not a place where the the sounds of bars and liquor will drown out someones unambition or bordem. I dont hear any complaints from people who are happy with themselves and thier own personal lives. If you find some inner happiness, I think you will have a much better daily expirience. It's a great feeling to be curteous when on public streets and scooch a little over for each other. Kids, bikes, dogs, strollers, canes, seniors with walkers, jogers, bikers, teens..whoever, if you humble yourself and share the street, I dont see you having any issues. Its not a rat race pace in RV. Its a relax, take in the fresh air, watch a beautiful sunset or sunrise, smell the flowers, say hello to a stranger kind of place.
Your parent or caretaker had to take you out into the streets at some point and I hope people showed you and who ever you were with a little consideration, and kindness as a child. What is more precious than life? Respect, care for, appreciate, and protect children, parents, seniors, differently abled or challanged persons. Take the time to respect others and it will come back to you.

Suburbs can be very nice for one thing, im not sure why you describe it negitive thing. It's all relative to what you want to do and your disposition. Still, RV is not like a suburb. Mini vans? The folks in this neighborhood have a different taste than that. hahah I dont know any parents with mini vans in this neighborhood. I do see suvs. I see a lot of nice cars of all makes and models. Nice looking cars.
5 kids?? I havent met a any parent with more than 3 kids, most have only one. It may be possible that you were having a bad day when you wrote your review. Ive had those days, so I hope you are having better days now. How your expirience your surrondings may be a reflection of yourself.
2yrs+
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2/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
2yrs+

"Roscoe Village - A Yuppie Family's Dream"

I made the mistake of living in Roscoe Village for a couple of years. I had to move after being run off the sidewalk by yuppie moms with GIANT strollers one too many times.

Yes, Roscoe Village is FILLED with them. If that’s who you are, you’ll thoroughly enjoy the neighborhood. I got sick of being glared at for sitting on my OWN porch during the day (apparently that’s weird?) and for not having a condo, a tiny dog and 2 kids. Oh and for not jumping into the grass to make way for strollers. Since when did they come in industrial sizes? The neighborhood is getting really expensive too.

The bad stuff set aside, the neighborhood is nice, clean and safe. I’m not into most of the shops there, which cater to these types of families, but there are a few that are OK. I’ve been going to Hard Boiled, a record store, for about 10 years. There are a lot of really nice antique shops on Belmont too.

The Four Treys bar on Damen is OLD and very laid back. You can bring your dog there! Yes, I DO like dogs. They also serve Malort, a very disgusting prohibition-era liquor. The Hungry Brain is a cool spot that has live music every once in a while. Beat Kitchen has good food and live music almost every day. The bars there are all pretty quiet.

There’s good food in the area – Kitschen is good for brunch, Costello’s and Robey’s have good sandwiches, and there’s a great vegetarian breakfast spot called Victory’s Banner that’s run by a VERY interesting religious group.
Pros
  • Quiet
  • Lots of dining opportunities
Cons
  • snobby residents
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 4/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Accessible with a fun vibe and relaxed atmosphere"

I love Roscoe Village! I used to go to this part of town all the time to enjoy restaurants and bars. There are a lot of trendy spots where you can get really good food on Roscoe Street. For example, Kitsch'n on Roscoe is a really cute place with great decor. I also like Volo Restaurant. It is a great wine bar that also has nice atmosphere. They also accommodate special diet requests like gluten free food. There are also plenty of vegetarian items on the menu.

Another great thing about Roscoe Village is that you can easily find parking usually. This is a nice change of pace from the rest of the city. It is also in fairly close proximity to well-trodden areas of North Chicago including Belmont, and Wrigleyville. On the negative side, it isn't that easy to get to the subway from Roscoe Village. You probably will want to have a car.

It is important to note that you will see a lot of "yuppies" in this area. There are many professionals and young families. The area used to be less expensive to live in, but seems to have steadily rose in price.
Pros
  • Dog friendly
  • Lots of dining opportunities
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Hipsters
  • Trendy & Stylish
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"My Favorite Neighborhood"

Found in the confines of the North Center neighborhood, Roscoe Village is full of charm. I love the neighborhood so much I call it home! All of my favorite bars, restaurants, and shops are found in the area. Its many festivals, dog-friendly areas, and vintage shops make Roscoe Village the perfect place to visit or call home.

Conveniently located in the core of the city’s most popular areas, Roscoe Village is bound on the north by Addison Street, on the south by Belmont Avenue, on the east by Ravenswood Avenue, and on the west by the Chicago River. Just a short trip to Wrigley Field, downtown, and numerous other exciting spots; this is one of the city’s hidden gems.

By far, the most prominent part of the Village is Roscoe Street. Whether on foot, in a car, or by bicycle, traveling along Roscoe allows you to visit thrift stores, restaurants, parks, and pubs. Perfect for families, singles, couples, and just about anyone that wants to live in an affordable area that is wholly
Pros
  • Lots of dining opportunities
  • Dog friendly
  • Quiet
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Hipsters
  • Students
  • Trendy & Stylish
5/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 5/5
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 5/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Retro on Roscoe"

Is one of the largest street fests in Chicago. It is amazingly fun without being overwhelming.

Roscoe Village prides its self on its inviting nature and community oriented spirit

One of my favorite shops is on Clybourn- Be By Baby. It is one of the few shops that caters to natural parenting. They carry a wide variety of natural parenting goods and host playgroups and classes.

Awesome area.
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 2/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 5/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"You can bring your dog! Just not everywhere..."

I've had a handful of experiences in Roscoe Village, and for the most part they have been good. The area is really nice, although it does seem a bit expensive, and I doubt I'd be able to live there any time soon. That said, the neighborhood is very safe, clean, and friendly. I saw families on the streets and at the parks. Oh, the parks.
My main memory of Roscoe Village is a trip I made about a year or so ago, when I had been told there was a great place to buy dog treats and toys called Sam and Willy's, which to be sure, was great. I bought a few really good treats which my two puggles proceeded to devour. I was having a great time, and as I drove around, I noticed Fellger Park, where I saw some kid's playing. My dogs are absolutely in love with kids, and they're relatively small and gentle, so I stopped by. I didn't realize that you can't have dogs in the park. I received some painful glares that day. For the most part, I'd say the people are friendly, but don't bring your dogs to the park.
Most of the restaurants are good, and there are a lot of breakfast and lunch type places. I haven't been to them all, but there are certainly some worth visiting.
The Nightlife is a little slow, which I attribute to the neighborhood being mostly family oriented. You'll see some younger dads having a beer, but not a lot of crowds, so don't expect the hottest club to pop up anytime soon. Still, a laid back atmosphere can be a lot more enjoyable than a loud, sweaty club.
Overall, Roscoe Village is very nice. Safe, clean, but expensive, if you have the means and are looking to raise a family, this may be the place for you.
Pros
  • Real safe
  • Great schools in the area
  • Good for families
  • Lots of dining opportunities
  • Quiet
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Slow nightlife
Recommended for
  • Families with kids

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