Portage Park, Chicago home sales (median price up 6% at $450,000)

 

A mix of frame and brick home of various price range line the leafy blocks of Portage Park. I took the photo above in the further western portion of the neighborhood near Wright College, Merrimac Park and Ridgemoor Country Club

I was in the Portage Park community area again last week evaluating a potential home sale.  The neighborhood remains a relatively affordable option on the North Side. The area provides access to both city and suburban amenities including private high schools, shopping, golf clubs and universities. The eastern edge is close to Metra stations.

Portage Park Single Family Home Sales January 1st to September 5th, 2025

Portage Park community area

198 single family homes (detached) have sold from January 1st to September 8th, 2025 with a median price of $450,000. The highest priced home sold over this period is 4740 N Lotus for $975,000.  The 50' wide lot and full restoration/ renovation netted the highest Portage Park single family home sale ever (as far and I can see). The least expensive home sold during this period is 5624 W Eastwood for $195,000. The small frame home is on a standard 25'x125' lot. 

Portage Park single family homes sales are down 40 units over same period 2024. Median price is up almost 6% year over year.  Less property traded hands while purchase price is up.

To buy or sell Portage Park and North Side and near suburbs homes with low commissions please contact me at erojas@kalerealty.com

Portage Park single family home sales, median price up 87% since 2012

Earlier this month I walked a "punch list" for a new construction home buyer in Portage Park. Several items needed to be completed before appraisal and closing. Nine contiguous new construction homes have been built adjacent to a traditional Tudor common in the neighborhood. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

Many of our home buyers are finding themselves in Portage Park these days. And why not? Extremely low inventory and budget busting prices in the likes of Lakeview, Lincoln Square, Lincoln Park and Logan Square have buyers turning to Portage Park for relatively affordable new construction homes. The northwest Chicago neighborhood offers plenty of commercial retail conveniences, a several CTA Blue Line and Metra stations (to the east of the neighborhood) and quite tree-lined streets.

A former bank parking lot that took up the majority of the 4900 block of West Dakin has been transformed into nine new construction single family homes.

Portage Park single family home sales 2018

A robust 453 single family homes were recorded closed on MREDLLC.com over 2018 (does not include off market closings which probably puts this over 500 closings). The median price for 2018 was about $320,000.

Median price is up 37% from 2012 and 87% since 2012.  

The highest priced closed home was 4743 North London, Chicago IL 60630 at $679,000. The four bedrooms new construction home sits on a 25'x126' near the large Jefferson Memorial Park and the Jeff Park Metra.  The lowest priced house sold for $140,000 cash.  The traditional Chicago bungalow at 4544 North Laporte was thoroughly damaged by fire. Around 65 of the closed homes sold were new construction or gut rehabbed homes. 

Past Sales
In 2015,  411 single family homes closed for a median price of $240,000.
In 2102, 355 single family homes closed with a median price of only $175,000!

More posts on Portage Park HERE

Contact us to sell and buy homes in Portage Park and greater North Side Chicago and suburbs. We offer the most competitive full service broker commission rates for selling, pre-market opportunities for buying and 20 plus years of experience in real estate transactions. Don't get ripped off!

Read my real estate HOT TAKES for 2018 in Chicago Magazine

Looks nice? It is! I named Belmont-Cragin as a neighborhood to watch in 2018 (All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, kale Realty)

The fine real estate and city culture writer @ajlatrace with Chicago Magazine (formerly editor of Curbed Chicago) asked me about neighborhoods to watch in 2018. READ IT HERE

My sleeper pick is Belmont-Cragin west of Logan Square. Belmont- Cragin is home to tidy blocks, solid brick houses and tons of gut rehabbing activity. In 2015, 362 single family homes sold with a median price of $195,000. In 2017, 329 homes sold with a median price of $240,000.  The quiet neighborhood is serviced by the Grand/ Cicero Metra on Milwaukee West line or Healy Station on Milwaukee North line both to downtown and easy to highways. Residents may also take advantage of cultural events, shopping and dining of downtown Oak Park nearby.


An eastern Portage Park block close to Metra and CTA Blue Line

Portage Park is my lock to get more buzz in 2018.  An eye popping 441 single family homes closed in Portage Park 2017 (compare that with popular Avondale 113 single family homes closed). 

The neighborhood still features diverse single family home options for varying budgets. You may get a tidy well cared for house at the median price of $310,000. However, the neighborhood also offers new construction in traditional, transitional and contemporary styles for those looking for larger homes with budgets in the $600s. 

Portage Park has a robust dining and entertainment scene, good performing schools and excellent Chicago Park District programs. Homes further east in Portage Park are closer to the Metra stops (Mayfair, Grayland and Irving Park) as well as CTA Blue Line (Montrose and Irving stops) and the I90/94 are desirable to commuters.


Contact us to sell and buy homes in Belmont-Cragin, Portage Park and the greater North Side Chicago and suburbs. We offer the most competitive full service broker commission rates and 20 plus years of experience in real estate transactions. Don't get ripped off!

Portage Park, Jefferson Park sales in the affordable "Mayberry Triangle"

The little "Mayberry Triangle" of Portage Park/ Jefferson Park is full of these attractive brick bungalows with the angled, protruding roofs.

We are working with clients looking for a three or four bedroom single family home along the CTA Blue Line.  They prefer to buy lower in their budget and add their own renovations. The "all in" budget is about $500,000. The Jefferson park/ Portage Park area just east of 90/94 is a good fit.  Our clients used the name "Mayberry Triangle" to describe the distinct neighborhood boundaries.

The "Triangle" neighborhood  is boarded by 94 to the east, Montrose to the south and Milwaukee to the west. The sleepy area is technically in the Portage Park Community Area of Chicago but many refer to the area as Jefferson Park as well.  The draw is the relatively affordable brick bungalows near two Blue Lines and the Metra. Super easy to jump on the highways as well. 

Seven single family homes sold in the shaded area (above) of Portage Park, Jefferson Park from Jan 1st to October 31st.  The median price is a very attractive $225,000.  All but one of the homes are very dated and need extensive renovation. The highest sale price this year is $365,000.

Seven sales is a low amount of market activity for the density of the area and its proximity to good public transportation.  Few homes hit the market and the lower-end values were scooped up pretty quickly.

We viewed this foreclosure sale at 5008 W Wilson priced at $187,500 right after it hit the market. It was a little too much work for my folks.  It quickly went under contract with another buyer.

Ten homes closed over the same period in 2015 with a median price of about $250,000. It is rare over the past few years to see a North Side neighborhood a little down in sold units AND median price for single family homes.  The highest sale over the same period last year was $420,000. In 2014, eleven homes sold with a median price of about $331,000. The highest sale was $415,000.  The homes at the median and higher prices were renovated and move-in ready. 

The bargains were moving this year with few quality renovations hitting the market for sale.

Portage Park single family home sales come back to earth

A typical Portage Park block west of North Cicero Avenue.  Pleasant, well cared for brick bungalows and tidy blocks are common for the area. Many home renovations have featured "pop top" second stories to add loads of living space. All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

Portage Park Community Area of Chicago has gone on a hot run of single family home rehabs and new construction over the past 10 years.  The low mortgage interest rates of 2020-2022 and "pandemic phenomenon" of buying for more space helped produce more new construction and higher-end renovations than typical for the neighborhood.  Easy access to highways for the burbs or downtown is convenient.  The eastern portion of Portage Park is near Grayland Metra stop (Milwaukee District- North) making public transportation to downtown or the North Shore easy.

Portage Grounds is my favorite coffee shop in the neighborhood and has the best soundtrack bumping! 

174 single family homes have sold this year (Jan 1st to July 7th) with a median price of $380,000. That's down from the $405,000 same period last year. The highest price sale this year is 3450 N Keating for $901,000.  The fully gut renovated house is located west of Kilbourn Park and a half-mile from the Grayland Metra station. While it's more common to buy homes pushing the $800-$1M over-all unit sales and median price have come down off the pandemic run. Interest rates and low inventory remain the common culprits. 

In 2022 over the same period 226 single family homes sold with a median price of $405,000.  The highest priced home sold during that time was 4722 W Belle Plaine for $835,000.  This home was a little west of North Cicero Ave and over a half-mile from the Grayland Metra. During same period of 2021 and the pandemic boom roaring 268 single family homes closed with a median price of $377,000.  

Single Family Home Sales Jan 1st to July 7th

2023: 174 single family homes sold with a median price of $380,000
2022: 226 single family homes sold with a median price of $405,000
2021: 268 single family homes sold with a median price of $377,000
2020: 160 single family homes sold with a median price of $351,500
2019: 217 single family homes sold with a median price of $335,000
2018: 240 single family homes sold with a median price of $327,000
2017: 249 single family homes sold with a median price of $313,000

Prior the pandemic we saw very active unit sales numbers and home prices steadily moving up. Rehabs were snatched up! The quality of homes (better finish level) has increased in Portage Park attracting new buyers with higher budgets to the area that want space and may need less proximity to the office.

*All data MREDLLC.com and analyzed/ organized by Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

Contact me to buy and sell in Chicago and near suburbs! 

Eric Rojas - Broker - Kale Realty
Lincoln Pak - 2447 N Ashland, Chicago IL 60614
Office: 312-939-5253
erojas@kalerealty.com

Shopping Portage Park two-flats, prices trend up for 5 years

We viewed this wide, well cared for two-flat with completed in-law unit in the basement at 5405 W Melrose 60641 in Portage Park last week.  The property went under contract quickly with a $349,000 asking. One of the better conditioned properties I've seen in the $350,000 range. Photo Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

The Portage Park area is kind of a thing now. There was a time as a wee lad I played in these alleys with my older cousin and his buddies.  Now, I'm seeing demand for area properties pick up.  We've been working with more and more buyers looking for nice single family homes and multi-units.  It's a neighborhood with a good parks, shopping and well cared for homes at relatively affordable prices.

Portage Park two-flat sales
100 two-flat buildings (multi-unit buildings with two legal apartments) have closed in the Portage Park community area in the last 12 months.  That's alotta two-flats!  The median price is about $285,000.  

From January 1st to May 8th of this year 25 two-flats have closed with a median price of about $275,000.  Over the same period in 2014, 29 two-flat buildings sold with a median price of about $230,000.

Same period sales:
2013    37 units closed with a median price about $195,000
2012    31 units closed with a median price about $175,000
2011    28 units closed with a median price about $175,000
2010    33 units closed with a median price about $195,000 (First Time Buyer home credit in effect)
2009    19 units closed with a median price about $259,000

A couple good signs. Prices up and much of the foreclosure / short sale mess has really cleared up.  In 2012, 21 out of the 31 (68%) closed two-flat buildings were either short-sale or foreclosure (bank owned) sales from January 1st to May 8th. In the same period of 2015, 6 of the 25 sales (24%) were short sale or foreclosure. Moderately rising prices and regular sales make for a more stable community.

Quick look! Six new Portage Park gut rehabs from $450,000 to $550,000

As prices rise near the city center single family home rehabs have pushed out little further west and north.  People looking for a city home are turning to Portage Park for a newly renovated four bedrooms homes under $600,000. Even under $500,000!  

Portage Park is mainly west of 90/94.

A quick look at Portage Park shows six of the eighteen new listings this week are gut rehabs (the 6 highest priced listings as well).  The prices range from about $450,000 to $550,000.  Portage Park has many pleasant tree lined streets, good parks and is close to 90/94 to get in and out of the city. I'm in Lincoln Square and the one thing I hate is how long it takes to get to highways!

(All market stats analyzed from MREDLLC.com)

Sold! Buyer client calls classic Portgage Park two-flat home for $387,500

We had the pleasure of working with another referral client from the Northeastern Illinois University family.  After an aggressive search of mult-units he secured a beauty in the Portage Park neighborhood near the Chicago Park District's Portage Park itself. 5238 West Hutchinson Chicago IL 60641 was priced at $387,500 and our client won a multiple offer at full price.

The Portage Park neighborhood has been on fire.  Check out our recent post on Portgage Park two-flats and multi-units.

It's notable the buyer is a U.S. military veteran and utilized a VA home loan program. Contact lender Steve Dunnett at BlueLeaf Lending if you are a veteran looking to buy or need any kind of mortgage consultation.

North Park single family homes offer real value under $400,000

I've long felt the North Park neighborhood offers real value for single family home buyers on the North Side of Chicago. It may not be the most commuter friendly in terms of trains (the Kimball CTA Brown Line stop is the closest train to downtown) but it does offer reasonable bus access, great bike routes and relatively short drives to large employers throughout the North Side and North Shore.  

North Park delivers on charm! (all photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty)

Large public parks (River and Legion among others) and proximity to several university campuses (North Park University, Northeastern Illinois University and  Northwestern University) are the most attractive draw for me to this area. Most blocks are leafy and green. The brick homes and unique architecture found in most areas of North Park can be truly charming.

North Park single family home sales 2014 (January 1st to October 17th)

50 single family homes have sold in the North Park Community area from January 1st to October 17th this year.  The median price is for single family home is just $280,000. 

The highest sale this year in North Park is 4316 W Summerdale for $541,000.  The large 1999 built suburban style home with four bedrooms on the second level is located in a unique subdivision just west of St Lucas cemetery (near parks and nature walks) at Foster and Pulaski.  43 of the 50 single family home sales closed for under $400,000.

Compare that with popular Lincoln Square just to the southeast at $650,000 range and you start to see the value.  50 homes sold over the same period in 2013 with a median price of $270,000.  Although two homes topped $600,000 last year.

Custom beauties dot the leafy residential streets of North Park

Under contract and for sale homes
13 single family homes are currently under contract. The median price of under contract homes is about $320,000.  31 homes are currently listed for sale in the MLS.  The median price of an offered house is about $350,000. 

You'll see many homes engulfed in mature landscaping.

Two homes are offered for over $1,000,000.  6127 N Monticello is a new construction home on a 60' wide lot listed at $1,399,000. Two blocks north a custom built re-sale house on a 68' lot is listed at $1,300,000.  The nine bedroom house with nine and two-half baths has been on the market for the better part of 3 years (starting at $1.7M).

Many condo owners looking for more space and a yard are discovering neighborhoods like North Park and Portage Park to buy a house. If you need to expand your search for a house please contact us.  We may have options in attractive neighborhoods you had not previously considered.

SOLD! Jefferson Park two-flat with central air, dishwashers and separate utilities

 

It was a total blast helping friends and their family secure a two-flat for multi-generational living. Not only is it good for aging in place but also helps save money and build wealth.  All photos Eric Rojas, Kale Realty or used with permission.

I 'm very happy to have helped my clients (and friends) purchase a Jefferson Park a two-flat on the North Side for multi-generational living.  This was a special search in a competitive market. The home had to meet the needs of several family members. It took financial planning, aggressive scheduling, several offers and long negotiations. Super excited to have to assisted in a huge milestone!

Jefferson Park Two-Flat Sales

-Median price of a two-flat is up about 5% this year.  27 two-flat buildings sold in Jefferson Park from Jan 1st to September 5th of 2025 (recorded in our MLS).  The median price of a closed two-flat is about $560,000. 24 units sold over the same period last year with a median price of about $536,000.

-Median price of a sold three-flat over the same period is $670,000.

-Currently there are five small multi-units (2-4 units) for sale in Jefferson Park with a median price of about $580,000.

More posts on Jefferson Park / Portage Park here

Contact me to buy and sell Chicago and suburban properties!

Eric Rojas, Broker

Kale Realty

2447 N Ashland, Chicago IL 60614

773-510-1597

erojas@kalerealty.com

Double Lot Single Family Home in Portage Park, Dunning Chicago

Excellent price on a move-in quality large double lot house in the Dunning neighborhood just west of Portage Park and east of Schorsh Village. Shabbona Park nearby too! Great family area with Chicago Academy School with amazing stadium down the street.
$374,900 for a great house on a 50X125 lot!





The owners are terrific to work with. Call me for more information on the house and to set up a showing.

Rented! Renovated single family house in Portage Park ... without the hassle!

 A friend and associate recently asked for help while looking for a rental house for their family.  They at first tried calling Craiglist and other third party advertisements.  They ran into bait and switch ads and dubious offers. They quickly realized this was not a reliable, or even safe, way to find a rental home.

We recently helped our clients rent this newly renovated 4+ bedrooms single family house near North Austin and West Irving Park Road in the Portage Park neighborhood for $1,895 per month.

She called me and asked if we could even help with this.  Sure! We quickly got them up to speed on the market in their budget, scheduled showings of legitimate rentals (where we were present to show the houses) and found a newly listed renovated house close to their work and family.

Bob and I help our clients, friends and associates find homes to rent.  We also handle professional listings for rental homes.  Please contact us if you are looking for a place to rent or need to rent out your home.

For good information on renting in Chicago, visit www.YoChicago.com and browse their many posts on rental ads, services, buildings and tips.

Realtor Mulit-Tasking: From Margate Park to Ravenswood Manor to Albany Park to Dunning

My trusty sidekick went to work with me today. It was my day "home" with Ryne, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. Plus, he's a good worker.

We always start our day checking email at breakfast. That's my blankie.

Then we were off to 4250 N Marine Drive in Buena Park to make sure my listing was ready for showing later in the day. Looked great. Rye Guy tried out the reading chair in the master bedroom.

We zipped over to Ravenswood Manor to walk through a friend's two flat... he's thinking of listing.

We then walked a few blocks to Whipple and Leland on the east edge of Albany Park to my two-flat listing coming back on the market next week. We had to meet the floor-plan guy and my photographer.

Ryne chased the cat and inspected the fire place (inoperable).

We swung back home for nap time (I answered calls and emails), then it was hang out time until mom got home.

Quick dinner and off to Portage Park/Dunning for a 7:30PM showing of my house listing.

Double Lot! Single Family Home for Sale in Portage Park $419,900

Dream of a huge yard? Got dogs? Got kids?

Not on the MLS... off market property. 6334 W Newport asking $419,900. Beat the rush to this DOUBLE LOT PROPERTY.

I'll have a Portage Park/ Dunning neighborhood single family home coming on the market on a rare double lot...50x125. The renovated frame and cedar shingle farm house sits atop a hill.... outstanding curb appeal.

The move-in and updated home features three good sized bedrooms upstairs. On the main floor you will find a double parlor living room (two large and square rooms with open pass through) and a galley kitchen that opens into a large dining/family room area. A recent huge deck addition is adjacent to the spacious kitchen.

This is a dream to entertain in your large common areas while spilling out onto your over sized back deck and double lot yard! The tidy landscaped back yard can be transformed into an endless outdoor oasis by your green thumb.

Photos of the backyard... come see the home before it hits market with full photo spread.

Open House: Portage Park, Dunning Single Family Home

I'll host an open house this Sunday 5/17/09 from 1PM to 3PM at 6334 W Newport in Chicago's Dunning neighborhood (just west of Portage Park). This is a true 50' wide lot with three bedrooms up! Tall ceilings, dry basement and huge yard and deck.

Please click flyer above for a description and list of improvements.

Sunday Open House in Lincoln Square and Portage Park

Sunday Open House Craziness!
I have two new listings hosting open houses this Sunday March 8th. Please note the times.

Lincoln Square Loft with two bedroom, two baths, garage parking and elevator building: $299,900 + $30,000 for deeded garage parking.

Sunday, March 8th from 1PM to 4PM

Portage Park, Dunning Neighborhood Double Lot Single Family Home

Open Sunday March 8th from 12PM to 3PM: $399,900

Bring back coach houses in Chicago (a case for ADUs)

How much a month on the shed? All photos Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty

My client Sarah and I got a kick out of the "tiny house" garden shed in a huge Portage Park yard last week.  We're looking for multi-units for and any extra unit or parking space income helps! It's common to find non-conforming in-law units in the bungalows of Portage Park for "related living". In all seriousness there is very good information and writing on making coach houses and other forms of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) legal. 

Check out Steven Vance's latest post at ChicagoCityScape.com and learn more about coach house and ADU advocacy. You can join others advocating for and lobbying local Alderman to consider bringing these types of housing to the forefront of policy. As a real estate broker (Realtor) I support the creation of legal ADUs.

A large coach house sits behind a four unit building at the end of my block. This one is an entire single family home with an inviting front porch!

I can SEE three separate coach house residences from my own Lincoln Square backyard and know of several others on my surrounding blocks. The units are simply affordable housing for great neighbors in what otherwise would be garages full of junk.

This unit is seen from my yard. It is another full single family unit that has been incorporated into a condo association with the front multi-unit building. 

Various ADUs would allow extra income for property owners looking to maximize their personal properties and better afford their neighborhood and property taxes.  Coach houses and garden units would fill many niche's including short-term housing for students and contract workers. I'm often asked to find temporary, reasonably affordable living spaces for people transferring to Chicago for jobs... it ain't easy! There are typically heavy restrictions on short-term rentals in large buildings and corporate housing is expensive. ADUs on private property would make things easier.

Home buying tips! Have mortgage pre-approval and offer sheet in hand

Waiting for the crowds at our single family home estate sale over the rainy weekend

I spent Saturday and Sunday mornings hosting very busy open house showings at an estate sale. We anticipated buyer interest would be very high. So, we listed the home in the MLS and gave three days notice for the first showing times for the weekend.  The lead time would allow everyone in the market a fair shot at seeing and offering on the house. This despite the fact we could have sold the home in one day after listing to the quickest buyer if the seller chose to.

The home is priced very well for a "fixer-upper" in good condition in a nice Portage Park location.  Yet, many people who would sincerely like to buy the affordable home for their family showed up over the weekend woefully unprepared.  They lacked market knowledge of the area, did not know basic details of the house and did not know the parking situation of the house (there is no off street parking with the house) to name a few things.

Our listing at 6148 W Eastwood in Portage Park generated many offers over the weekend.

More importantly, many of the interested buyers lacked mortgage pre-approval letters or did not know how to submit an offer.  Unfortunately, these folks are at a huge disadvantage to the investor cash offers and the buyers who had mortgage pre-approvals and offers ready on the spot.  In a multiple offer situation sellers have to narrow down the offers they will consider.  The most professionally prepared and timely written offers will have the edge.

My partner Bob and I prepare our buyer clients to have the best opportunity to secure a home.  Work with us today.

New for sale! Portage Park single family home $149,900. Not on MLS!

For sale now! 6148 W Eastwood, Chicago IL 60630 

asking $149,900.

PRE- MLS LISTING: We are listing this attractive cottage on an over-sized 32 x 143 lot next week for sale on the MLS.  Estate sale, AS IS, WHERE IS. The two-story home is located just steps from popular Dunham Park.  The home is live-in quality with a little work.  Investors, drive-by and make qualified offer (proof of funds). Move-in buyers, proof of mortgage pre-approval or funds.  Pre-MLS listing.

Backyard

Huge sunny yard!

Living/ dining rooms

Main floor bedroom

Main floor bedroom

Living room/ dining room

Large kitchen space and eat-in area

Looking into kitchen from living room

Kitchen looks over bright eat-in area.

Main floor full bath

Second floor full bath

Bedroom 3

Bedroom 3

Bedroom 3

Second floor family room

Second floor family room

bedroom 2

Bedroom 2

Updated electrical for kitchen

Furnace, central air conditioning

Basement

Details:
6148 W Eastwood, Chicago IL 60630 $149,900
No garage or parking. No room for side drive, easy street parking
Approximately 32' wide x143' deep lot, huge sunny yard
Three bedrooms, two full baths
Central air and heat
Full basement, low ceiling height (under 6ft)
Living room/ dining 22x11
Bedroom 1 main floor 9x17
Large "eat-in" kitchen 20x12
Second floor family room 11x15
Bedroom 2 second floor  10x14
Bedroom 3 second floor 11x20
Good second floor space and ceiling height

Quiet, pleasant block steps from Dunham Park!

This is an estate sale. All dimensions and information approximate and true to the best of the seller's knowledge. Buyer responsible for survey. Utilities are currently on and functional.  Please contact Eric Rojas, Broker, Kale Realty for showing information.  Showings to pre-approved buyers only or cash buyers with proof of funds. NO showings unless authorized by our office.

Exclusive listing by:
Eric Rojas, Broker
Kale Realty
542 W Roosevelt Road
Chicago IL 60607
773-510-159
erojas@kalerealty.com