Moving to Ravenswood Chicago, IL Neighborhood Guide

Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey to the lively and enchanting neighborhood of Ravenswood? Here creativity, community, and charm blend seamlessly to create an idyllic haven on Chicago's north side. As a local Ravenswood moving company with deep roots in this captivating area, we are thrilled to welcome you to your new home in Ravenswood. From its tree and garden-lined streets and diverse architecture to the thriving arts scene and warm sense of community, Ravenswood offers an unparalleled living experience. Whether you're relocating within Chicago or moving from afar, Ravenswood's allure will undoubtedly captivate your heart and make you feel right at home.

Ravenswood History and Overview

The history of Ravenswood dates back to the late 19th century when it was established by the Ravenswood Land Company in 1868 as a place designed to provide a suburban escape from the bustling city center for wealthy commuters. The company made a deal with the Chicago & North Western Railway guaranteeing them a certain number of commuters in exchange for opening a new stop in the neighborhood. In the early 20th century, the expansion of the L into the neighborhood attracted less wealthy residents to build smaller houses, two- flats, and apartment buildings.

Rapidly developing infrastructure attracted many businesses creating a large industrial corridor along the railway. In the later half of the 20th century much of the industry left the area. Today the former industrial buildings house artists studios, craftsmen, breweries, and other creative endeavors.

What is it Like to Live in Ravenswood?

Charming Ravenswood offers a picturesque blend of historic architecture, with beautifully preserved vintage homes showcasing the neighborhood's rich heritage. Apartments and condos are available in two and three flats as well as courtyard and other vintage buildings.

• According to Redfin, as of June 2023, the average Ravenswood home price is $550K, up 25.6% compared to last year.

• Rentcafe states that the average Ravenswood apartment rent is $1,432 which is 36% lower than the Chicago average rent of $2,215.

• 36.66% of Ravenswood residents are renters while 63.33% are homeowners.

• Ravenswood has a Walk Score of 93 making it a walker's paradise. Its Transit Score is 69 and Bike Score is 87.

• The population of Ravenswood is 27,788.

• The median age is 36.

• The median household income is $97,942.

• Ravenswood is considered a safe neighborhood although as with any urban neighborhood it's best to remain vigilant. Ravenswood crime data can be accessed via the Chicago Data Portal crime map.

Ravenswood Chicago Location

Ravenswood is located approximately 8 miles north of downtown Chicago. It is mostly located in the official community area of Lincoln Square except for the eastern side which is part of the Uptown community area. Nearby neighborhoods include Albany Park, Andersonville, Lincoln Square, North Center, and Uptown.

The boundaries of Ravenswood are the Northern boundary 5200 North along Foster Avenue, the Southern boundary the Brown Line at 4700 North between the Chicago River and Campbell Avenue then Montrose Avenue at 4400 North between Campbell Avenue to Clark Street, the Western boundary runs along the North Branch of the Chicago River, and the Eastern boundary along Clark Street. The Ravenswood zip codes are 60640, 60613, and 60625.

Ravenswood isn't far from Lake Shore Drive which makes for a convenient commute to downtown Chicago. The CTA Brown Line has four stops in Ravenswood at Montrose, Damen, Western, and Rockwell, as well as buses. The Metra Union Pacific North Line stops at Ravenswood station. To downtown Chicago, it takes approximately 40 minutes by car and 40 minutes by train.

Map of Ravenswood, Chicago, IL

Ravenswood Restaurants

Ravenswood's restaurant scene is a vibrant and diverse culinary playground, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. With a strong focus on supporting local businesses, the neighborhood boasts an array of independently-owned eateries that forge personal connections with their patrons. From classic American fare to international flavors, the dining options span various cuisines, including Southern American, Mexican, French, and even Kyrgyz. There are no shortages of charming brunch spots, craft cocktails, and family-friendly establishments. Many of the restaurants have inviting outdoor seating during warmer months.

Bistro Campagne

Charming country bistro focusing on traditional French cuisine, prepared with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The seasonal menu often feature French classics such as cassoulet, steak frites, French onion soup, and escargot. All-French wine list is featured with craft cocktails and beer also available.

4518 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 271-6100

Fork

Menu features American, Spanish, French, and Italian dishes such as burgers, pasta, bacon wrapped dates, and bistro steak. Wine and cheese flights are popular as is brunch.

4600 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 751-1500

Gather

Welcoming open kitchen restaurant featuring American cuisine to pair with wines from a carefully curated list, craft cocktails, or beer. Sunday nights they feature a family-style menu along with their regular menu.

4539 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 506-9300

Jibek Jolu

Kyrgyz restaurant featuring Central Asian cuisine with dishes such as plov, kuurdak, manty, and bosso lagman.

5047 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 878-8494

Luella's Southern Kitchen

Classic Southern cuisine with dishes such as shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and gumbo. Popular spot for weekend brunch.

4609 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 961-8196

Spacca Napoli Pizzeria

Authentic Neapolitan-style pizzeria focusing on using high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques to create pizzas such as margherita, marinara, and diavola. Named by "Top 50 Pizza" as one of the 2023 top pizzas in the US.

1769 W Sunnyside Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 878-2420

The Bongo Room

Creative and indulgent breakfast and brunch offerings that combine classic items with innovative ingredients and flavors.

5022 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 728-7900

The Warbler

Relaxed neighborhood favorite featuring elevate American comfort food such as wings, nachos, flatbreads, and pastas along with bird-themed cocktails.

4535 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 681-0950

XOchimilco Mexican Restaurant

Casual Mexican spot for traditional Mexican favorites. BYOB.

2030 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618 (773) 661-1534

Ravenswood Bars

The bars of Ravenswood exude a warm and welcoming ambience showcasing an impressive array of craft beers alongside delectable food offerings.

Gideon Welles Craft Beer Bar & Kitchen

Gastropub with craft beer, wine, cocktails, and pub food.

4500 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 907-2226

Hopleaf

Gastropub featuring Belgian-inspired cuisine and an extensive rotating craft beer list.

5148 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 334-9851

O'Shaughnessy's Public House

Lively Irish pub featuring American food and Irish favorites such as shepherd's pie, bangers and mash, and fish and chips. Grab a Guinness or a whiskey from their extensive selection while watching a game or listening to live music.

4557 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 944-9896

Wolcott Tap

Cozy neighborhood bar with bar food.

1834 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 (773) 360-7579

Ravenswood Breweries and Wineries

"Malt Row" is a stretch of North Ravenswood Avenue renowned for its concentration of craft breweries as well as a distillery and a winery. It is a haven for beer enthusiasts, offering a collection of top-notch breweries several of which are located in Ravenswood.

Cultivate by Forbidden Root

Brew pub featuring elevated pub food and botanical inspired beers.

4710 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 961-7919

VIN312 Winery

Winery producing small-batch wines with grapes from Washington and California.

4710 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 (312) 714-5050

Ravenswood Coffee Shops

Groundswell Coffee Roasters

Single-origin coffee roasted house in small batches.

4839 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 754-7590

Spoken Cafe

Cozy café featuring coffee along with baked goods, breakfast, and lunch items.

1812 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 (773) 769-2000

The Perfect Cup

Cute coffee shop to grab a coffee inside or to go on the way to the Brown Line.

4700 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Unique Places to Shop in Ravenswood

Nestled amidst tree-lined streets and historic architecture, Ravenswood offers a delightful array of shopping opportunities that celebrate local artistry, creativity, and community spirit. From charming boutiques showcasing handcrafted treasures to vintage stores with unique and sustainable pieces, the diverse and ever-evolving shopping scene adds to the allure of living in this dynamic neighborhood.

Bon Femmes

Gift shop featuring art, home décor, and more all designed by women.

4917 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (224) 425-2553

Cloud & Bunny

Children's boutique featuring clothing, toys, and books.

1600 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613

District

Hip mid-century furniture store.

4835 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (312) 315-5156

Laurie's Planet of Sound

New and use records and CDs.

4639 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 271-3569

Ravensgoods

Gift shop featuring jewelry and more.

4703 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 878-1566

Sailor

Carefully curated selection of jewelry, artwork, and more.

4658 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 942-7356

Art, Music, and Theater Venues in Ravenswood

The spirit of creativity thrives throughout the Ravenswood neighborhood. Ravenswood's art, music, and theater scene is a testament to the neighborhood's unwavering commitment to fostering creativity and cultivating a sense of belonging.

Black Ensemble Theater

Theater company showcasing musicals related to African-American culture.

4450 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 769-4451

Lillstreet Art Center

Art school, art classes, and art studios.

4401 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 769-4226

Old Town School of Folk Music - Lincoln Square

Music classes for all ages as well as concerts.

4544 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 751-3398

The Haitian American Museum of Chicago

Exhibits showcasing the art and culture of Haiti.

4410 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 213-1869

The Neo-Futurists

Experimental theater group.

5153 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 878-4557

Outdoor Activities in Ravenswood

Ravenswood on Tap

Annual event that takes place on "Malt Row" featuring the breweries of the area along with music, food, and more.

Ravenswood and Berteau Avenues, Ravenswood Corridor

Ravenswood ArtWalk

Annual celebration of the creative community with open studios, an outdoor art market, and more.

Ravenswood Industrial Corridor, Lawrence to Irving Park Rd

Ravenswood Farmers' Market

Weekly summer market featuring produce, food vendors, food trucks, live music, and more.

4900 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

River Park

Large park featuring fishing, a canoe launch, swimming pool, tennis courts, sports fields, and more.

5100 N Francisco Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (312) 742-7516

Winnemac Park

Park featuring a playground and more.

5100 N Leavitt St, Chicago, IL 60625

Ravenswood Grocery Stores

HarvesTime Foods

2632 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 989-4400

Mariano's

1800 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 334-3549

Salsa’s Family Market

4852 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (708) 963-9766

The Eco Flamingo

4750 N Rockwell St, Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 942-6892

Gyms in Ravenswood

Movement Republic CrossFit

4526 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 (303) 641-7953

Ravenswood Fitness Center

1958 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 (773) 784-0732

Urban Athlete

4710 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640 (773) 334-2201

Ravenswood Dry Cleaning

H & M Cleaners

4547 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 275-7296

Ravenswood Post Office

USPS

2522 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (800) 275-8777

Other Helpful Ravenswood Information

Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce

1770 W Berteau Ave #101, Chicago, IL 60613 (773) 975-2088

We hope you are ready to embrace the warmth of the Ravenswood community, its artistic spirit, and the endless possibilities that await you. Trust our Ravenswood Movers to handle the logistics while you immerse yourself in the wonders of Ravenswood. Contact Under One Roof at 773-472-5784 for a free moving estimate.

Blog authored by Michelle Mathena, President of Under One Roof, a local moving company in Chicago. Michelle has over 20 years of experience in the moving industry. Under One Roof has had thousands of satisfied customers since 1982.