Originally established as a middle-class suburb in the vein of Oak Park or Evanston, Old Irving Park was absorbed by the city of Chicago in the early 20th Century. The area maintains much of that small-town atmosphere today with its neighborhood pubs and corner markets.
Gorgeous, historic homes are scattered amongst newer courtyard and three-flat buildings, creating a fascinating architectural gumbo. This is a prime destination for Chicago horticulturalists, with home and garden tours rolling through the neighborhood regularly in the warm months.