2023 Neighborhoods with the Lowest Cost of Living in Chicago

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.11 out of 5  28 reviews

Current Resident: I've lived in South Deering all my life, and I've always loved living here. The community here really gets along with each other, and almost everybody knows who's who. The only problems here are that there is some gang activity, and we've had problems with factories nearby and the pollution they cause. Due to the factories, the neighborhood tends to smell, although most of us here are used to the smell. Either way, the air pollution still isn't good.... Read 28 reviews

• grade C+

• grade C+

• grade B

• Population 15,198

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.49 out of 5  63 reviews

Current Resident: East side is a great community on the east side of Chicago. Great restaurants, small and local shopping, Indiana is next door for cheap gas, much safer than most parts of Chicago, and houses and infrastructure and well taken care of finished off by having calumet beach. Recommend living here. The south shore line or metra electric take you right into downtown and bypassing harder hit areas.lots of jobs... Read 63 reviews

• grade C+

• grade C+

• grade B

• Population 24,366

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.29 out of 5  17 reviews

Current Resident: I have lived in the Pullman neighborhood for the past 20 years. I have seen growth and strength in the neighborhood. the people in the community take pride in area. we have a annual back to school parade and school supplies are give out by the block clubs. we have the historic pull man monument and the A Phillip Randolph museum. these are commentary of the great achievements of the Pullman porters and the Pullman railroad company. the neighbors have eyes on the street and they help keep the children of Pullman safe. I recommend a tour of the historic Pullman area as a summer outing for every one. there are several restaurants,like potbelly, culverts, and the southern kitchen to choose from. A new year round facility for sports and activity helps keep the athletes in shape in the off season.... Read 17 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• grade B

• Population 7,147

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.25 out of 5  40 reviews

Current Resident: The Chicago housing market HACKED! Hegewisch is definitely the last affordable neighborhood worth living in within Chicago. I've lived here for three years. Super low property taxes, too! It's clean, quiet and safe. You can own a house with a garage, basement, and yard for less than it costs to rent a two-bedroom apartment in most areas. Keep your money to eat, drink, and travel. You'll need a car. Good thing you'll have a lot of money left to buy a new one.... Read 40 reviews

• grade B

• grade C+

• grade B

• Population 10,090

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.15 out of 5  40 reviews

Current Resident: Let me tell you some of the reasons that I love the neighborhood I live in Chicago. My neighborhood is a residential neighborhood with an amazingly convenient location. I'm right off I-57 expressway , bus stop right in front of my home, elementary school is about a half block away, shopping malls (Marshfield plaza). I’m in easy walking distance of a bank, a drug store, and restaurants (Target, Jewel's-Osco, Burlington, Marshall's, Rainbow, Pet Smart, Chili's, GameStop, Nail shops, Ashley's Stewarts, LA Fitness, AT&T Hair salons, I can go on and on)! What is there not to love about my neighborhood! Its so convenient!... Read 40 reviews

• grade C+

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Population 26,951

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.17 out of 5  12 reviews

Current Resident: This is a secret gem among Chicago neighborhoods. The cost of living is low, I was able to purchase a 5 bedroom, 2 bathroom house with an unfinished basement and a big back yard for just $170k. There are grocery stores within a ten minute drive, and it takes me about 15 minutes to hop on the 94 and get to the loop. The neighborhoods have very friendly folks, it almost feels like a small town. My house is abut a ten minute walk for Chicago State University.... Read 12 reviews

• grade C

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Population 2,652

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.21 out of 5  77 reviews

Current Resident: The area has plenty of opportunities near it with a college right down the street as well. The neighbors are friendly as well and we have plenty of parties together and get a long very well. It's really welcoming and I couldn't imagine another neighborhood I'd want to reside in.... Read 77 reviews

• grade C

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Population 35,926

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.47 out of 5  15 reviews

Current Resident: I currently reside in the calumet heights area. I love the schools and the neighbors are very friendly. It is a place that I would love to continue to raise my children. The area is very safe and my 3 little pups love it here as well!... Read 15 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Population 12,843

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.08 out of 5  60 reviews

Current Resident: The houses in the area are beautiful. There are quite a fee places to eat in the area. The area is very diverse, with people all varying races & ages. Generally well kept area with fairly nice people. There are various schools and at least 2 different Metra train lines to take you through the city & surrounding areas.... Read 60 reviews

• grade C+

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Population 26,676

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.21 out of 5  43 reviews

Current Resident: The South Side of Chicago is a diverse and vibrant area that is rich in culture and history. The area is home to many unique neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm. From the historic Bronzeville neighborhood, which was the center of African American culture in the early 20th century, to the bustling commercial corridors of Hyde Park and Bridgeport, there is something for everyone on the South Side. One of the most prominent landmarks on the South Side is the University of Chicago, which is located in the Hyde Park neighborhood. The university is known for its world-class academic programs and stunning Gothic architecture. The surrounding area is home to many restaurants, shops, and cultural institutions, including the Museum of Science and Industry and the DuSable Museum of African American History.... Read 43 reviews

• grade C+

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Population 25,800

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 2.57 out of 5  125 reviews

Current Resident: I stay in Marquette park right on the outskirts of Englewood. Although this neighborhood is portrayed in mainly a negative way, I've had a very positive experience throughout my 17 years of living here. It's very quiet here, and though of course there is crime from time to time, I've only once experienced anything. I'm able to walk around the block and come back home safely or walk to the nearest Walgreens and come back untouched. The only downside to living here is how quiet it is like I mentioned previously. I barely have relationships with my neighbors, I don't know any kids my age, it's just very disconnected here. Which isn't the greatest because a strong community is a united community. If something serious was to occur, would we be able to come together and stand with one another? Speak for one another? That worries me. But nonetheless, I love my neighborhood! I wouldn't mind staying here for the rest of my life!... Read 125 reviews

• grade C minus

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Population 47,336

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 2.75 out of 5  32 reviews

Current Resident: Fairly quite block and friendly neighbors. Be mindful of the surrounding areas but my family and I love it here.... Read 32 reviews

• grade C+

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Population 9,732

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 2.72 out of 5  106 reviews

Current Resident: Auburn Gresham is a diamond in the rough. It has improved after so many years with the renovation of housing and building of new. The neighbors are a clusters and variety of professionals and essential workers. One has the choice of driving, CTA bus, Metra or the red line for travel. There are several strip mall, including Chatham, that meets the household and personal needs. There is a small park for toddlers and small children and a larger park, Marquette park, recently renovated, where the older kids can go for afterschool programs and summer camp. The adult can take advantage of the park for exercising purpose, family get together, rollerblade, biking, jogging and so on. There's also a heath club in the mall on 83rd and Stewart location. There are at least two level one grade schools and high school one can send their child to. Lastly, the city and state representatives are very good at making themselves available to their constituents. This is a great neighborhood.... Read 106 reviews

• grade C minus

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Population 48,039

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.41 out of 5  111 reviews

Current Resident: Its a friendly neighborhood, with mostly good schools. I feel that the City really invests in the parks in these areas. I generally feel safe although it can get a little rough. The public transportation in the area is absolutely trash. Midway being close adds a bonus in case of domestic and international travels. The area is getting infested with "trumpers" though.... Read 111 reviews

• grade C+

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Population 32,398

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 2.73 out of 5  84 reviews

Niche User: The community I live in is great because of the values of family and work. We are all hard workers and we watch out for each other (especially those of us working the 2nd or 3rd shift! ) We have our occasional parties but because we value a strong work ethic, we know when to cut it short. The public transportation is amazing and easily accessible to various CTA routes. My one and only complaint about this neighborhood is the Sanitation. Sometimes our garbage is overflowed and the garbage men come around 2 times a week and never take all the trash! it's always something left behind. Because of this trash pickup issue there is a lot of bugs and rats(yes rats! not mouses) in the neighborhood. Thank God they haven't migrated to my home or else i would move with a quickness. This one and only reason is why I will not renew my lease and am currently looking for another neighborhood.... Read 84 reviews

• grade C

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Population 35,838

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.19 out of 5  73 reviews

Current Resident: I think overall, Gage Park is a great community. When the neighborhood needs to come together for certain events, majority of people end up participating. I think some more streetlights or perhaps safety is needed though, usually you can't stay out late because it gets really dangerous. I would like to see it be a little safer.... Read 73 reviews

• grade C

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Population 32,904

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 2.69 out of 5  16 reviews

Current Resident: Quiet Community with great parks and local grocery stores within walking distance. Perfect for families with pets or children.... Read 16 reviews

• grade C minus

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Population 6,777

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.15 out of 5  53 reviews

Current Resident: I like how we all know each other. We greet people that walk past our street. It is a very friendly neighborhood. With this being said, I would want our neighborhood to be more clean. I do see trash on the ground a lot and I feel this needs to change.... Read 53 reviews

• grade C+

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Population 18,022

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.17 out of 5  29 reviews

Current Resident: Beautiful properties and houses! My neighbors are all so kind-hearted and ready to help me whenever needed. Very accessible, calm area with some bad pockets. Just a little far south of the heart of the city.... Read 29 reviews

• grade C

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Population 32,536

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.45 out of 5  84 reviews

Current Resident: I have been living in Garfield Ridge for about nine to ten years. I feel safe and welcomed in the neighborhood. I have some close relatives and friends living near me which helps me to communicate and go out with them. I have public transportation near me and a few retail stores and restaurants. Garfield Ridge is a calm, peaceful, and clean neighborhood. Its family friendly. Midway airport is in the area which is helpful for everyone to who can travel nearby.... Read 84 reviews

• grade B

• grade B minus

• grade B minus

• Population 35,370

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.7 out of 5  27 reviews

Current Resident: For over seven years, I have resided in a neighborhood called Beverly-Morgan Park. If I have some words to describe Beverly-Morgan Park, they would be diverse, beautiful, positive, and secure. It is located on the far Southside of Chicago, Illinois. In this neighborhood, we have activities, community events, security guards, and more... Read 27 reviews

• grade B

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Population 22,081

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.25 out of 5  157 reviews

Current Resident: It is a nice neighborhood with many lovely neighbors. Everyone is very kind to one another and very talkative and will try their best to get to know each other.... Read 157 reviews

• grade C

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Population 43,197

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 2.88 out of 5  113 reviews

Current Resident: Having lived here nearly my whole life, I can say, I truly love living in this part of Chicago. I am always so close to the resources I need, and our community always comes together in times of need. I can’t imagine seeing myself move to another area in the future.... Read 113 reviews

• grade C

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Population 51,169

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 2.45 out of 5  20 reviews

Nearby Resident: The park is beautiful, amazing trees , is so nice see squirrel around , doggies , but is so sad seen how the trees are slowly disappear I wonder who is the person in charge it and why are cut exactly the tress who give fruits for the squirrel.! What the poor things are going to eat ? It so sad... Read 20 reviews

• grade C minus

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Population 11,607

• Neighborhood in Chicago, IL

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  Rating 3.2 out of 5  20 reviews

Current Resident: Archer Heights is a nice calm neighborhood that has everything that you need. Orange line trains, grocery shopping, schools neighbor, charter, private and catholic schools all around.... Read 20 reviews

• grade C

• grade C+

• grade B minus

• Population 13,591