Chicago Real Estate

Did you ever wonder why so many Greeks are in the restaurant business? I’m Greek, first generation born in America, and I didn’t have the slightest idea and my family has been in the business for more than 35 years! I did a little research and found out that back in the late 1800’s, when many Greeks were immigrating to Chicago’s Greektown Neighborhood, it was very hard for them to find work to support there families. What they did know was cooking and baking, Greek staples such as tiropita, spanakopita, souvlaki, and such. What’s great about all these food items is that they are easily portable. It didn’t take them long to figure out that they could take these food items to the streets and offer them to the public for sale. So, to make a long story short, Greek immigrants got there start in the restaurant business as push cart vendors. They saved up there money and eventually opened up brick and mortar establishment’s and the rest, as they say, is history. The Greektown Neighborhood of Chicago is located roughly between Van Buren and Madison along Halsted St. It borders the West Loop Neighborhood to the West and the Loop Neighborhood to the East, just over the 90/94 expressway. What makes this such a great neighborhood is it’s proximity to so many Chicago destinations. You know what the three most important factors in real estate are: Location, Location, Location! At lunchtime during the week the neighborhood is thriving with activity from all the 9-5er’s in the Loop taking their lunch break at one of the many excellent Greek restaurants. On any given night, you have a whole other group of people enjoying the well priced food and great service that Greektown Neighborhood provides as well as free valet parking! How can you beat that? You can catch a bite before the symphony or the Bulls game and be at your event in less than 5 minutes. It’s also one of the few destinations in Chicago where every restaurant is open till at least midnight. Greektown Neighborhood also boasts a thriving nightlife. During the summer nights, you can sit outdoors or on a rooftop overlooking the Chicago skyline while sipping on a glass of wine or an ice cold frappe coffee. When you’re done, you can catch some live Greek entertainment at one of the local bouzouki lounges that are open till 4 a.m. I’ve been known to smash a plate or two, but I would not recommend it. Hey, this is a slice of Greece but it’s not Greece.

If you ever have the opportunity to speak with those who frequented the Bronzeville Neighborhood in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s, take full advantage of it. You will see their eyes light up as they reminisce about how rich and vibrant Bronzeville was in its heydays. Bronzeville, for many African-Americans, was the place to be; and 47th street was the center of culture and life in Bronzeville. During the day, 47th Street was a flourishing commercial area that at night transformed into a pulsating entertainment spot. Men in dress suits and hats and ladies in dresses and high heels would come to 47th street to see and be seen. Celebrities, intellectuals, and business owners were Bronzeville Neighborhood regulars. It was certainly a happening era in Chicago. Then, during the late 60’s through the early 80’s, Bronzeville, like many other inner city neighborhoods suffered from an economic decline. But now with the real estate redevelopment occurring in Chicago, there is a boom of condos, single-family homes, and lofts in this area. In addition, there has been a massive restoration of the numerous brownstones and greystones in Bronzeville and Bronzeville’s renaissance is in full effect. Real estate in this Chicago neighborhood ranges from affordable pricing to the luxury home price. This has made Bronzeville a desirable location for people of varied income levels. Bronzeville’s rich history, current revitalization, and proximity to the lake and downtown make it an ideal Chicago neighborhood for both singles and entire families.