Edgebrook - Chicago, IL

Like many Chicago neighborhoods, Edgebrook possesses a charming history, much of which remains alive through the houses, buildings and natural land within the neighborhood's boundaries. The Forest Glen area, Edgebrook and Sauganash occasionally turn up American Indian artifiacts dating back to Billy Caldwell, a Potawatomi chief. His Indian name, Sauganash, which translates to "white man" or "Englishman," served as the inspiration for the name of the town of Sauganash. Billy Caldwell played a pivotal role in the treaties between the U.S. government and the American Indians.

Located within Edgebrook, Old Edgebrook tells a story to all who travel the curb-less streets or dirt sidewalks in the area. Only two streets lead into and out of Old Edgebrook: Prescott and Louise. Dirt sidewalks strike memories of a time long past, and the heavily wooded area creates the sense of being far from the city. Wildlife abounds in this area of Edgebrook, and residents remain enamored of the passing deer, raccoons and opossums that share the land. The architectural style of homes in Old Edgebrook showcase the area's rich history. The City Council approved landmark designation for Old Edgebrook in 1988.

Edgebrook houses a variety of restaurants to suit every taste; its close proximity to Niles, Skokie and Lincolnwood offer diners even more choices. Devon Avenue serves as the primary strip for Edgebrook's restaurant scene, housing Italian, Asian and American fare.

Among the highest rated -- and most beloved -- restaurants in Edgebrook, Mia Figlia wines and dines patrons with an exceptional Italian menu and wine list. Located in the heart of Edgebrook on Devon Avenue, visitors from all over the city enjoy the small-town vibe and special events refreshing and worthy of revisiting. Fresh ingredients make up every meal Mia Figlia serves, and the kitchen openly accepts variations and other requests. When visiting, don't be surprised if the owner and chef, John Boudouvas, stops by your table for a smile and chat. The varied menu offers something for everyone, and the wait staff's impeccable knowledge ensures patrons get exactly what they're looking for in their meal. Specials and events include Kids Eat Free on Mondays, half-price wine on Tuesdays and smooth live jazz every Wednesday.

If Asian cuisine suits your palette, don't miss Elephant Thai Cuisine. This BYOB Thai joint serves a full Thai menu in a comfortable, casual setting. The pickled cucumbers, served as a side with lunch specials, pique the curiousity of your taste buds. A special Thai sauce comes with the spring and egg rolls, setting the mood for anything you decide to try during your meal.

Edgebrook's family friendly atmosphere leaves little room for rowdy nightlife, but the Moher Public House serves the community as the local neighborhood pub. Open until midnight every night of the week, this Irish pub's menu contains everything from classic appetizers to traditional Irish entrées; a kid's menu serves the younger crowd.

Edgebrook's location within the city puts residents close to public transportation and major thoroughfares that connect the neighborhood with the metropolitan area. Located at 5438 W. Devon Avenue, the Edgebrook station connects with Pace Routes 225 and 226, and CTA Route 84.

Major roads running in and near Edgebrook include I-94, which runs north and south, and U.S. Highway 14, which runs east and west and connects the Edgebrook and Forest Glen area to the rest of Chicago. Devon Avenue also runs east and west through the city, while IL-50 runs parallel to the interstate.

Because Edgebrook falls within city limits, you can hail a cab to nearly anywhere in the area. Uber serves the Edgebrook area, as well, letting you get to your destination without having to drive.

Sidewalks line the streets and provide the ideal path for walking through the residential areas. The sidewalks continue through the commercial heart of the neighborhood along W Devon Avenue and N Central Avenue. Most business and commercial centers provide ample parking in paved lots; street parking serves as another mode of vehicle parking.

Edgebrook Park sits on Hiawatha Avenue and features five acres of baseball fields and open space. Baseball and softball make up a large part of the park's programs, although Edgebrook Park also offers various sports, fitness and self-interest classes for toddlers, school-aged children, teens and adults. The onsite playground gets kids of all ages active. Throughout the year, families participate in special events, including Family Movie Nights.

Green Playlot Park, also known as Jeff Green Choo Choo Park, offers residents a full acre of playground area and parkland to enjoy. The neighborhood often holds special events here, including the Easter Egg Hunt.

Wildwood Park serves the Edgebrook community, as well. This park features senior and junior baseballs fields, a football field, tennis courts, spray pool and more for kids of all ages who want to be active. The Edgebrook Community Association's Fourth of July Parade and Picnic ends at Wildwood Park; this event gives residents the chance to enjoy burgers and brats, live entertainment and old-time outdoor games.

With Edgebrook's affluent residential base, the cost of living comes in 23.6 percent higher than that of Illinois at $75,600; Chicago's cost of living is considerably lower at $48,0000. Average home prices in Edgebrook remain nearly three times more than those for Chicago as a whole; the average home price comes in at $389,900, according to Realtor.com. Single-family homes dominate Edgebrook's real estate market, leaving little room for apartments and other multi-family housing; the average rent price hits below that for Chicago at $1,500 per month.

Despite the high cost of living for the Edgebrook neighborhood, shopping, dining out and entertainment prices remain unaffected.

Residents and visitors find shopping in Edgebrook varied and delightful. The main center for commerce lies along W Devon Avenue and N Central Avenue, with other small clusters scattered about the neighborhood.

Residents flock to Happy Foods , Edgebrook's own family-owned and operated grocery store. Happy Foods sells fresh meats and produce, in addition to the pantry and fridge staples families crave. My Sister's Closet, an upscale consignment shop, serves the Edgebrook community with women's and children's clothing and accessories. Books, antiques and collectibles also line the shelves of this hidden gem.