Chatham is an established area with a predominately African-American populace. The 1950s saw a good deal of racial tension, but it has since lessened. The occupants are dedicated to the upkeep of their neighborhood and are quite vocal in their views. The community is now redeveloping. Chatham does have some new real estate properties that ask upwards of $300,000. The area is beginning to look like a opportune place to settle. Although it is considered to be a lower income place, Chatham has a low crime rate for it’s demographic, and is more stable than comparable areas.

Once home to a large segment of Chicago’s Hungarian immigrants, Chatham is a middle-class neighborhood in the city’s south central side. Comprising the area from 75th to 87th and the Dan Ryan to Cottage Grove Avenue, it consists mainly of single family homes and two to three bedroom apartments. Other features include a recent commerical property development boom and well-renowned schools, including the McDade magnet school. The average home price in Chatham is $97, 900.

To the north of Chatham, Greater Grand Crossing is known for Steppin’ and night clubs like former Chicago Bear Jimmy Jones’ 50 Yard Line and the historic (and celebrated) 1859 train collision that bore the neighborhood its name. Bordered by Chatham, Englewood, Washington Park, Woodlawn and South Shore, the average price for a home in 2001 was $72,000.

The people that live in Greater Grand Crossing are a firm bunch. While adjoining communities fell into disrepair and were deserted, the inhabitants of Grand Crossing held onto their neighborhood. The actual boundaries of the neighborhood are a matter of debate, as it claims more than 15 borders. Home prices in the area are commonly in the mid $100,000s and $200,000s.

The Dan Ryan Expressway is accessible from this neighborhood.