Belmont Craigin
Encircled by lush parks-including Cragin Park, Hansin Park, Riis Park, Blackhawk Park and Kelvyn Park, and famed for its diverse residential architecture, Belmont Cragin is bordered by Portage Park, Hermosa, Montclare, Dunning and Austin. The average cost of a home in Belmont Cragin is around $250,000. West Belmont Avenue, the center of this Northwest Side neighborhood has a nostalgic, other-era feel to it.
Unlike a number of Chicago neighborhoods, the population of children below the age of six in Belmont Cragin has increased 60% since the 1990 census, with an estimated 5% increase since 2000. The community is mostly middle-class and boasts many families. This moderately large district has an multitude of residential styles and shopping opportunities. A really traditional region with a number of genuinely good schools, Belmont Craigin was originally settled by Italians, Germans, and Greeks. Now there is a large population of Hispanics and Polish residents.
Craigin Park was built in 1927. The following year a playground was installed, and then some tennis courts a couple of years later and a field house in the 1950’s.
Riis Park is named after the photojournalist and author of “How the Other Half Lives”, Jacob Riis, who documented the terrible living conditions of the urban poor. Built in 1916, the park offers ball fields, tennis and basketball courts, trails, a field house, and an open area.
Blackhawk Park, constructed in 1916, contains ball fields, tennis courts, swimming, trails, and a field house. It was named after Black Hawk, a Sauk chief who attempted to take back land that his tribe was forced to leave. Black Hawk was ultimately defeated, but is remembered for his valiant attempt.
