Belmont/Cragin

The neighborhood´s namesake, Cragin Park, was originally built in 1927 and a playground, tennis courts and field house were added throughout the decades. Riis Park is named after Jacob Riis, a photojournalist who is credited with documenting the urban poor. It boasts tennis and basketball courts, ball fields, trails, a field house and open grass. Blackhawk Park was created a decade before Cragin Park and was named after a Black Hawk, a Native American chief. He led a valiant effort to retake lands his tribe was forced to surrender and while not successful, is still remembered as a brave leader. The park features tennis courts, swimming, trails, ball fields and a field house.

The residential neighborhoods of Belmont Central and Belmont Heights are located on the northwest side of Chicago. Belmont Central was once home to a large Polish community, but now hosts a growing Hispanic population. Belmont Heights has a similarly ethnically diverse population. Both neighborhoods are solidly middle-class and residents tend to live in the neighborhood for years. Those living in the area work hard and keep their properties looking top-notch. Home prices Range from the $200,000´s to the mid $300,000. People moving into the area can choose from a variety of housing choices such as Queen Anne homes, flats and bungalows.

The very active Belmont Chamber of Commerce focuses on keeping the neighborhoods alive with thriving businesses and they now boast one of the lowest commercial vacancy rates in Chicago. A mall, ample street parking and free parking garage have helped bring shoppers into the area.