You'd be hard up to find a Kilbourn Park resident who would trade in the quiet tree-lined streets of this northwest side neighborhood for the busy ones of downtown Chicago. As a former subdivision of the established Irving Park community, Kilbourn Park is still brimming with nineteenth century charm and beautiful green grass squares. Just nine miles from the bustling Loop area, Kilbourn Park is a mere train ride away from the action. But don't let its demure setting fool you, Kilbourn Park has its own flourishing dining and business district for a bit of at-home amusement, as well.

This Chicago neighborhood's park of the same name is its main recreation area and has been designated a haven for the environmentally aware. The centrally located green space has your typical run-of-the-mill playlots and picnic grounds, but it also has something many other public parks don't. That something is the Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse. Thanks to this development, the park is in full swing with vegetation and blossoms all year round. The greenhouse sells over 100 types of herbs sprouts, flower buds and organic vegetable seedlings, so you can start your own mini-greenhouse at home. There's even a smaller-scale version for the kids so they can learn all the how-to's of pollinating and gardening (it's never to early to start thinking green!).

As far as restaurants go, Kilbourn Park touts some of the best. Have a taste for south-of-the-border fare? La Oaxaquena Mexican Restaurant offers a full menu of authentic dishes, like pollo en mole (a half chicken breast saturated in sweet dark sauce), and seafood specials, like bacon and cheese-stuffed shrimp. Kilbourn Park residents looking for something more authentically Chicago frequent Oddo's Pizza where the lingering aroma of garlic hits you before you even approach the door. The restaurant may have "pizza" in its name, but the hearty Italian pasta dishes and thick-slices of garlic bread are just as popular as the traditional pie. With delectable dishes like that, it's no surprise Oddo's has been serving Chicago for over fifty years and is a top Kilbourn Park eatery. Switching culinary origins to those of the Far East, Thai Aree House tailors each noodle dish to your spice tolerance and lets you bring your own alcohol to wash down that extra-hot curry!

In Kilbourn Park, there's no shortage of coveted homes. One element that makes these residential blocks so popular is the elegant gardens surrounding them. That's something you'll be hard-pressed to find in downtown Chicago. Situated on these lush green patches are rows of well-maintained houses ranging widely in architectural style. English Tudors, condos, new lofts and townhomes offer home buyers a good variety of residences with detached home prices averaging in the mid $400,000s. And winding through Kilbourn Park's streets, wrapping around these beautiful homes, are serene bike trails and walking paths (most of which are located right off public transit).

Inside Kilbourn Park's newer constructions you'll find sleek features that look like they've been pulled straight from the pages of Better Homes and Gardens or Metropolitan Home (depending on your tastes of course). Some of these include floor-to-ceiling windows, newly finished hardwood floors, granite countertops and expansive balconies. Even a few of the vintage condos and apartments in Kilbourn Park offer modernized amenities like stainless steel appliances and marble baths. If you're sticking with the vintage charm you can expect to pay around $250,000 (for a one or two bedroom condo). But if you've got the time to house hunt, you just may find a steal for $150,000. Families looking to settle in a three bedroom home will find prices ranging from the mid to upper $300,000s to $600,000.