What started as a hub for local factory workers is now a flourishing south side Chicago neighborhood. With its sizeable selection of parks, playlots and outdoor recreational sites, the West Pullman area has become an idyllic spot to settle and raise a family. 

This Chicago neighborhood’s most popular outdoor commons, West Pullman Park, dates back to the early 1900s when it was nothing more than a barebones fieldhouse. The original facility was used to provide recreational and social welfare programs. Ensuing improvements to the grounds made way for a baseball diamond, tennis courts and playgrounds. Years later, in 1975, another neighborhood lot, called Cooper Park, was established in the area. It has similar amenities to West Pullman Park, but also offers day camps for youth. And then Morgan Field Park, White Park and Kinsington Park (we weren’t kidding when we said this place is packed with greenspace!) popped up in the residential pockets of this south Chicago neighborhood. All three offer jungle gyms, swings and slides.

Before getting into West Pullman’s general housing market, there is one home that warrants special mention: Foster House, a structure by famed Chicago architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Foster House stands out from its neighbors with Wright’s signature geometrical design and noticeably Asian ornamental patterns. The rest of West Pullman’s real estate may not be as celebrated as the Foster House, but comfortable, quality-construction homes are standard here. The main housing base includes Cape Cod-style homes, bungalows, split-levels and ranches. An average two or three bedroom single-family detached home in West Pullman costs around $100,000. But you may be able to score a deal in the $50,000s if you look hard enough. More spacious homes with extra bedrooms up the ante to around $115,000 and the average price for an attached condo is about $70,000. 

Just a word about West Pullman eats before we go… Do yourself a favor and stop by I57 Rib House for some of the best ribs in all of Chicago. This neighborhood institution is often busy, so if you don’t want to wait you can head to Best Bar B Que for your choice of chicken, pork or beef slathered in your favorite red sauce. Harambee House has also made a name for itself in the West Pullman dining scene. This buffet-style restaurant doles out southern staples one heaping plate at a time.