Bronzeville Real Estate

Where is Bronzeville?

Bronzeville is a neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side. The boundaries of Bronzeville are debatable. Here we take a broad view that Bronzeville includes the area from 31st Street south to East 51st Street and east from the Dan Ryan Expressway over to Drexel Blvd. Bronzeville includes zip codes 60616 and 60653. The Bronzeville real estate for sale on this page falls within these boundaries.

Why is Bronzeville called Bronzeville?

In the early 1900’s millions of African-Americans began to move away from the rural South in what is called the “Great Migration”. Many people chose to settle in Chicago.

Unfortunately, the sliver of land that is now Bronzeville was one of the only areas where Black Chicagoans were permitted to live. And the living was not easy. During these years, the neighborhood took on several racially derogatory names.

So, in the early 1930’s residents decided to claim their own name for the neighborhood they loved. And the name “Bronzeville” was born.

The name Bronzeville was reportedly coined by James Gentry, an editor at the Black owned newspaper called the Chicago Bee. His thinking was that African-Americans were more bronze than black. The new name was then reportedly made known nationwide by the famous African-American newspaper The Chicago Defender.

What is Bronzeville Chicago known for?

Bronzeville is known nation-wide as Chicago’s historic center for African-American life, arts and culture.

Today, Bronzeville is home to a thriving business community, historic landmarks and classic architecture.

Over the years, the neighborhood has had many famous residents, many of whom are honored along the Bronzeville Walk of Fame. These include Pulitzer Gwendolyn Brooks, civil rights activist Ida B. Wells, and the legendary musician Louis Armstrong.

Have a question? Give us a call at 312-767-7744 or send us a message, we’re here to help you!

What’s the history of Bronzeville?

Bronzville’s history is truly profound. Beginning in 1916, Bronzeville was populated by a “Great Migration” of African American residents from southern states to Chicago. They came for the dream of good jobs and less racial oppression.

Upon arrival they instead found Chicago offered them continued segregation and oppression. At that time, African Americans were restricted to live predominantly in certain areas of the city. Bronzeville being one of them.

People here worked hard to overcome the many obstacles placed in their path and eventually the neighborhood emerged and thrived for decades.

During these golden years Bronzeville became known for its culture and creativity and grew to have significant national influence.

In fact, many prominent African Americans hale from Bronzeville, including Ida B. Wells, Louis Armstrong and Gwendolyn Brooks. Many of the Bronzeville homes of these iconic figures are now historic landmarks.

Then, from about 1940 to 1960, the community fell on hard times. Residents experienced severe social problems and poverty much of which was associated with Chicago’s problematic high-rise public housing. These high-rise “projects” were finally demolished in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Today, through hard work, entrepreneurial spirit and financial investment, Bronzeville’s heritage is being revived and revitalized. The neighborhood is benefiting from residents who are dedicated to keeping its rich history and lessons of the past alive for future generations.

Look at Bronzeville real estate today and you’ll find renovated and restored historic Bronzeville homes next to new construction apartments, condos and townhomes open to all income levels.

Which famous people have called Bronzeville home?

Over the years hundreds of America’s most talented artists, athletes, entertainers, intellectuals, musicians and writers have called Bronzeville home.

Here are a few names you may recognize:

• Jazz, blues and gospel talents Sam Cook, Louis Armstrong, Nat “King” Cole, Dinah Washington, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones and Mahalia Jackson.
• Famous authors and poets Richard Wright, Ida B. Wells and Gwendolyn Brooks.
• Boxer Joe Louis and olympic gold medal winner and track star Jesse Owens.

So living in Bronzeville presents the opportunity to continue the legacy of these great Americans.

Learn more about Bronzeville with Choose Chicago.

What’s the architecture like in Bronzeville?

If, like us, you’re an architecture fan there’s a ton of eye candy in Bronzeville.

Specifically, you’ll find late 19th and early 20th century Bronzeville homes in the Italiante, Queen Anne, Romanesque, Classical Revival and Flemish Revival styles.

In fact, Bronzeville offers one of the riches collections of classic mansions and landmark buildings in Chicago. For example, the restored Parkway Ballroom, the Robert W. Roloson Houses which are row homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the original Chicago Defender Building and the Chicago Bee Building.

These days Bronzeville real estate for sale represents all the styles mentioned here and many more. The choices of new construction developments abound as well with new apartments, lofts, condos, townhomes and single family homes being built.

What are Bronzeville transportation options?

Bronzeville has excellent transit options. For example, the neighborhood is accessible via the CTA Green line, Red line and Metra trains via the Jones / Bronzeville Station.

A typical commute to the Loop via the Green line is about 20 minutes. And you can travel via public transit to O’Hare in about an hour and to Midway in 45 minutes.

Moreover, there are 20 bus stops throughout the neighborhood.

Plus, Bronzeville is pedestrian and bike friendly with several nature paths and bike paths.

For drivers, Bronzeville is also quite easy to manage. Here street parking is relatively easy and its super easy to get to the Chicago expressways. Driving to an airport? Without traffic, Bronzeville is about a 30-minute drive to O’hare Airport and a 15-minute drive to Downtown.

Which schools are in Bronezville?

Bronzeville offers a variety of public and private primary and secondary schools. Plus several institutes of higher education. Here is a partial list to get you started:

Public schools

• Pershing Magnet School PK-8
• Mollison PK-8
• Fuller PK-8
• Woodson PK-8
• Perspectives Math & Science HS 6-12
• Phillips HS 9-12
• King HS 9-12

Private schools

• Cambridge Classical Academy PK-8
• Holy Angels Catholic School K-12
• Bronzeville Academy Charter School K-8
• Hales Franciscan High School 9-12

Higher education

• Illinois Institute of Technology
• VanderCook College of Music
• Illinois College of OptometryTip:

Please note: This is a list of area schools, not a guarantee that registration is possible for your child. You must verify registration is possible directly with each school.

What about Bronzeville arts, entertainment and culture?

Bronzeville was the home to dozens of America’s most famous artists, writers, musicians and intellectuals. For example, Louis Armstrong, Ida B. Wells, and Gwendolyn Brooks. And the spirit of their strong artistic influence can still be felt on the streets of Bronzeville today.

To get a really good idea of the arts, entertainment and cultural scene in Bronzeville these days, we recommend you begin by exploring what’s on at Harold Washington Cultural Center.

In case you don’t already know, the performance art center gets its name from Chicago’s first African-American mayor. Here you can experience a wide array of arts and entertainment events. For example, stage plays, dance performances, movie screenings and live music events.

Explore Bronzeville and you’ll see some amazing modern public art installations, murals, sculptures and historic monuments. For example, The Victory Monument and the Monument to the Great Northern Migration.

Which museums are in Bronzeville?

Chicago is of course famous world over for its outstanding museums and Bronzeville contributes to this reputation with a number of excellent museums.

These include the not-to-be-missed National Museum of Gospel Music in America, Bronzville Children’s Museum, Bronzeville National Museum of American History and the Bronzville Historical Society.

What restaurants are in Bronzeville?

Bronzeville has a great variety of eating options. For instance, here you’ll find BBQ, soul food, southern cooking, Italian and seafood to name a few.

Have a southern breakfast all day long at Chicago Home of Chicken and Waffles. Or, for a seafood dinner there’s the popular Two Fish Crab Shack.

When you’re in the mood for some BBQ try Uncle J’s or Honey 1 BBQ.

And for traditional African cuisine try Yassa Restaurant.

Or if you’re looking to try old-school Southern soul food, eat at the legendary Pearl’s Place.

How is the shopping in Bronzeville?

For groceries there’s King Supermarket, Mariano’s and the Walmart Neighborhood Market.

For every day needs there’s Dollar General and Dollar Tree.

Plus of course plenty of smaller stores and boutiques plus all the shopping in nearby South Loop and Downtown Chicago.

What outdoor activities are there in Bronzeville?

Looking to get outside into nature? There are city parks throughout the neighborhood. Plus, just to the east you’ll find a bunch of different beaches and nature trails along Lake Michigan. For example, the Margaret T. Burroughs Beach and Park.

Conclusion

Bronzeville is a vibrant South Side Chicago community. Living in Bronzeville means enjoying good transportation options, a central location, important cultural history, excellent arts and impressive architecture.

Moreover, Bronzeville has plenty more to offer residents. It sits close to wonderful Lake Michigan beaches and trails, is very walkable and bikable.

Plus, Bronzeville real estate options abound. Here you can find historic Bronzeville row homes and three-flats. Plus, Bronzeville condos, lofts, townhomes and single-family homes for sale and rent.