Andersonville

Many of Andersonville ’s original settlers were Swedish and their heritage still thrives in the neighborhood today. Just take a walk down North Clark Street by Foster Avenue . It’s near this bustling intersection that you’ll find the Swedish American Center Museum , one of the real gems of this north side community. The museum has gained even more popularity over the years with its concerts by Swedish singers, fine art exhibits, and offering of Swedish language classes. After a trip to the museum, you’d never guess that this cultural hub was once nothing more than a large cherry orchard.

As you might expect, there are also a number of Swedish-inspired restaurants here, but if you’re looking for something truly authentic head to Svea . This 1930s diner specializes in cheap Swedish breakfast plates. The Viking, for one, comes with two eggs, sausage, toast, two Swedish pancakes and potatoes for less than $6. Those with a hankering for something sweet will love the Swedish Bakery , one of Chicago ’s most delicious dessert locales. Get here early for the good stuff. The bakery gets so packed in the mornings that you have to take a number and wait it out, like in a meat market — but the free samples will certainly help curb your hunger.

If it’s just a cup of Joe you’re in the mood for, stop by Kopi. This traveler’s-themed cafe doubles as a shopping center where you’ll find an eclectic assortment of items from Moleskine journals to worldly maps—everything you need before beginning a long journey. Fans of the bohemian one-stop shop swear by the hummus plate, served with pita wedges and fresh veggies. There are plenty of other delicious Andersonville dining options, including Korean, contemporary American, Italian and Catalan cuisines.

When you’re not busy tasting the local fare or browsing Andersonville 's cultural nooks, you can head over to one of the neighborhood’s many parks. Be sure to stop by its namesake playlot at the corner of Ashland Avenue and Farragut Street . In the summer, you can spend sunny days at Foster Avenue Beach (an extension of Lincoln Park in the nearby Edgewater neighborhood), it’s complete with restrooms and concessions. And during the winter months, the area is used to cross country ski and snow shoe – always some entertaining outdoor activity going on in this laid-back north side section of Chicago .
 
Andersonville's residential streets are some of the city’s most beautiful. Big shady trees, three-story flats, rehabbed condos and single-family homes make for an attractive combination of established environment and modern touches. Victorian-style homes amp up the neighborhood scene with their vintage charm and European courtyards, while contemporary developments move in next door with just as much character and appeal. One and two bedroom units in the older brick buildings average around $280,000. But you can also find very affordable condos for between $150,000 and $200,000. Private, single-family homes are rarer in Andersonville , but there are some very nice places that will put you in the $600,000+ price range.