Gresham - Chicago, IL Area Guide

Originally home to a mix of Irish railroad workers and German and Dutch immigrants, Gresham grew quickly throughout the early 20th century -- first because of Chicago's expanding streetcar lines, and later as residents relocated from more densely populated neighborhoods. Though the neighborhood has since faced its share of economic and social challenges, community activists champion urban renewal in Gresham, a place they call "Chicago's best kept secret."

The Highland Theater, a gorgeous Renaissance-inspired Gresham hot spot, opened in 1926 at Ashland and 79th. With terracotta reliefs, columns and wrought iron balconies, the majestic building welcomed revelers arriving to watch vaudeville shows and films well into the 1940s. The vaudeville stopped then, but locals still saw movies amid marble walls and lush decor for most of the 20th century. The 2,000-seat theater, still exists today as the AFC Center, and serves as the host for business and community events.

A close-knit community, Gresham focuses on engaging activities that bring neighborhood families together. On the second weekend of September, join more than 10,000 locals for the annual 79th Street Renaissance Festival. Taste local food as you browse handmade gifts and watch the expert performers who line the streets. This festival is one of Chicago's most enduring neighborhood festivals.

Despite its relatively small footprint, Gresham hosts a rich blend of dining options, from traditional American fare to international menus for the adventurous foodie. Look around S. Halsted within a few blocks of West 79th for the majority of Gresham's best spots to stop for a bite to eat.

Follow your nose to the Three Chefs Cafe near the corner of S. Halsted and West 81st. Serving up Southern favorites for breakfast and lunch, this affordable neighborhood favorite will leave your appetite sated for under $10 a plate. Locals love the pecan-topped sweet potato pancakes for breakfast, served with two eggs and bacon or sausage. If you're more in the mood for lunch, opt for the seafood gumbo; it exudes a real Cajun flair that would be right at home in the French Quarter.

If you're ready to add some Caribbean spice to your life, carve out some time to wait in line at Jamaican Jerk Villa at Emerald and 79th. While you might hear some complaints about the staff, you'll forget all about it as soon as you taste the fragrant, juicy jerk chicken perfection. Order peas and rice with cabbage on the side. Locals swear it's worth the wait, but you can bypass the crowd by calling in your order and taking it to go.

For after-hours entertainment, you'll find a few bars in Gresham. For live music, check out Hot City Cocktail Lounge, but the neighborhood typically quiets down at night. Head over to nearby Hyde Park for a more active nightlife scene.

Whether you own a car or prefer a greener transportation option, close proximity to major thoroughfares and easy access to mass transit ensure that Gresham residents can always get where they need to go.

The nearby Dan Ryan Expressway, one of the busiest roads in the state, connects commuters to downtown. Drivers wary of the Dan Ryan's 14 lanes but still needing to get downtown can skip the freeway and take Vincennes Avenue through the city. Interstate 57 and the Bishop Ford Freeway provide access to suburbs to the south. Vehicle owners can find public parking but should remember the city-wide requirement for a City Vehicle Sticker. Residents driving in the city must pay annually for the sticker, including an additional $25 for residential parking.

If you're more of a public transportation fan, Chicago Transit Authority and Metra have you covered. CTA's line 79 runs through the busy Gresham center, 79th Street. The 8, 9 and 53 run along cross streets. Take the 79 to the Red Line station and board the "L" train to Chicago's North Side via downtown. For a quieter ride, the Metra train connects Gresham to downtown to the north and suburbs farther south via its Rock Island line.

Taxis don't usually drive around the area looking for fares, so be sure to call in advance. However, if you prefer rideshares, Uber and Lyft are available.

Gresham's 70 walkability score means that you might not even need motorized transportation at all. If you're just looking to grab lunch or a gallon of milk, you can walk or bike to your destination. Be careful cycling, though, as this neighborhood lacks bike lanes.

Chicago, nestled next to Lake Michigan and two rivers, sits in a prime location for lush, green parks and water activities. Gresham residents seeking outdoor recreation can choose from any of the neighborhood's half a dozen parks.

Auburn Park, in the far northeast corner of Gresham, offers a tranquil lagoon landscape. Park patrons can fish in the lagoon or relax on the nearby benches, enjoying the waterfall. Developers used this serene area to draw residents to the neighborhood near the turn of the 20th century.

Foster Park, a lively community center, spans 23 acres in the middle of Gresham. This park encourages locals to get out and move with various sports complex and separate fitness centers for adults and kids. Not only does Foster Park host holiday events (like an all-ages haunted house) and summer camps, but it also caters to an even broader audience with both a wood shop and a water park.

Gresham residents enjoy a low cost of living, especially compared to those living in other Chicago neighborhoods. While grocery and entertainment run at similar prices to the rest of the city, housing for owners and renters alike costs substantially less. The Auburn Gresham Historic Bungalow District boasts 350 bungalows dating back before 1940, and brick two-flat apartments make up most of the rest of the neighborhood's residential housing. Renters looking for a one-bedroom apartment pay an average rent of $650. Compared to hip neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, where renters pay upward of $2,000 for the same space, Gresham offers a huge advantage to people looking to stretch their dollar a little further.

For a while, locals didn't have many shopping options besides Walgreens and convenience stores, but with community revitalization efforts and growing desires to support local businesses, Gresham residents can again shop closer to home.

Local natives Karyn and Khamiya Beard opened Kham'Ryn B. Shoes & Accessories in an effort to bring life back to their family business. The boutique assists customers in crafting a personal style from their unique selection. Walk in and request a personal shopper to guide you through your fashion experience.

Locals frequent Exclusive773 for the wide array of pop culture apparel. If you need a new pair of Coca Cola or orange Tic Tac socks, an Eazy-E hockey jersey, or even an Xbox One, Exclusive773 has it all. A popular destination for hip hop celebrities passing through Chicago, this local staple has acted as the backdrop for multiple music videos.

For groceries, Gresham houses several neighborhood markets. When the time comes to stock the fridge, though, locals head over to the ALDI in Beverly or the Roseland Walmart Express.