Chicago Bungalows

Chicago bungalows are among the most popular single-family homes in the city, with estimates suggesting that between 80,000 and 100,000 bungalows still stand today in the Chicago metro area. These homes make up about one-third of all single-family homes in Chicago. First built between 1910 and 1940, Chicago bungalows originally served the city’s working class, providing an affordable housing solution. Remarkably, many of these homes are still standing more than a century later and remain highly sought after by homebuyers in the area.

A typical Chicago bungalow is characterized by its 1.5-story floor plan, brick construction, full basement, and rectangular shape, with long sides and a narrow front and back. Specific to Chicago, these homes often feature dormered roofs, limestone accents, concrete entry stairs, and plenty of windows. Many also have front and back yards, back porches, and attic storage. Inside, the bedrooms and bathroom are typically located on one side of the house, while the kitchen, dining room, and living room are on the other. These homes are well-suited to Chicago’s narrow city lots and, at the time of their construction, made homeownership more accessible to a range of income levels.

Chicago bungalows offer several advantages to today’s buyers. They are generally more affordable, accessible, and attractive while still offering modern conveniences like electricity, plumbing, and central heating. As bungalows gained popularity in the early 20th century, Chicago’s population was booming, and many of these homes were built in less populated areas outside the city. This arc of bungalow neighborhoods became known as the “Bungalow Belt,” which encircles the city a few miles from downtown.

Today, Chicago is home to 14 Historic Bungalow Districts, all of which have been added to the National Register of Historic Places. These districts include South Shore, Falconer, North Mayfair, Rogers Park Manor, Wrightwood, South Park Manor, Schorsch Irving Park, Gage Park, Hermosa, Brainerd, Portage Park, Auburn Gresham, West Chatham, and Talman West Ridge. Rows of these charming homes continue to stand as a testament to Chicago’s architectural and cultural history, offering both practicality and timeless appeal to homeowners throughout the city.