Moving to Roscoe Village, Chicago: Your Complete 2025 Guide

Roscoe Village charms residents and visitors with tree-lined streets, independent boutiques, and small-town atmosphere within the big city. Centered around the Roscoe and Belmont commercial corridors, the neighborhood features beautifully maintained vintage buildings, local shops, and neighborhood restaurants that create a distinct identity separate from surrounding areas. Historic workers’ cottages and greystones line quiet residential streets where front porches and small yards create an intimate neighborhood scale unusual in dense urban Chicago.


The commercial district attracts shoppers from across the North Side with unique boutiques, antique stores, and specialty shops alongside neighborhood services and restaurants. Roscoe Village appeals to young families and professionals who appreciate the neighborhood’s character, walkability, and strong sense of community. Multiple CTA options including the Brown Line provide excellent downtown access while maintaining a neighborhood atmosphere. The area hosts an annual street festival and maintains active community organizations that foster connections among residents. Housing options include vintage apartments, single-family homes, and some newer construction with prices reflecting the neighborhood’s desirability and quality of life.

Why move to Roscoe Village? Whether you’re drawn to the neighborhood’s cultural attractions, excellent dining scene, or strong sense of community, Roscoe Village offers an authentic Chicago living experience with easy access to downtown and all that the city has to offer.

🎓 Schools & Education

Families moving to Roscoe Village have access to quality educational options:

Hawthorne Scholastic Academy, 3319 W Byron St | Audubon Elementary School, 3500 N Hoyne Ave | Lane Tech College Prep, 2501 W Addison St

Learn more about school options and enrollment at Chicago Public Schools.

☕ Best Coffee Shops

Start your mornings at these excellent Roscoe Village coffee shops:

Hexe Coffee Co, 2000 W Diversey Pkwy | Fairgrounds Coffee, 1330 W Fulton Market | La Colombe Coffee, 3047 N Damen Ave

🍽️ Top Restaurants

Discover the diverse dining scene in Roscoe Village:

Kitsch’n on Roscoe, 2005 W Roscoe St | Pisolino, 2160 W Roscoe St | Village Tap, 2055 W Roscoe St

🍺 Bars & Nightlife

Experience Roscoe Village’s vibrant nightlife at these popular spots:

Four Moon Tavern, 1847 W Roscoe St | Village Tap, 2055 W Roscoe St | Beat Kitchen, 2100 W Belmont Ave

🐕 Dog Parks & Pet-Friendly Spaces

If you’re moving to Roscoe Village with a furry friend, check out these dog-friendly areas:

Hamlin Park Dog Area, 3035 N Hoyne Ave

Find more Chicago parks and recreation areas at the Chicago Park District.

💪 Gyms & Fitness Centers

Stay active at these Roscoe Village fitness facilities:

Lakeview Athletic Club, Orangetheory, Anytime Fitness

🚗 Parking & Street Access in Roscoe Village

Successfully moving to Roscoe Village requires careful planning for Chicago’s parking regulations and street access requirements:

• Parking Permits: Most Roscoe Village buildings sometimes require temporary no-parking signs posted 48 hours in advance. Contact your Chicago alderman’s office and pick them up in person.
• Parking Zone: Roscoe Village is located in Zone 2, which affects residential parking permit eligibility.
• Best Moving Times: Year-round offers the most flexibility. Avoid moving on the last three days of the month when rates are 20-30% higher.
• Street Restrictions: Check for street cleaning schedules, rush hour restrictions, and neighborhood-specific regulations in Roscoe Village.

🏢 Building Requirements in Roscoe Village

Common building and condo requirements when moving to Roscoe Village:

• Elevator Access: Sometimes buildings in Roscoe Village have elevator access. Reserve elevators 1-2 weeks in advance and confirm padding requirements.
• Loading Dock Availability: Rare availability in Roscoe Village. Coordinate with building management for dock schedules.
• Certificate of Insurance (COI): Yes – Most Roscoe Village buildings require proof of insurance with $1M+ general liability coverage from your moving company.
• Move-In Reservation: Book your move-in date with Roscoe Village building management 2-3 weeks ahead. Some buildings restrict moves to weekdays only.
• Building Protection: Movers must use floor runners, door jamb protectors, and elevator padding to prevent damage to Roscoe Village properties.

💡 Pro Tips for Moving to Roscoe Village

• Communicate with Roscoe Village neighbors about your move-in date
• Take photos of hallways and common areas before moving
• Keep building management contact info readily available
• Tip your movers – the standard is 15-20% for excellent service
• Research specific blocks and streets within Roscoe Village for safety and parking considerations

💡 Cost-Saving Tip: Moving to Roscoe Village mid-week or mid-month can save 15-25% compared to weekend or month-end moves. Ask local moving companies about discounts for flexible scheduling!

How much does it cost to move to Roscoe Village, Chicago?

The average cost for a Roscoe Village move ranges from $650-950, depending on apartment size and specific requirements. Studio apartments typically cost $450-700, 1BR apartments range $600-900, 2BR apartments cost $900-1,500, and 3BR+ apartments range $1,500-3,500. Factors affecting Roscoe Village moving costs include building access (elevator vs. walk-up), parking availability, distance traveled, time of month, and additional services like packing. Get multiple quotes from licensed Chicago moving companies to compare rates.

Do I need a parking permit to move in Roscoe Village?

Yes, most moves in Roscoe Village require temporary no-parking signs posted 48 hours in advance and loading zone reservations through the City of Chicago. Contact 311 (dial 311 or visit 311.chicago.gov) to reserve loading zones. Your moving company can often help coordinate Chicago parking permits for Roscoe Village relocations. Failure to secure proper permits can result in parking tickets and delays.

When is the best time to move to Roscoe Village?

Year-round is typically the best time to move to Roscoe Village. Mid-week and mid-month moves offer the best rates and availability. Avoid the last three days of the month when demand is highest and prices increase 20-30%. Summer months (June-August) are the busiest moving season in Chicago, so book Roscoe Village movers 4-6 weeks in advance during peak season.

Is Roscoe Village a safe neighborhood?

Safe – Low crime, charming residential area. As with any Chicago neighborhood, safety can vary by specific blocks and streets. We recommend researching crime statistics for your exact address, visiting the area at different times of day, and talking to current residents before moving to Roscoe Village.

Check the Chicago Police Department’s crime map and community resources for the most current safety information in Roscoe Village.

Do Roscoe Village buildings require insurance from movers?

Yes, most Roscoe Village buildings and condo associations require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) with at least $1 million in general liability coverage from your moving company. All reputable Chicago movers carry proper insurance and can provide COI documentation immediately upon request. This protects both you and the Roscoe Village building from potential damages during the move. Always verify your mover is properly licensed and insured.

How far in advance should I book movers for Roscoe Village?

We recommend booking Roscoe Village movers 3-4 weeks in advance, especially during peak moving season (May-September). For month-end moves or summer relocations, book 6-8 weeks ahead to ensure availability. Same-day and next-day moving services are often available for urgent Roscoe Village moves, though rates may be higher. Early booking guarantees better rates and your preferred moving date. Many Roscoe Village Movers recommend booking 4-6 weeks in advance during peak moving season to ensure availability and optimal pricing.

What should I look for in a Roscoe Village moving company?

When choosing movers for Roscoe Village, verify they are licensed with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), carry proper insurance, have positive online reviews, offer transparent pricing, and are familiar with Chicago building requirements. Ask about experience with Roscoe Village properties, elevator reservations, parking permits, and whether they provide COI documentation. Get written estimates from at least 3 companies before deciding.

Are there good schools in Roscoe Village?

Yes, Roscoe Village is served by several quality schools including Hawthorne Scholastic Academy, 3319 W Byron St | Audubon Elementary School, 3500 N Hoyne Ave | Lane Tech College Prep, 2501 W Addison St. When moving to Roscoe Village with children, research individual schools’ performance ratings, visit in person if possible, and consider proximity to your new home. Chicago Public Schools offers school choice options, allowing families to apply to schools outside their attendance area.

What’s the best way to explore Roscoe Village before moving?

Before moving to Roscoe Village, spend time walking the streets at different times of day, visit local coffee shops like Hexe Coffee Co, 2000 W Diversey Pkwy | Fairgrounds Coffee, 1330 W Fulton Market | La Colombe Coffee, 3047 N Damen Ave, dine at neighborhood restaurants, and talk to residents. Check out Hamlin Park Dog Area, 3035 N Hoyne Ave if you have pets, and explore nearby gyms and fitness centers. This hands-on research will help you understand the neighborhood’s character and determine if it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.