Moving to Irving Park, Chicago: Your Complete 2025 Guide

Irving Park offers affordable family living with a mix of historic bungalows, vintage apartment buildings, and tree-lined residential streets creating a peaceful Northwest Side neighborhood. Named after American author Washington Irving, the area developed primarily in the early 20th century leaving a legacy of well-built Chicago bungalows and courtyard apartments characterizing the residential streets. The neighborhood appeals to working-class families, first-time homebuyers, and longtime residents who appreciate the stable, residential character and strong sense of community maintained through local institutions.


Irving Park Road and Milwaukee Avenue serve as commercial corridors offering neighborhood shops, ethnic restaurants, and services catering to the area’s diverse population. The Blue Line provides downtown access while multiple bus routes connect to other parts of the city. The neighborhood features several good public elementary schools, numerous parks including large Independence Park, and community institutions that bring residents together. Irving Park maintains affordability compared to many North Side neighborhoods while offering similar housing quality and transit access, making it attractive to families and individuals seeking Chicago’s Northwest Side lifestyle at accessible prices.

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

🎓 Schools & Education

Families moving to Irving Park have access to quality educational options:

Belding Elementary School, 4257 N Tripp Ave | Irving Elementary School, 3700 N Sacramento Ave | Schurz High School, 3601 N Milwaukee Ave

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

☕ Best Coffee Shops

Start your mornings at these excellent Irving Park coffee shops:

Ritual Coffeehouse, 1821 W Irving Park Rd | Coffee Lab & Roasters, 3926 N Lincoln Ave | Starbucks, 3959 N Sheridan Rd

🍽️ Top Restaurants

Discover the diverse dining scene in Irving Park:

Fat Rice, 2957 W Diversey Ave | Kuma’s Corner, 2900 W Belmont Ave | Chief O’Neill’s Pub, 3471 N Elston Ave

🍺 Bars & Nightlife

Experience Irving Park’s vibrant nightlife at these popular spots:

Chief O’Neill’s Pub, 3471 N Elston Ave | The Globe Pub, 1934 W Irving Park Rd | Independence Park Tap, 3932 N Springfield Ave

🐕 Dog Parks & Pet-Friendly Spaces

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

Challenger Park Dog Area, 1100 W Irving Park Rd

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

💪 Gyms & Fitness Centers

Stay active at these Irving Park fitness facilities:

LA Fitness Irving Park, Anytime Fitness, Planet Fitness

🚗 Parking & Street Access in Irving Park

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

• Parking Permits: Most Irving Park 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: Irving Park 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 Irving Park.

🏢 Building Requirements in Irving Park

Common building and condo requirements when moving to Irving Park:

• Elevator Access: Sometimes buildings in Irving Park have elevator access. Reserve elevators 1-2 weeks in advance and confirm padding requirements.
• Loading Dock Availability: Rare availability in Irving Park. Coordinate with building management for dock schedules.
• Certificate of Insurance (COI): Yes – Most Irving Park buildings require proof of insurance with $1M+ general liability coverage from your moving company.
• Move-In Reservation: Book your move-in date with Irving Park 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 Irving Park properties.

💡 Pro Tips for Moving to Irving Park

• Communicate with Irving Park 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 Irving Park for safety and parking considerations

💡 Cost-Saving Tip: Moving to Irving Park 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 Irving Park, Chicago?

The average cost for a Irving Park move ranges from $600-850, 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 Irving Park 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 Irving Park?

Yes, most moves in Irving Park 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 Irving Park relocations. Failure to secure proper permits can result in parking tickets and delays.

When is the best time to move to Irving Park?

Year-round is typically the best time to move to Irving Park. 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 Irving Park movers 4-6 weeks in advance during peak season.

Is Irving Park a safe neighborhood?

Moderate – Generally safe 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 Irving Park.

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

Do Irving Park buildings require insurance from movers?

Yes, most Irving Park 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 Irving Park 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 Irving Park?

We recommend booking Irving Park 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 Irving Park moves, though rates may be higher. Early booking guarantees better rates and your preferred moving date. Many Irving Park 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 Irving Park moving company?

When choosing movers for Irving Park, 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 Irving Park 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 Irving Park?

Yes, Irving Park is served by several quality schools including Belding Elementary School, 4257 N Tripp Ave | Irving Elementary School, 3700 N Sacramento Ave | Schurz High School, 3601 N Milwaukee Ave. When moving to Irving Park 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 Irving Park before moving?

Before moving to Irving Park, spend time walking the streets at different times of day, visit local coffee shops like Ritual Coffeehouse, 1821 W Irving Park Rd | Coffee Lab & Roasters, 3926 N Lincoln Ave | Starbucks, 3959 N Sheridan Rd, dine at neighborhood restaurants, and talk to residents. Check out Challenger Park Dog Area, 1100 W Irving Park Rd 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.