Moving to Avondale, Chicago: Your Complete 2025 Guide

Avondale has emerged from obscurity to become one of Chicago’s fastest-improving neighborhoods with a booming restaurant scene, new residential development, and increasing popularity among young professionals. Located between Logan Square and Irving Park, Avondale historically served as a working-class neighborhood but now attracts attention for its affordability and growing commercial district. Milwaukee Avenue, particularly near Kimball, has transformed with new restaurants, craft breweries, and coffee shops opening in formerly vacant storefronts, creating a destination corridor without Logan Square’s crowds and prices.


The housing stock includes vintage bungalows, two and three-flats, and worker cottages offering more affordable options than surrounding areas though prices continue rising. The Blue Line’s Belmont-Kimball station provides quick downtown access while the Kennedy Expressway offers highway connections. Avondale appeals to artists, young professionals, and families priced out of nearby Logan Square and Bucktown, bringing new energy while existing residents work to maintain neighborhood character. Community gardens, local arts initiatives, and new businesses create a growing sense of identity positioning Avondale as one of the Northwest Side’s most dynamic neighborhoods on the rise.

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

🎓 Schools & Education

Families moving to Avondale have access to quality educational options:

Kosciuszko Elementary School, 2732 N Avers Ave | Chopin Elementary School, 2440 W Rice St | Lake View High School, 4015 N Ashland Ave

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

☕ Best Coffee Shops

Start your mornings at these excellent Avondale coffee shops:

Cafe Urbano, 3000 N California Ave | Coffee Lab & Roasters, 3926 N Lincoln Ave | Starbucks, 3233 W Belmont Ave

🍽️ Top Restaurants

Discover the diverse dining scene in Avondale:

Fat Rice, 2957 W Diversey Ave | Kuma’s Corner, 2900 W Belmont Ave | Parachute, 3500 N Elston Ave

🍺 Bars & Nightlife

Experience Avondale’s vibrant nightlife at these popular spots:

Kuma’s Corner, 2900 W Belmont Ave | The Owl Bar, 2521 N Milwaukee Ave | Small Bar Division, 2049 W Division St

🐕 Dog Parks & Pet-Friendly Spaces

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

Churchill Field Dog Park, 1825 N Damen Ave

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

💪 Gyms & Fitness Centers

Stay active at these Avondale fitness facilities:

CrossTown Fitness, Planet Fitness, LA Fitness

🚗 Parking & Street Access in Avondale

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

• Parking Permits: Most Avondale 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: Avondale 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 Avondale.

🏢 Building Requirements in Avondale

Common building and condo requirements when moving to Avondale:

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

💡 Pro Tips for Moving to Avondale

• Communicate with Avondale 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 Avondale for safety and parking considerations

💡 Cost-Saving Tip: Moving to Avondale 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 Avondale, Chicago?

The average cost for a Avondale 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 Avondale 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 Avondale?

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

When is the best time to move to Avondale?

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

Is Avondale a safe neighborhood?

Moderate – Generally safe, some crime. 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 Avondale.

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

Do Avondale buildings require insurance from movers?

Yes, most Avondale 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 Avondale 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 Avondale?

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

When choosing movers for Avondale, 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 Avondale 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 Avondale?

Yes, Avondale is served by several quality schools including Kosciuszko Elementary School, 2732 N Avers Ave | Chopin Elementary School, 2440 W Rice St | Lake View High School, 4015 N Ashland Ave. When moving to Avondale 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 Avondale before moving?

Before moving to Avondale, spend time walking the streets at different times of day, visit local coffee shops like Cafe Urbano, 3000 N California Ave | Coffee Lab & Roasters, 3926 N Lincoln Ave | Starbucks, 3233 W Belmont Ave, dine at neighborhood restaurants, and talk to residents. Check out Churchill Field Dog Park, 1825 N Damen 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.