Moving to Dunning, Chicago: Your Complete 2025 Guide

Dunning occupies Chicago’s Northwest Side near O’Hare International Airport offering residential streets of bungalows and single-family homes in a neighborhood with suburban character. Named for the former Chicago State Hospital site, residential development attracted homeowners seeking affordable housing near the city limits. Today Dunning features predominantly well-maintained bungalows and two-flats where homeownership rates remain relatively high.


The neighborhood’s proximity to O’Hare makes it attractive to airport employees while highway access appeals to suburban commuters. Dunning appeals to working-class families seeking affordable homeownership, longtime residents, and those wanting residential character with city conveniences and suburban access. The neighborhood maintains stability through high homeownership, well-kept properties, and lower crime rates compared to many Chicago areas. The Blue Line provides downtown access while major highways offer quick connections to suburbs.

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

🎓 Schools & Education

Families moving to Dunning have access to quality educational options:

Schorsch Elementary School, 4510 N Mobile Ave | Disney Magnet School, 4140 N Marine Dr | 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 Dunning coffee shops:

Brew Brew Coffee, 4727 W Irving Park Rd | The Grind Cafe, 5050 W Irving Park Rd | Dunkin, 5201 W Irving Park Rd

🍽️ Top Restaurants

Discover the diverse dining scene in Dunning:

Smoque BBQ, 3800 N Pulaski Rd | Gene & Jude’s, 2720 N River Rd | Chief O’Neill’s Pub, 3471 N Elston Ave

🍺 Bars & Nightlife

Experience Dunning’s vibrant nightlife at these popular spots:

Chief O’Neill’s Pub, 3471 N Elston Ave | Jefferson Park Pub, 4914 N Milwaukee Ave | Vaughan’s Pub, 5485 N Northwest Hwy

🐕 Dog Parks & Pet-Friendly Spaces

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

Riis Park Dog Area, 6100 W Fullerton Ave

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

💪 Gyms & Fitness Centers

Stay active at these Dunning fitness facilities:

LA Fitness Dunning, Anytime Fitness, Planet Fitness

🚗 Parking & Street Access in Dunning

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

• Parking Permits: Most Dunning 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: Dunning 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 Dunning.

🏢 Building Requirements in Dunning

Common building and condo requirements when moving to Dunning:

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

💡 Pro Tips for Moving to Dunning

• Communicate with Dunning 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 Dunning for safety and parking considerations

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

The average cost for a Dunning move ranges from $550-800, 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 Dunning 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 Dunning?

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

When is the best time to move to Dunning?

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

Is Dunning a safe neighborhood?

Moderate – Suburban feel, lower 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 Dunning.

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

Do Dunning buildings require insurance from movers?

Yes, most Dunning 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 Dunning 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 Dunning?

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

When choosing movers for Dunning, 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 Dunning 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 Dunning?

Yes, Dunning is served by several quality schools including Schorsch Elementary School, 4510 N Mobile Ave | Disney Magnet School, 4140 N Marine Dr | Schurz High School, 3601 N Milwaukee Ave. When moving to Dunning 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 Dunning before moving?

Before moving to Dunning, spend time walking the streets at different times of day, visit local coffee shops like Brew Brew Coffee, 4727 W Irving Park Rd | The Grind Cafe, 5050 W Irving Park Rd | Dunkin, 5201 W Irving Park Rd, dine at neighborhood restaurants, and talk to residents. Check out Riis Park Dog Area, 6100 W Fullerton 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.