Moving to Ashburn, Chicago: Your Complete 2025 Guide

Ashburn spans one of Chicago’s largest Southwest Side neighborhoods by area encompassing vast territory of residential streets featuring predominantly bungalows and single-family homes. The neighborhood developed primarily during the bungalow boom era attracting working-class and middle-class families seeking homeownership in well-built single-family homes. Today Ashburn maintains relatively high homeownership rates and residential stability compared to many Chicago neighborhoods with multi-generational families remaining in homes purchased decades ago.


The neighborhood has a diverse population including white, Hispanic, and African-American residents with commercial corridors along major streets providing neighborhood services. Several parks including Ashburn Park and Kennedy Park provide recreation facilities and green space. The Orange Line extension serves some areas while bus routes provide transit access throughout. Ashburn appeals to working-class families seeking affordable homeownership, longtime residents maintaining neighborhood connections, and families drawn to residential character and relatively lower crime rates. While lacking character and amenities of more central neighborhoods, Ashburn offers quality housing stock and residential stability.

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

🎓 Schools & Education

Families moving to Ashburn have access to quality educational options:

Clissold Elementary School, 6730 S Chappel Ave | Shields Elementary School, 4250 S Ashland Ave | Kennedy High School, 6325 W 56th St

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

☕ Best Coffee Shops

Start your mornings at these excellent Ashburn coffee shops:

The Grind Cafe, 8201 S Halsted St | Sip & Savor Cafe, 8301 S Ashland Ave | Dunkin, 8301 S Cottage Grove Ave

🍽️ Top Restaurants

Discover the diverse dining scene in Ashburn:

The Original Rainbow Cone, 9233 S Western Ave | Uncle J’s BBQ, 8101 S Halsted St | Harold’s Chicken Shack, 8450 S Vincennes Ave

🍺 Bars & Nightlife

Experience Ashburn’s vibrant nightlife at these popular spots:

Original Rainbow Cone, 9233 S Western Ave | Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W 111th St | Cork & Kerry, 10614 S Western Ave

🐕 Dog Parks & Pet-Friendly Spaces

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

Marquette Park Dog Area, 6743 S Kedzie Ave

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

💪 Gyms & Fitness Centers

Stay active at these Ashburn fitness facilities:

LA Fitness Ashburn, Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness

🚗 Parking & Street Access in Ashburn

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

• Parking Permits: Most Ashburn 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: Ashburn 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 Ashburn.

🏢 Building Requirements in Ashburn

Common building and condo requirements when moving to Ashburn:

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

💡 Pro Tips for Moving to Ashburn

• Communicate with Ashburn 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 Ashburn for safety and parking considerations

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

The average cost for a Ashburn move ranges from $500-750, 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 Ashburn 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 Ashburn?

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

When is the best time to move to Ashburn?

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

Is Ashburn a safe neighborhood?

Moderate – Some crime issues. 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 Ashburn.

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

Do Ashburn buildings require insurance from movers?

Yes, most Ashburn 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 Ashburn 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 Ashburn?

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

When choosing movers for Ashburn, 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 Ashburn 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 Ashburn?

Yes, Ashburn is served by several quality schools including Clissold Elementary School, 6730 S Chappel Ave | Shields Elementary School, 4250 S Ashland Ave | Kennedy High School, 6325 W 56th St. When moving to Ashburn 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 Ashburn before moving?

Before moving to Ashburn, spend time walking the streets at different times of day, visit local coffee shops like The Grind Cafe, 8201 S Halsted St | Sip & Savor Cafe, 8301 S Ashland Ave | Dunkin, 8301 S Cottage Grove Ave, dine at neighborhood restaurants, and talk to residents. Check out Marquette Park Dog Area, 6743 S Kedzie 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.