Moving to Englewood, Chicago: Your Complete 2025 Guide

Englewood has faced devastating population loss and economic challenges but maintains determined community organizations, engaged residents, and initiatives working toward neighborhood revival. Once a thriving commercial and residential area, Englewood has experienced decades of disinvestment leaving numerous vacant lots and abandoned buildings. However, community organizations including Teamwork Englewood run ambitious programs focused on youth development, housing rehabilitation, and economic development working to create positive change despite significant obstacles.


The neighborhood’s commercial corridors, particularly along 63rd Street and Halsted, show both challenges and green shoots of revitalization with some new businesses and community-focused development. Residential streets include both blocks with maintained homes and engaged residents alongside areas with significant vacancies requiring stabilization. The Green Line provides transit access while major institutions including Kennedy-King College anchor community services. Despite facing perhaps the city’s most significant challenges, Englewood demonstrates resilience through community organizations, engaged residents, and initiatives that refuse to give up on the neighborhood requiring sustained investment and supportive policies.

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

🎓 Schools & Education

Families moving to Englewood have access to quality educational options:

Sherman Elementary School, 1000 W 52nd St | Harvard Elementary School, 7525 S Harvard Ave | Englewood STEM High School, 6201 S Stewart Ave

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

☕ Best Coffee Shops

Start your mornings at these excellent Englewood coffee shops:

The Grind Cafe, 6201 S Halsted St | Community Grounds Coffee, 815 W 63rd St | Dunkin, 6301 S Halsted St

🍽️ Top Restaurants

Discover the diverse dining scene in Englewood:

Pearl’s Place, 3901 S Michigan Ave | Lem’s BBQ, 311 E 75th St | MacArthur’s Restaurant, 5412 S Harper Ave

🍺 Bars & Nightlife

Experience Englewood’s vibrant nightlife at these popular spots:

Kusanya Cafe, 825 E 63rd St | The Promontory, 5311 S Lake Park Ave | Woodlawn Tap, 1172 E 55th St

🐕 Dog Parks & Pet-Friendly Spaces

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

Hamilton Park Dog Area, 513 W 72nd St

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

💪 Gyms & Fitness Centers

Stay active at these Englewood fitness facilities:

LA Fitness, Planet Fitness, Anytime Fitness

🚗 Parking & Street Access in Englewood

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

• Parking Permits: Most Englewood 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: Englewood 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 Englewood.

🏢 Building Requirements in Englewood

Common building and condo requirements when moving to Englewood:

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

💡 Pro Tips for Moving to Englewood

• Communicate with Englewood 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 Englewood for safety and parking considerations

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

The average cost for a Englewood move ranges from $500-650, 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 Englewood 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 Englewood?

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

When is the best time to move to Englewood?

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

Is Englewood a safe neighborhood?

Higher Crime – Highest crime rates in Chicago, major safety concerns. 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 Englewood.

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

Do Englewood buildings require insurance from movers?

Yes, most Englewood 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 Englewood 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 Englewood?

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

When choosing movers for Englewood, 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 Englewood 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 Englewood?

Yes, Englewood is served by several quality schools including Sherman Elementary School, 1000 W 52nd St | Harvard Elementary School, 7525 S Harvard Ave | Englewood STEM High School, 6201 S Stewart Ave. When moving to Englewood 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 Englewood before moving?

Before moving to Englewood, spend time walking the streets at different times of day, visit local coffee shops like The Grind Cafe, 6201 S Halsted St | Community Grounds Coffee, 815 W 63rd St | Dunkin, 6301 S Halsted St, dine at neighborhood restaurants, and talk to residents. Check out Hamilton Park Dog Area, 513 W 72nd St 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.