The North Center neighborhood of Roscoe Village is nestled between Belmont, Addison, Damen and Western Avenues. The area was initially settled primarily by Germans in the 19th century and underwent significant rebuilding after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. The community remains a quiet haven for families, blue-collar workers and urban professionals alike, who are drawn by its convenience and recently renovated residential areas.

Roscoe Village is known for its small-town feel and its collection of charming restaurants, ethnic businesses, shops and numerous antiques dealers. In fact, Roscoe Village’s “Antique Row” – a five-block stretch of Belmont that reaches from Damen to Western – boasts the largest concentration of antique shops in the entire Midwest.

Another well-known community in North Center is St. Bens, which stretches from Addison Avenue to Irving Park Road and from Damen Avenue to Western Avenue. Recognized as one of the finest neighborhoods in the city by Chicago Magazine, St. Bens is named for St. Benedict’s Church, which it surrounds. This heavily treed community boasts a variety of renovated homes, many of which retain their original features such as stained-glass windows, light fixtures and quality woodwork.

St. Bens is popular among families for a number of reasons. Located within walking distance of Wrigley Field, St. Bens is also close to shopping and transportation. The community is the proud home of the renowned Bell Elementary School, named for Alexander Graham Bell, who helped to plan the school. Another popular educational option is St. Benedict’s, which also functions as a private Catholic school.