Frequently Asked Questions about Belmont Cragin
What is it like to live in Belmont Cragin, Chicago, IL?
Belmont Cragin is a predominantly residential, working-class neighborhood on Chicago’s Northwest Side with a large Hispanic/Latino population and a housing mix of brick bungalows, two-flats, and newer infill construction. Residents have access to local commercial corridors along Belmont and Cicero Avenues, CTA bus service, nearby Metra access, multiple neighborhood parks, and schools in the Chicago Public Schools system. Housing is generally more affordable than many central Chicago neighborhoods, and safety and services vary by block, with some areas reporting higher crime rates than the citywide average.
Is Belmont Cragin, Chicago, IL expensive?
Belmont Cragin on Chicago’s Northwest Side is generally more affordable than the citywide average. Housing is primarily single-family homes and multi-unit buildings, with median home prices and rents typically below Chicago’s median and lower than downtown and many North Side neighborhoods. Overall cost of living for housing and basic expenses is moderate compared with more central or affluent Chicago neighborhoods.
What is the weather of Belmont Cragin, Chicago, IL?
Belmont Cragin has a humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Average January highs are near 27°F (−3°C) with lows around 13°F (−11°C), while July highs average about 84°F (29°C) with lows near 65°F (18°C); annual precipitation is roughly 36 inches and annual snowfall about 35–40 inches. Seasonal hazards include summer thunderstorms (occasionally severe) and winter snow/ice storms, and being roughly 8–10 miles from Lake Michigan offers some but limited lake moderation.
How safe is Belmont Cragin, Chicago, IL?
Belmont Cragin records higher-than-city-average rates of reported violent and property crime compared with Chicago overall, according to Chicago Police Department data. Crime levels have fluctuated year to year with some localized decreases, but residents and businesses report persistent safety concerns in certain commercial corridors and near transit hubs. For the most current, block-level information, consult Chicago Police District 16 reports or local crime-mapping tools.
What to know about Belmont Cragin demographics:
