Welcome to Clearing: Chicago’s Quiet, Practical, and Up-and-Coming Southwest Side Neighborhood

Tucked between bustling commercial corridors and residential stability, Clearing is a no-frills, hardworking neighborhood on Chicago’s Southwest Side that offers affordability, accessibility, and authenticity in the heart of the city. Bordered by 59th Street to the north, 67th Street to the south, Pulaski Road to the east, and Central Avenue to the west, Clearing sits just minutes from Midway Airport, the Stevenson Expressway, and major retail hubs — making it a smart, practical choice for families, commuters, and first-time homeowners.

Long overshadowed by its more well-known neighbors like Garfield Ridge and Chicago Lawn, Clearing has quietly remained a stable, working-class community where blue-collar values, homeowner pride, and neighborhood loyalty run deep. It’s a place where homes are mowed, cars are parked in driveways, and people know their neighbors by name.

Affordable Housing with Real Potential

Clearing offers some of the most affordable single-family homes in Chicago, featuring classic 1950s–60s-era brick bungalows, two-flats, and ranch-style houses — many with spacious backyards, garages, and room for renovation. With lower property taxes than many North and Northwest Side neighborhoods, it’s an ideal entry point for first-time buyers, investors, or those looking to build equity without breaking the bank.

While the architecture is modest, the value is strong. As nearby areas grow in price and demand, Clearing is gaining attention as a hidden gem for long-term ownership — not speculation, but real, sustainable living.

A Location Built for Convenience

Clearing’s central location is one of its biggest strengths:

  • 5 minutes from Midway International Airport — perfect for airline employees and frequent travelers

  • Direct access to the Stevenson Expressway (I-55) and Pulaski Road corridor

  • Served by the CTA #54A Pulaski and #8 Halsted bus routes

  • Close to big-box retailers like Walmart, Home Depot, and Target along Archer and Cicero Avenues

Whether you're commuting to the Loop, the Southwest Side, or the western suburbs, getting around is fast, easy, and car-friendly.

Green Space & Community Life

Though primarily residential, Clearing residents enjoy access to nearby parks and recreation:

  • Clearing Park features playgrounds, sports fields, a gym, and year-round programming for youth and seniors

  • Hoffman Park and Chicago Lawn Park are just a short ride away

  • And the South Branch Trail is within reach for biking and walking

The neighborhood also benefits from proximity to the cultural and commercial energy of Garfield Ridge, Archer Heights, and McKinley Park — all within a 10-minute drive.

A Neighborhood on the Mend

Clearing has faced challenges, including periods of disinvestment and vacant properties. But today, there’s a quiet resurgence underway:
✅ More home renovations and new construction
✅ Active block clubs focused on safety and beautification
✅ Growing interest from young families and city workers seeking value

Local organizations and city programs are supporting efforts to stabilize housing, improve streetscapes, and strengthen community pride — not through flashy redevelopment, but through steady, respectful progress.

No Glamour. No Hype. Just Real Chicago Living.

Clearing doesn’t have trendy cafes or Instagrammable murals.
It doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not.
But it delivers what many are searching for:
✔️ Affordable homeownership
✔️ A safe, quiet environment
✔️ Excellent location and access
✔️ A sense of belonging without pretense

This is Chicago living at its most practical — where your garage fits both cars, your lot is big enough for a garden, and your neighbors wave when you walk by.

 

Neigborhood Experts