Welcome to Dunning: Chicago’s Quiet Northwest Side Retreat with Suburban Feel and City Access

Tucked along the city’s far Northwest Side, Dunning is a peaceful, residential neighborhood that offers a rare blend of small-town calm and urban convenience. Bordered by Irving Park Road to the south, Montrose Avenue to the north, Narragansett Avenue to the east, and the Des Plaines River to the west, Dunning sits just minutes from O’Hare International Airport, the bustling retail corridors of Harlem Avenue, and downtown Chicago — making it one of the city’s most practical and underrated places to call home.

Once a remote township known for the Chicago State Hospital (now the site of the Chicago-Read Mental Health Center), Dunning has evolved into a stable, family-friendly community prized for its low crime, tree-lined streets, and spacious homes. Today, it’s a haven for city workers, first responders, healthcare professionals, and families seeking affordability, privacy, and a slower pace of life — without leaving Chicago’s limits.

Spacious Homes, Smart Value

Dunning is a standout for its generous lot sizes and housing variety — uncommon for a city neighborhood. You’ll find:

• Classic brick bungalows with updated interiors

• Ranch-style homes with attached garages

• Two-flats and split-levels on deep, landscaped lots

• And newer infill construction offering modern design

With lower property taxes than many comparable areas and steady appreciation, Dunning is an excellent choice for first-time buyers, investors, and downsizers looking for space and value in a safe, established community.

Green Space & Outdoor Living

Nature is never far in Dunning. The Des Plaines River Trail runs along the neighborhood’s western edge, offering scenic paths for biking, walking, and birdwatching — perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Nearby, Horner Park and Pulaski Park provide playgrounds, sports fields, dog-friendly areas, and seasonal programming, while Busse Woods and the Forest Preserves of Cook County are just a short drive away for hiking, fishing, and picnics.

Residents also enjoy easy access to Interstate 190 and I-90 (the Kennedy Expressway), making weekend getaways or commutes to O’Hare a breeze.

Connected Without the Chaos

Despite its quiet, almost suburban feel, Dunning is well-connected:

• Served by the CTA #80 Irving Park and #54A Pulaski bus routes

• Just blocks from the Blue Line at Jefferson Park (a 20-minute ride to the Loop)

• Minutes from O’Hare Airport and major employment hubs

Whether you're flying for work, commuting downtown, or running errands along Harlem or Irving Park, everything is within easy reach.

A Community of Stability and Pride

Dunning has long been a neighborhood of working-class pride and stability. It’s home to many city employees, nurses, teachers, and public safety professionals who value safety, cleanliness, and neighborly respect. Block clubs, local schools, and faith-based organizations help maintain a strong sense of community — one where front lawns are kept tidy, holiday lights go up on time, and people look out for each other.

While the commercial heart of the neighborhood is modest — anchored by small plazas along Irving Park and Narragansett — residents are just minutes from big-box stores, grocery chains, and dining options in Jefferson Park and Norwood Park.

No Frills. No Noise. Just Home.

Dunning doesn’t chase trends.
It doesn’t have craft breweries or pop-up markets.
But it delivers what many are searching for:
✅ Affordable, spacious housing
✅ Low crime and quiet streets
✅ Excellent location and access
✅ A true sense of peace and belonging

This is Chicago living at its most grounded — where you can park both cars in the driveway, hear the birds in the morning, and still be downtown in under 30 minutes.

Neigborhood Experts