Welcome to Mayfair: Chicago’s Quiet Northwest Side Haven of Suburban Comfort and City Convenience

Tucked between the bustling neighborhoods of Jefferson Park, Portage Park, and Dunning, Mayfair is a peaceful, family-oriented enclave on Chicago’s Northwest Side that offers the perfect balance of tranquility, affordability, and accessibility. Bounded by Irving Park Road to the south, Montrose Avenue to the north, Narragansett Avenue to the east, and Central Avenue to the west, Mayfair feels more like a quiet suburb than a city neighborhood — yet remains proudly within Chicago’s limits.

Known for its low crime, tree-lined streets, and strong sense of community, Mayfair is a haven for families, city workers, first-time homebuyers, and retirees who value safety, space, and a slower pace of life — without sacrificing access to downtown, transit, or major highways.

🏡 Spacious Homes, Smart Value

Mayfair stands out for its generous lot sizes and housing diversity — a rare find in the city. You’ll find:

  • Classic 1920s–1960s-era brick bungalows with updated interiors

  • Ranch-style homes with attached garages and spacious backyards

  • Two-flats, split-levels, and courtyard buildings

  • Many homes with driveways or two-car garages — a luxury in much of Chicago

With lower property taxes than many North Side neighborhoods and home prices that remain accessible, Mayfair is an ideal entry point for first-time buyers, investors, and downsizers seeking long-term stability and equity.

It’s a neighborhood where homes are passed down through generations — a testament to pride in ownership and lasting roots.

🌳 Green Space & Outdoor Living

Residents enjoy access to beautiful parks and nature:

  • Pulaski Park – just to the east, featuring a historic fieldhouse, gym, indoor pool, playgrounds, and seasonal programs

  • Horner Park – a short ride away, with tennis courts, baseball fields, and walking paths

  • The North Branch Trail nearby — perfect for biking to Lincoln Park or the Chicago Riverwalk

  • Busse Woods and the Des Plaines River Trail just minutes west — offering hiking, fishing, and picnicking in a forest preserve setting

This blend of urban access and natural escape makes Mayfair ideal for outdoor lovers and families alike.

🚇 Connected Without the Chaos

Despite its serene feel, Mayfair is surprisingly well-connected:

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

  • Minutes from the Blue Line at Jefferson Park (a 25-minute ride to the Loop)

  • Easy access to I-90 (the Kennedy Expressway) and O’Hare International Airport

You’re just:
📍 20 minutes from downtown
📍 10 minutes from Wicker Park
📍 15 minutes from O’Hare Airport

Whether you're commuting to work, flying for business, or running errands, getting around is fast and easy.

🛍️ Local Life: Practical, Peaceful, and Neighborly

While Mayfair is primarily residential, daily life is supported by nearby shopping and dining:

  • Irving Park Road and Harlem Avenue offer grocery stores, pharmacies, big-box retailers, and diverse restaurants

  • Devon Avenue is just minutes away — home to one of Chicago’s most vibrant South Asian and Eastern European commercial corridors

The neighborhood itself is quiet and clean, with corner stores, coffee shops, and neighborhood diners that serve daily needs without the noise or congestion.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A Diverse, Family-Friendly Community

Mayfair is proudly culturally diverse, with strong Polish, African American, Latino, Eastern European, and Asian communities contributing to its inclusive, family-centered vibe. The neighborhood has a long tradition of public safety, civic pride, and neighborly respect — where kids play outside, lawns are well-kept, and holiday lights go up on time.

Schools like Mayfair Elementary and Taft High School are well-regarded, and youth sports leagues, scouting troops, and block clubs help keep families engaged.

🏘️ No Frills. No Fuss. Just Real Chicago Living.

Mayfair doesn’t have trendy rooftop bars or viral restaurants.
It doesn’t need them.

This is a place for those who value:
Affordable, spacious housing
A safe, quiet environment
Excellent schools and transit
A true sense of belonging

It’s the kind of neighborhood where you can raise a family, grow a garden, and still be downtown in under 30 minutes.

 

Neigborhood Experts