Stable. Simple. Community. These are the words most commonly used to describe the Chicago neighborhood of Avondale on the city's northwestern side. Home to a culturally diverse blend of around 43,000 people, Avondale is comprised largely of simple-but-stable frame houses (some of which were built as many as 100 years ago) and residents from many corners of the world, with a significant Polish population.

Avondale has a reputation for being a tightly-knit and tolerant community, with convienient access to transportation and a widely varied range of businesses and shops, from large national chains to singular "mom-and-pop" establishments.

Avondale is enjoying a moderate amount of growth and "new blood" as residents from the trendier (and, as a result, more expensive) Chicago neighborhoods look for less expensive options, while still staying in the same general area of the city, in a neighborhood they can enjoy.

A popular destination in Avondale is the Abbey Pub (3420 West Grace Street) offering live music, great pub food, and imported beers.

CTA bus service is available along Addison, Belmont, Diversey and Pulaski.