This northwest side neighborhood is known for its diverse architecture and is surrounded by several parks –Hasin, Riis, Blackhawk and Kelvyn Park to name a few. Median home prices run about $250,000. The neighborhood is mostly middle-class and family-oriented. In fact, several families have moved in since the 1990’s, being attracted to the great neighborhood schools, and the population under age six has risen greatly since 2000. Italians, Germans and Greeks originally called Craigin home and lately there is a large Hispanic and Polish population.

The neighborhood’s namesake, Craigin Park, was originally built in 1927 and a playground, tennis courts and field house were added throughout the decades. Riis Park is named after Jacob Riis, a photojournalist who is credited with documenting the urban poor. It boasts tennis and basketball courts, ball fields, trails, a field house and open grass. Blackhawk Park was created a decade before Craigin Park and was named after a Black Hawk, a Native American chief. He led a valiant effort to retake lands his tribe was forced to surrender and while not successful, is still remembered as a brave leader. The park features tennis courts, swimming, trails, ball fields and a field house.