Chicago Bungalows

Chicago Bungalows are a distinctive type of Chicago real estate that not only characterize an entire genre of housing stock but define an era of Chicago history.

Looking to buy or sell a Chicago Bungalow? Find bungalows for sale with our specialized search, which focuses on neighborhoods in the city's famous Bungalow Belt. If you're an owner who wants to sell, list your home with us to reach the largest group of potential buyers ? including those specifically looking for Chicago Bungalows for sale.

What is a Chicago Bungalow?

Bungalow is an architectural term used to describe a residential style that was popular during the first half of the 20th Century. Typically, these homes have one and a half stories, low-pitched roofs and efficient floor plans (where rooms connect directly off the main living space with no hallways). There are several different types of bungalows ? the Cape Cod Bungalow, Craftsman Bungalow, California Bungalow and the classic Chicago Bungalow.

The Chicago Bungalow is identified by its sturdy brick construction, ornate stonework, leaded-glass windows and semi-enclosed front veranda. Unlike most other bungalow designs, the roofline of a Chicago Bungalow is perpendicular to the street so that the gable faces front. Usually, there is a small private yard and a detached garage with access from the rear alley.

Chicago has over 80,000 bungalows, the majority of which were built between 1910 and 1940. There was a huge demand for affordable housing during this time period as workers and their families flocked to the city for jobs in manufacturing and industrial labor. As a result, residential development pushed out from the city center creating a band of bungalow construction in Chicago's outlying neighborhoods, which is now known as the Bungalow Belt.

Chicago Bungalow Owners

Do you own a Chicago Bungalow? Then, you may be eligible for tax benefits, free workshops and financial assistance for preservation projects through the Historic Chicago Bungalow Initiative. The initiative is a joint effort by the city and the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association (HCBA). It offers monthly How-To seminars and grant programs for the restoration of Chicago Bungalows. The Energy$avers grant provides money for the incorporation of "green" home improvements and the Member Incentive Program gets you discounts on services and products to rehab, repair or renovate your Chicago Bungalow.

The HCBA also hosts an annual Chicago Bungalow and Green Home Expo. This is an excellent opportunity for new and long-time Chicago Bungalow owners to learn about restoration solutions and energy-efficient home improvements for their historic Chicago properties.