Brainerd Neighborhood Guide Chicago, IL
About
Brainerd is a welcoming community located on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. The neighborhood is nestled just south of the major thoroughfare of 91st Street, and a few blocks east of the Greater Grand Crossing. It’s best known for Brainerd Park, a popular local hangout that features a playground, baseball fields, and a fieldhouse. The Dan Ryan Expressway (I-94) offers convenient access to downtown Chicago and other parts of the city.
What You Will Love About Brainerd, Chicago, Illinois
- Residents often praise Brainerd for its strong sense of community and diverse architecture, ranging from historic bungalows to modern townhomes.
- The proximity to Brainerd Park, a popular spot for outdoor activities and community events, is a big plus.
- The neighborhood is also serviced by the Metra Rock Island District, offering convenient public transportation to downtown Chicago.
What’s Nearby
Brainerd is near the Auburn Gresham and Washington Heights neighborhoods, offering a wide variety of restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. The nearby Dan Ryan Expressway provides easy access to downtown Chicago where the Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, and countless museums await exploration.
Lifestyle
Life in Brainerd tends to be friendly and community-focused, with many residents knowing their neighbors and becoming involved in local events. The neighborhood offers a good mix of suburban peace and city convenience, with ample parks for outdoor activities and a short commute to the bustling downtown area.
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See best properties in this area
Explore the Neighborhood
There are 123 restaurants, 32 grocery stores, and 16 parks within a mile of the Brainerd neighborhood.
George's Food & LiquorRetail, Food and Beverage Retail, Grocery Store, Liquor Store
•0.5 miles
1438 W 95th St
- Stumpy's Grocery & Deli
Retail, Food and Beverage Retail, Gourmet Store, Grocery Store
•0.7 miles
9001 S Ashland Ave
- Jewel-Osco
Retail, Food and Beverage Retail, Grocery Store
•0.7 miles
9400 S Ashland Ave
- Five Star Certified
Retail, Food and Beverage Retail, Grocery Store
•0.7 miles
935 W 87th St
- Pete's Produce Loomis
Retail, Food and Beverage Retail, Fruit and Vegetable Store, Grocery Store
•0.8 miles
1411 W 87th St
- Divine Healing Herbs
Retail, Food and Beverage Retail, Fruit and Vegetable Store, Grocery Store, Herbs and Spices Store
•0.9 miles
1621 W 87th St
- George's Food & Liquor
Retail, Food and Beverage Retail, Grocery Store, Liquor Store
•0.5 miles
1438 W 95th St
- Sutton Liquor
Retail, Food and Beverage Retail, Liquor Store
•0.6 miles
9041 S Ashland Ave
- Stumpy's Grocery & Deli
Retail, Food and Beverage Retail, Gourmet Store, Grocery Store
•0.7 miles
9001 S Ashland Ave
- Jewel-Osco
Retail, Food and Beverage Retail, Grocery Store
•0.7 miles
9400 S Ashland Ave
- Five Star Certified
Retail, Food and Beverage Retail, Grocery Store
•0.7 miles
935 W 87th St
- Buy Low Food & Liquors
Retail, Food and Beverage Retail, Liquor Store
•0.7 miles
849 W 87th St
Mr. Pat's Hoagy & Steak SandwichDining and Drinking, Restaurant, Sandwich Spot
•0.3 miles
1122 W 95th St
- Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
Dining and Drinking, Restaurant, Fried Chicken Joint, Fast Food Restaurant
•0.4 miles
9516 S Vincennes Ave
- Poppin Dough
Dining and Drinking, Bakery, Cafe, Coffee, and Tea House, Café, Restaurant, Fast Food Restaurant
•0.4 miles
1235 W 95th St
- SImply Southern Soul Food
Dining and Drinking, Restaurant, Sandwich Spot, Southern Food Restaurant
•0.4 miles
1308 W 95th St
- Vickys Cafe
Dining and Drinking, Restaurant, Burger Joint, Sandwich Spot
•0.4 miles
1308 W 95th St
- J & J Fish
Dining and Drinking, Restaurant, Fried Chicken Joint, Seafood Restaurant
•0.4 miles
1308 W 95th St
Hawkins' ServicesRetail, Garden Center
•0.3 miles
1200 W 95th St
- Family Dollar Store
Retail, Discount Store
•0.4 miles
1221 W 95th St
- Halsted True Value Hardware
Retail, Hardware Store
•0.4 miles
9323 S Halsted St
- Dollar Tree
Retail, Discount Store
•0.6 miles
9341 S Ashland Ave
- Unique Thrift Store
Retail, Vintage and Thrift Store
•0.6 miles
9341 S Ashland Ave
- Dollar General
Retail, Discount Store
•0.6 miles
9244 S Ashland Ave
Brainerd ParkLandmarks and Outdoors, Park
•0.2 miles
1246 W 92nd St
Oakdale ParkCommunity and Government, Government Building, Government Department, Landmarks and Outdoors, Park
•0.4 miles
965 W 95th St
- Robichaux Park
Landmarks and Outdoors, Park, Playground
•0.9 miles
9247 S Eggleston Ave
- Cosme Park
Landmarks and Outdoors, Park
•0.9 miles
9201 S Longwood Dr
- Ridge Park Wetlands Passive Park
Landmarks and Outdoors, Park
•0.9 miles
9516 South Wood Street
- Euclid Park
Landmarks and Outdoors, Park, Playground
•1.0 mile
9800 S Parnell Ave
Legacy Art GalleryArts and Entertainment, Art Gallery
•0.6 miles
9212 S Justine St
The Reign Room ChicagoArts and Entertainment, Sports and Recreation, Gym and Studio, Dance Studio
•1.0 mile
1828 W 95th St
- John H Vanderpoel Art Association
Arts and Entertainment, Museum, Art Museum
•1.0 mile
9625 S Longwood Dr
- Studio One Dance Conservatory
Arts and Entertainment
•1.0 mile
1849 W 95th St
- Lemelle's Luxury Lounge
Arts and Entertainment, Dining and Drinking, Bar, Lounge, Restaurant
•1.1 miles
1801 W 87th St
- Andre's Sports Bar
Arts and Entertainment, Dining and Drinking, Bar, Sports Bar, Restaurant
•1.1 miles
1801 W 87th St
Cutting UpBusiness and Professional Services, Health and Beauty Service, Barbershop
•0.1 miles
9234 S Vincennes Ave
- Kids Are First
Business and Professional Services, Child Care Service
•0.3 miles
9040 S Vincennes Ave
- Fatima African Hair Braiding
Business and Professional Services, Health and Beauty Service, Barbershop
•0.4 miles
1127 W 95th St
- It's Time Barber Shop
Business and Professional Services, Health and Beauty Service, Barbershop
•0.4 miles
1235 W 95th St
- Pretty Ladies African Hair Braiding and Weaving
Business and Professional Services, Health and Beauty Service, Hair Salon
•0.4 miles
9304 S Halsted St
- Iridescent Salon
Business and Professional Services, Health and Beauty Service
•0.4 miles
9308 S Halsted St
- Rhythms Within U Dance and Fitness
Sports and Recreation, Gym and Studio, Dance Studio
•0.9 miles
8530 S Racine Ave
- Soultry Fuzion
Sports and Recreation, Gym and Studio, Dance Studio
•0.9 miles
1751 W 95th Pl
Skydiving In ChicagoSports and Recreation, Skydiving Center
•0.9 miles
1803 W 95th St
Cardio Workout WorldSports and Recreation, Recreation Center
•1.0 mile
1828 W 95th St
- The Reign Room Chicago
Arts and Entertainment, Sports and Recreation, Gym and Studio, Dance Studio
•1.0 mile
1828 W 95th St
- Beverly Martial Arts
Sports and Recreation, Martial Arts Dojo
•1.0 mile
1828 W 95th St
Gil's Tieke LoungeDining and Drinking, Bar, Cocktail Bar
•0.6 miles
9151 S Ashland Ave
- C & B Entertainment
Dining and Drinking, Bar, Restaurant, BBQ Joint, Mexican Restaurant
•0.6 miles
9100 S Ashland Ave
- Mildred's Playhouse Lounge
Dining and Drinking, Bar, Cocktail Bar, Lounge
•0.7 miles
905 W 87th St
- 19th Hole Liquor Lounge
Dining and Drinking, Bar, Restaurant
•0.7 miles
9705 S Halsted St
- The Golden Girls Lounge
Dining and Drinking, Bar, Cocktail Bar, Restaurant
•0.7 miles
1340 W 87th St
- Borum's Lounge
Dining and Drinking, Bar, Cocktail Bar, Lounge, Restaurant
•0.8 miles
8858 S Ashland Ave
- Magnet Preschool & Kindergarten
Community and Government, Education, Preschool
•0.6 miles
9528 S Halsted St
- Brainerd Public Library
Community and Government, Library
•0.6 miles
1350 W 89th St
- Chicago Public Library Woodson Regional
Community and Government, Library
•0.6 miles
9525 S Halsted St
- Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection
Community and Government, Library
•0.6 miles
9525 S Halsted St
- Southwest Montessori Preschool Academy
Business and Professional Services, Child Care Service, Community and Government, Education, Preschool
•0.8 miles
8620 S Racine Ave
- Learn Together Grow Together
Business and Professional Services, Child Care Service, Community and Government, Education, Preschool
•0.8 miles
1126 W 99th St
Healthcare Clinic at Select WalgreensHealth and Medicine, Urgent Care Center
•0.7 miles
1633 W 95th St
- Chicago Badge Company
Community and Government, Government Building, Law Enforcement and Public Safety
•1.3 miles
9851 S Winchester Ave
- Engine 129 Truck 50 Ambulance 30
Community and Government, Government Building, Law Enforcement and Public Safety, Fire Station, Health and Medicine, Emergency Service
•1.5 miles
8120 S Ashland Ave
Brainerd Apartments and Rentals
22 Rental properties in Brainerd, Chicago, IL.
Cost of Living
| Category | Compare to State Avg. | Compare to National Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| housing | 21.6% | 39.2% |
| utilities | 0.8% | 8.9% |
| food | 2.2% | 3.4% |
| transportation | 1% | 5.8% |
| healthcare | 4.8% | 7.3% |
Brainerd Demographics
Brainerd Reviews
Noise Late At Night
No
Say 5 of 5 renters
Busy Streets
No
Say 4 of 5 renters
Area Has Litter
No
Say 4 of 5 renters
Area Has Potholes
No
Say 4 of 5 renters
Good Place To Raise A Family
Yes
Say 3 of 5 renters
Area Has Kids Play Outside
No
Say 3 of 5 renters
Brainerd Transportation
Very Walkable
Bikeable
Good Transit
Metra
Train Stop
8901 S Loomis St
Brainerd Station
Train Stop
8901 S Loomis St
GoCredit.me - 95th & Halsted
Other
9500 S Halsted St
Source: foursquare.com
Metra
Train Stop
8901 S Loomis St
Brainerd Station
Train Stop
8901 S Loomis St
Metra Brainerd Station
Train Stop
8901 S Loomis St
Source: foursquare.com
GoCredit.me - 95th & Halsted
Other
9500 S Halsted St
Door To Door Transportation Service
Other
10249 S Halsted St
CTA Red Line 95th Street Station
Other
14 W 95th St
Source: foursquare.com
Brainerd Schools
- 5/10
Fort Dearborn Elementary School
Grades PK, K-8 • Public
- 6/10
Grades PK, K-8 • Public
- 2/10
Mahalia Jackson Elementary School
Grades PK, K-8 • Public
- NRNo Rating
Grades PK, K-8 • Private
- NRNo Rating
Oakdale Christian Academy And Child Care
Grades PK-8 • Private
- 3/10
Grades 3-12 • Charter
- 8/10
Grades K-2 • Charter
Neighborhoods Around Brainerd
| Neighborhood | StudioAvg Rent | Annual Change |
|---|---|---|
| Auburn GreshamNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $785 | -- |
| Far Southwest SideNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,350 | -- |
| BeverlyNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| ChathamNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $725 | -- |
| Far Southeast SideNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $705 | 17% |
| WoodlawnNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| Washington HeightsNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| Parkway GardensNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| RoselandNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,399 | -- |
| Greater Grand CrossingNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $780 | -- |
| EnglewoodNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| East ChathamNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $725 | -- |
| Park ManorNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $830 | -- |
| Chicago LawnNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $760 | -- |
| Morgan ParkNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,350 | -- |
| Marquette ParkNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $760 | -- |
| Mount GreenwoodNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| West WoodlawnNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| AshburnNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| West EnglewoodNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| West LawnNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,350 | -- |
| FernwoodNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| West PullmanNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| Woodlawn RidgeNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| Avalon ParkNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| Jackson Park HighlandsNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| Calumet HeightsNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| South DeeringNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| Neighborhood | 1 BedAvg Rent | Annual Change |
|---|---|---|
| Auburn GreshamNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $930 | -- |
| Far Southwest SideNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $930 | 45% |
| BeverlyNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,500 | -- |
| ChathamNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $885 | 7% |
| Far Southeast SideNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $882 | 22% |
| WoodlawnNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,055 | 7% |
| Washington HeightsNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $780 | -- |
| Parkway GardensNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| RoselandNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $925 | 7% |
| Greater Grand CrossingNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $855 | -- |
| EnglewoodNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $855 | -- |
| East ChathamNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $865 | -- |
| Park ManorNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $900 | -- |
| Chicago LawnNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $900 | -- |
| Morgan ParkNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,495 | -- |
| Marquette ParkNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $900 | -- |
| Mount GreenwoodNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| West WoodlawnNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,055 | -- |
| AshburnNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $2,454 | -- |
| West EnglewoodNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,005 | -- |
| West LawnNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| FernwoodNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| West PullmanNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $920 | -- |
| Woodlawn RidgeNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| Avalon ParkNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $845 | -- |
| Jackson Park HighlandsNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $950 | -- |
| Calumet HeightsNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| South DeeringNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| Neighborhood | 2 BedsAvg Rent | Annual Change |
|---|---|---|
| Auburn GreshamNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,020 | -- |
| Far Southwest SideNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,040 | -- |
| BeverlyNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $2,900 | -- |
| ChathamNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,035 | -- |
| Far Southeast SideNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,030 | 9% |
| WoodlawnNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,950 | -- |
| Washington HeightsNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,215 | -- |
| Parkway GardensNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| RoselandNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $995 | 45% |
| Greater Grand CrossingNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,050 | -- |
| EnglewoodNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $995 | -- |
| East ChathamNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,010 | -- |
| Park ManorNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,250 | -- |
| Chicago LawnNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,060 | -- |
| Morgan ParkNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,590 | -- |
| Marquette ParkNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,060 | -- |
| Mount GreenwoodNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| West WoodlawnNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,400 | -- |
| AshburnNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,590 | -- |
| West EnglewoodNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| West LawnNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,645 | -- |
| FernwoodNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| West PullmanNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,200 | 20% |
| Woodlawn RidgeNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| Avalon ParkNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| Jackson Park HighlandsNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,679 | -- |
| Calumet HeightsNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,085 | -- |
| South DeeringNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| Neighborhood | 3 BedsAvg Rent | Annual Change |
|---|---|---|
| Auburn GreshamNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,295 | -- |
| Far Southwest SideNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,455 | -- |
| BeverlyNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $3,150 | -- |
| ChathamNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,245 | 2% |
| Far Southeast SideNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,487 | 17% |
| WoodlawnNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $2,150 | 51% |
| Washington HeightsNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $15,775 | -- |
| Parkway GardensNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| RoselandNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| Greater Grand CrossingNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,190 | -- |
| EnglewoodNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,185 | -- |
| East ChathamNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,275 | 9% |
| Park ManorNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,225 | -- |
| Chicago LawnNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,165 | -- |
| Morgan ParkNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $2,016 | -- |
| Marquette ParkNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,165 | -- |
| Mount GreenwoodNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| West WoodlawnNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,900 | -- |
| AshburnNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| West EnglewoodNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,500 | -- |
| West LawnNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $2,100 | -- |
| FernwoodNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| West PullmanNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $2,500 | -- |
| Woodlawn RidgeNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| Avalon ParkNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| Jackson Park HighlandsNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $2,133 | -- |
| Calumet HeightsNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | -- | -- |
| South DeeringNeighborhood in Chicago, Illinois | $1,400 | -- |