5 Common Home Styles You’ll Find in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, IL

Chicago is a city rich in history, culture, and architectural diversity. Its neighborhoods are home to a variety of unique house styles, each with its own charm and appeal. Whether you’re a prospective homeowner, a real estate investor, or simply someone interested in design, understanding Chicago’s distinct home styles provides insight into the city’s architectural heritage and the lifestyle each home type offers.

This guide explores five of the most common home styles in Chicago, Illinois, highlighting what makes each one special and how they cater to different tastes and lifestyles.

1. Chicago Bungalows

One of the city’s most iconic home styles, the Chicago Bungalow is synonymous with residential life in Chicago. Built primarily between 1910 and 1940, these homes were designed to be affordable, durable, and ideal for middle-class families. Known for their solid brick construction in warm tones like red and brown, these charming properties are built to withstand harsh winters. With low-pitched roofs, wide front porches, and full basements for extra space, Chicago bungalows offer a cozy yet practical design. Perfect for families or those seeking a classic single-family home, they’re also great investment properties due to their timeless appeal and sturdy build.

2. Greystones

Greystones exude elegance and permanence, with their distinctive gray limestone facades, rectangular layouts, and tall bay windows that flood interiors with natural light. Built between 1890 and 1930 on Chicago’s North and West sides, these historic homes hold a cherished place in the city’s architectural identity. Some were designed as two-flat buildings, allowing owners to live in one unit while renting out the other. Perfect for buyers who appreciate historic charm and intricate details like crown molding and pocket doors, Greystones in Chicago combine timeless style with functionality.

3. Victorian Homes

Victorian homes in Chicago, found in historic neighborhoods like Logan Square and Old Town, showcase the opulence of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Known for their intricate detailing, these homes feature ornamental woodwork, stained glass windows, steeply pitched roofs, and large bay windows. Spacious layouts with formal dining rooms and parlor spaces enhance their grandeur. Perfect for those who appreciate historic charm and vintage architecture, Victorian homes offer a chic-meets-classic vibe that’s ideal for lovers of timeless design.

4. Two-Flats

Two-flats are one of Chicago’s most practical and versatile home styles, popular among both residents and investors. These buildings typically feature two separate units, each with its own kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms, often stacked one above the other. Built with durable brick or frame construction, they’re a staple in many neighborhoods. Front and rear staircases ensure accessibility, while the second unit provides an opportunity for steady rental income. Ideal for investors or multigenerational families, two-flats combine functionality and financial potential, making them a smart choice in Chicago’s housing market.

5. Modern New Builds

Many Chicago neighborhoods are seeing a rise in modern new construction homes that blend sleek, minimalist design with energy-efficient materials and smart-home technology. These properties feature clean lines, open floor plans, oversized windows, and eco-friendly elements like solar panels and smart thermostats. Buyers often have the option to customize layouts and finishes, while luxurious amenities such as chef’s kitchens and rooftop decks cater to modern lifestyles. Perfect for families seeking space or professionals looking for convenience and cutting-edge design, new construction homes in Chicago offer comfort and innovation in equal measure.