West Suburbs, Cook County
Cicero, Chicago
A diverse, working-class town adjacent to Chicago
Cicero is an incorporated town immediately west of Chicago, known for its diversity, its working-class character, and its large Mexican-American community. As an independent town within Cook County, Cicero has its own government, schools, and services. The town combines residential neighborhoods with commercial corridors and has a rich history, including its connection to Al Capone and its role as a gateway community for immigrants. Cicero's mix of housing, diversity, and location makes it a practical Cook County community.
History & Local Character
Cicero was incorporated as a town in 1857 and grew as a residential and industrial community adjacent to Chicago. The town has a rich history, including its connection to organized crime during the Prohibition era, when Al Capone used Cicero as a base. In the late 20th century, Cicero became a center of Chicago's Mexican-American community, and the town has maintained its diverse, working-class character while growing as a residential community.
Neighborhoods & Communities
Cicero's neighborhoods are primarily residential, with single-family homes, two-flats, and apartments. The town has commercial corridors along Cermak Road, 26th Street, and Roosevelt Road. The 26th Street corridor is known for its Mexican restaurants, bakeries, and markets. The town is adjacent to the Austin neighborhood of Chicago and Berwyn.
Housing & Real Estate
Cicero offers affordable housing compared to many Cook County suburbs, with a mix of single-family homes, two-flats, and apartments. Prices are moderate, making the town popular with first-time buyers and families. The market is competitive, and the town's convenient location is a draw.
Restaurants & Shopping
Cicero's dining scene reflects its large Mexican-American community, with a range of Mexican restaurants, bakeries, and markets along 26th Street and Cermak Road. The town also offers American and international options. The 26th Street corridor is one of the best Mexican dining destinations in the Chicago area.
Schools & Education
Cicero is served by Cicero School District 99 and other districts, with J. Sterling Morton High School District 201 operating the high schools. The quality of schools varies by neighborhood. The town is near several community colleges for higher education.
Parks & Recreation
Cicero maintains several parks, including Cicero Community Park and Hawthorne Race Course. The town is near the Forest Preserves of Cook County. The town maintains recreation facilities and neighborhood parks.
Transportation & Accessibility
Cicero is well connected by public transit, with the CTA Blue Line and Pink Line serving the area, and Metra commuter rail stations nearby. The Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) and the Stevenson Expressway (I-55) are nearby for highway access. The town is convenient to downtown Chicago.
Local Businesses
Cicero's economy includes manufacturing, logistics, retail, and services, with a strong industrial base. The town supports a range of small businesses, including Mexican restaurants, retail shops, and professional services along the commercial corridors. The town's diverse population supports a range of international businesses.
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Nearby Attractions
- 26th Street Mexican dining corridor
- Cicero Community Park
- Hawthorne Race Course
- Cermak Road businesses
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Affordable housing close to downtown Chicago
- Diverse, working-class community
- Excellent Mexican dining on 26th Street
- CTA and Metra transit access
Considerations
- Some areas face urban challenges
- Crime rates are above the suburban average in some areas
- Industrial areas affect some neighborhoods
- School quality varies by neighborhood
Cicero FAQs
Is Cicero part of the City of Chicago?
No. Cicero is an independent, incorporated town within Cook County, with its own government, schools, and services. It is immediately west of Chicago.
Is Cicero known for Mexican food?
Yes. Cicero has a large Mexican-American community and the 26th Street corridor is known for its Mexican restaurants, bakeries, and markets, making it one of the best Mexican dining destinations in the Chicago area.
Can you take the train from Cicero to Chicago?
Yes. Cicero is served by the CTA Blue Line and Pink Line, and Metra commuter rail, connecting the town to downtown Chicago.