Dog Walkers in The Villa

The Villa is a small but vibrant residential neighborhood founded in 1907 and located in Northwest Chicago. The region has been designated a historic landmark district and this tight-knit community boasts the longest running community association in Chicago. The association is very active, providing walking tours of the neighborhood to exhibit its architectural treasures, community beautification programs, and organizing community events at various times of the year. Most of the area is residential, however, Pulaski Road has many restaurants, shops, and services that residents can easily access on foot, making this a highly walkable community. 

If you venture out into The Villa on foot with your furry family member, be aware that you and your dog can be subject to 'The Windy City' weather which can be variable with cold temperatures and snow in the winter, rainy springs, and hot, humid summers. Be prepared for weather conditions and dress appropriately for the seasonal weather.

This historic neighborhood is shaped like a triangle with the Kennedy Expressway and railroad tracks making up the northeast border of the triangle. The area is flat and streets follow a straight grid pattern, making the neighborhood accessible to navigate and walk with your dog. This neighborhood was well planned to ensure it remained a quiet residential neighborhood and new buildings and growth must be compatible with the communities character. This distinctive community has an active community association who ensure that the historical integrity is preserved. There are maintained rubble stone planters on corners filled with colorful annuals. Streets resemble parkways with wide, grassy areas between sidewalks and streets, large shady trees, and properties that feature beautifully landscaped lawns and gardens. The architecture of residential homes in the region reflects Craftsman and Prairie home styles. Commercial areas on the west have busy streets and more traffic, so keep an eye out for vehicles in these areas.

Although this small neighborhood does not have a designated greenway or a developed park or natural area, it hardly needs one, as the entire neighborhood of The Villa is a greenway. Large trees, quiet streets with sidewalks, and grassy areas provide a greenway experience for residents walking their dogs right out their front door. Avondale Avenue which runs parallel to the train tracks and Kennedy Expressway has heavy vegetation separating it from the tracks that create a local greenway. If you want a more extended greenway experience, you can drive north to the LaBagh Woods and Gompers Park. The LaBagh Woods offers a forested natural area with trails, picnic sites, and plenty of local wildlife, while Gompers Park is a more developed 39-acre park with a pool, playground, roller hockey rink, and lagoon. Off-leash fun can be had by dogs after a short drive south to the Logan Square Dog Park which is an enclosed off-leash area.