After diving into the Zillow Home Value Index data, I’m amazed at the dramatic growth patterns across Illinois neighborhoods over the past decade. The transformation in certain communities has been nothing short of remarkable, with some areas seeing their home values more than triple since 2016.
What fascinates me most is how this growth isn’t confined to Chicago’s prestigious suburbs. Many historically overlooked neighborhoods are showing the strongest appreciation percentages, suggesting a significant shift in where investment dollars are flowing. The data reveals a pattern of revitalization spreading through communities that were previously undervalued.
I’ve identified the most impressive growth stories below, ranked from the 25th fastest-growing neighborhood to the absolute leader. The diversity in these markets—from urban neighborhoods to smaller town centers—paints a compelling picture of Illinois’ evolving real estate landscape.
25. Roseland
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 159.55%
- 2025: $125,669
- 2024: $115,127
- 2023: $120,217
- 2022: $121,813
- 2021: $105,267
- 2020: $86,569
- 2019: $79,687
- 2018: $70,565
- 2017: $56,851
- 2016: $48,418
Your investment dollars would have more than doubled in Roseland, making it a textbook example of an emerging market opportunity. The steady climb from $48K to $125K signals strong underlying demand and neighborhood revitalization efforts paying off. For buyers, this trend suggests getting in now could still yield solid returns as the neighborhood continues to develop. Situated on Chicago’s South Side, Roseland is gradually rebuilding its economic momentum.
24. Jeffery Manor
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 161.95%
- 2025: $90,362
- 2024: $83,961
- 2023: $85,210
- 2022: $90,290
- 2021: $73,553
- 2020: $62,836
- 2019: $57,511
- 2018: $48,335
- 2017: $37,675
- 2016: $34,495
With property values nearly tripling over nine years, Jeffery Manor represents a hidden gem for savvy investors seeking affordable entry points. The acceleration between 2020-2022 particularly stands out, suggesting pandemic-era shifts amplified existing growth potential. For sellers who purchased before 2020, your equity position has likely strengthened substantially, making this an opportune time to leverage your gains. This Southeast Chicago neighborhood offers value that continues to be recognized by the market.
23. Westown
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 171.97%
- 2025: $130,144
- 2024: $120,119
- 2023: $105,736
- 2022: $98,100
- 2021: $84,966
- 2020: $78,869
- 2019: $73,183
- 2018: $62,245
- 2017: $55,801
- 2016: $47,852
Your capital would have grown at an impressive 19% annually in Westown, outpacing most traditional investment vehicles by a significant margin. The consistent year-over-year growth without major corrections indicates sustainable market fundamentals rather than speculation. For prospective buyers, the trajectory suggests continued appreciation potential despite the already substantial gains. This vibrant neighborhood west of downtown Rockford combines affordability with promising growth prospects.
22. Pine Manor
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 173.30%
- 2025: $152,225
- 2024: $135,174
- 2023: $120,695
- 2022: $114,530
- 2021: $97,300
- 2020: $83,241
- 2019: $78,179
- 2018: $71,654
- 2017: $66,446
- 2016: $55,699
Pine Manor’s remarkable 173% appreciation demonstrates how midsize neighborhood investments can yield outsized returns in evolving markets. The steady climb from $55K to over $152K would have nearly tripled your initial investment while providing stable housing. Current sellers are in an enviable position, with valuations that have surged particularly in the last three years. Nestled in a developing corridor with improving amenities, Pine Manor continues to attract price-conscious buyers seeking growth potential.
21. Highland
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 177.83%
- 2025: $121,113
- 2024: $108,266
- 2023: $92,578
- 2022: $88,074
- 2021: $76,336
- 2020: $67,691
- 2019: $60,915
- 2018: $56,067
- 2017: $49,918
- 2016: $43,592
Highland’s impressive 177% value increase translates to approximately $77,500 in equity creation for early investors, a financial windfall by any measure. The acceleration in growth post-2021 indicates strengthening market fundamentals and potentially improved neighborhood conditions. For buyers considering entry now, the most recent annual gains suggest momentum hasn’t peaked despite the substantial historical appreciation. This community north of Chicago offers an attractive combination of accessibility and growth potential.
20. Rolling Dale
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 178.24%
- 2025: $141,959
- 2024: $125,409
- 2023: $106,498
- 2022: $98,320
- 2021: $84,237
- 2020: $72,810
- 2019: $68,524
- 2018: $62,546
- 2017: $57,753
- 2016: $51,021
Rolling Dale’s consistent upward trajectory represents a wealth-building opportunity that would have nearly tripled your initial capital since 2016. The steep value acceleration between 2021-2025 suggests infrastructure improvements or commercial development may be enhancing neighborhood appeal. For potential sellers, your timing couldn’t be better with values at historic highs and still climbing. This developing community offers affordability combined with impressive appreciation potential.
19. Downtown Waukegan
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 183.36%
- 2025: $193,481
- 2024: $169,232
- 2023: $150,166
- 2022: $143,856
- 2021: $135,648
- 2020: $121,546
- 2019: $111,108
- 2018: $98,030
- 2017: $84,232
- 2016: $68,281
Downtown Waukegan exemplifies how urban core revitalization can deliver exceptional returns, with property values nearly tripling over nine years to approach the $200K mark. The consistently strong year-over-year gains indicate successful redevelopment initiatives and increased commercial activity rather than speculative buying. For investors, the unbroken upward trend suggests continued growth potential despite the significant gains already realized. This lakefront community north of Chicago continues to benefit from its strategic location and ongoing development efforts.
18. Englewood
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 191.84%
- 2025: $105,812
- 2024: $94,582
- 2023: $89,394
- 2022: $91,289
- 2021: $78,091
- 2020: $57,423
- 2019: $54,443
- 2018: $50,478
- 2017: $40,200
- 2016: $36,257
Englewood’s remarkable 191% appreciation demonstrates how previously overlooked neighborhoods can deliver exceptional investment returns when revitalization takes hold. The dramatic acceleration between 2020-2022 suggests targeted development initiatives or demographic shifts have fundamentally changed market dynamics. For buyers seeking value, the continued strong appreciation indicates neighborhood transformation is still underway with potential upside remaining. This South Side Chicago community is experiencing a renaissance that’s reflected in its impressive value gains.
17. South Sheridan
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 204.87%
- 2025: $171,697
- 2024: $149,435
- 2023: $129,807
- 2022: $122,147
- 2021: $114,596
- 2020: $95,458
- 2019: $82,885
- 2018: $72,036
- 2017: $62,797
- 2016: $56,317
South Sheridan’s extraordinary 204% growth has created over $115,000 in equity for property owners since 2016, representing life-changing wealth creation. The steep climb from 2023-2025 suggests the neighborhood may be reaching an inflection point where buyer interest is accelerating further. For investors, the consistent gains across both strong and weak economic periods signal resilient local market fundamentals. This transforming community combines strong appreciation with relatively affordable entry points compared to other high-growth areas.
16. Keith Creek
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 208.23%
- 2025: $99,209
- 2024: $88,198
- 2023: $73,448
- 2022: $71,557
- 2021: $61,843
- 2020: $54,384
- 2019: $50,304
- 2018: $45,980
- 2017: $39,397
- 2016: $32,186
Keith Creek’s remarkable trajectory would have tripled your investment capital while maintaining affordability relative to surrounding markets. The acceleration in growth between 2022-2025 suggests neighborhood improvements are gaining momentum, with buyer interest intensifying. For sellers who purchased before 2020, your return on investment would exceed most traditional financial instruments by a significant margin. This evolving Rockford neighborhood demonstrates how targeted revitalization can transform both communities and investment portfolios.
15. Signal Hill
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 219.27%
- 2025: $99,257
- 2024: $89,446
- 2023: $72,842
- 2022: $69,371
- 2021: $60,571
- 2020: $51,825
- 2019: $50,787
- 2018: $43,592
- 2017: $36,602
- 2016: $31,088
Signal Hill exemplifies how modest initial investments can yield extraordinary returns, with property values more than tripling to approach the $100K mark. The notable acceleration from 2021 onward suggests neighborhood revitalization efforts are gaining traction with buyers recognizing untapped potential. For investors, the continued strong appreciation indicates market recognition still hasn’t fully priced in the area’s improving fundamentals. This community offers a compelling combination of accessibility, affordability, and remarkable growth potential.
14. Argonne Heights
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 219.97%
- 2025: $196,397
- 2024: $170,653
- 2023: $152,898
- 2022: $148,103
- 2021: $125,060
- 2020: $109,968
- 2019: $98,127
- 2018: $85,998
- 2017: $74,610
- 2016: $61,379
Argonne Heights has generated nearly $135,000 in wealth for property owners since 2016, a financial windfall that would significantly outperform most traditional investments. The extremely strong growth between 2021-2025 suggests recent development initiatives or demographic shifts are catalyzing further appreciation. For buyers entering now, the momentum indicates continued upside potential despite the substantial gains already realized. This thriving area combines strong location advantages with improving amenities that continue to drive value growth.
13. Golden Gate
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 227.34%
- 2025: $71,970
- 2024: $64,230
- 2023: $71,860
- 2022: $71,168
- 2021: $57,204
- 2020: $45,271
- 2019: $41,664
- 2018: $34,753
- 2017: $25,523
- 2016: $21,986
Golden Gate’s remarkable 227% appreciation represents transformative wealth creation in an area that remains affordable at under $72K in 2025. The dramatic jump between 2020-2022 suggests targeted investment or development initiatives significantly altered market perceptions during this period. Your dollars in this neighborhood would have outperformed virtually every traditional investment vehicle while providing affordable housing. This emerging community demonstrates how early-stage neighborhood revitalization can create exceptional financial opportunities.
12. Argonne Park
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 232.22%
- 2025: $192,256
- 2024: $170,392
- 2023: $151,344
- 2022: $149,001
- 2021: $130,648
- 2020: $110,052
- 2019: $97,839
- 2018: $84,077
- 2017: $69,580
- 2016: $57,869
Argonne Park’s exceptional 232% growth trajectory has created over $134,000 in equity for homeowners who purchased in 2016, a life-changing financial outcome. The steep appreciation curve remained consistent across economic cycles, indicating robust underlying demand rather than speculative buying. For investors considering entry now, the continued strong annual growth suggests neighborhood transformation is still underway with potential upside remaining. This thriving community demonstrates how strategic location combined with improving amenities drives sustained value appreciation.
11. Jackson Oaks
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 245.88%
- 2025: $100,066
- 2024: $87,732
- 2023: $69,628
- 2022: $69,034
- 2021: $58,567
- 2020: $50,793
- 2019: $47,775
- 2018: $43,981
- 2017: $32,914
- 2016: $28,931
Jackson Oaks exemplifies how modest initial housing investments can deliver extraordinary financial returns, with property values more than tripling over nine years. The dramatic acceleration between 2022-2025 suggests recent infrastructure investments or commercial development may be further enhancing neighborhood appeal. For sellers who purchased before 2020, your equity position has strengthened tremendously, creating financial flexibility rarely seen in affordable housing markets. This evolving community demonstrates the wealth-building potential of identifying emerging neighborhoods early.
10. North End Square
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 247.73%
- 2025: $101,103
- 2024: $89,427
- 2023: $72,142
- 2022: $68,485
- 2021: $58,909
- 2020: $51,612
- 2019: $48,471
- 2018: $42,626
- 2017: $35,145
- 2016: $29,075
North End Square has delivered an astounding 247% return on investment while remaining accessible with 2025 values just exceeding $100K. The particularly steep growth curve from 2022-2025 indicates accelerating buyer interest, suggesting neighborhood transformation is gaining momentum. For investors, this pattern often precedes further appreciation as improved amenities and changing perceptions continue to drive demand. This emerging area exemplifies how identifying revitalization in its early stages can lead to exceptional financial outcomes.
9. Uptown
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 248.36%
- 2025: $295,147
- 2024: $275,215
- 2023: $258,272
- 2022: $261,979
- 2021: $251,520
- 2020: $241,704
- 2019: $241,197
- 2018: $241,552
- 2017: $234,401
- 2016: $224,869
Uptown stands out as a higher-tier market that has still managed extraordinary percentage growth, creating over $70,000 in equity for homeowners since 2016. The remarkable stability through 2018-2022 followed by renewed acceleration suggests a mature market finding fresh catalysts for growth. Your investment here would have combined significant appreciation with the advantages of an established, amenity-rich community. This vibrant Chicago neighborhood demonstrates how even relatively stable urban cores can deliver exceptional long-term returns.
8. Midtown
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 258.05%
- 2025: $65,859
- 2024: $59,359
- 2023: $48,249
- 2022: $46,585
- 2021: $39,759
- 2020: $31,508
- 2019: $30,062
- 2018: $25,195
- 2017: $20,989
- 2016: $17,610
Midtown’s extraordinary 258% appreciation represents a financial windfall for early investors, with properties more than tripling in value while remaining remarkably affordable. The dramatic acceleration after 2020 suggests the neighborhood hit an inflection point where market perception fundamentally shifted. For buyers seeking value opportunities, the continued strong growth indicates neighborhood transformation is still unfolding with significant upside potential. This emerging community demonstrates how identifying revitalization early can deliver outsized investment returns.
7. South Sixth Street
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 259.03%
- 2025: $69,018
- 2024: $59,832
- 2023: $47,007
- 2022: $47,766
- 2021: $42,176
- 2020: $34,785
- 2019: $31,210
- 2018: $27,437
- 2017: $22,193
- 2016: $19,223
South Sixth Street has delivered an exceptional 259% return on investment while remaining extremely affordable, an ideal combination for wealth creation. The dramatic price increases from 2021-2025 suggest recent infrastructure improvements or changing buyer perceptions are accelerating neighborhood transformation. For investors, the continued strong growth indicates market recognition hasn’t fully priced in the area’s improving fundamentals. This emerging corridor offers affordability combined with the potential for continued exceptional appreciation.
6. Lewis Glen
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 261.76%
- 2025: $186,521
- 2024: $164,907
- 2023: $145,174
- 2022: $133,488
- 2021: $124,236
- 2020: $109,080
- 2019: $91,872
- 2018: $76,147
- 2017: $65,494
- 2016: $51,559
Lewis Glen’s remarkable 261% appreciation has generated nearly $135,000 in equity for homeowners since 2016, a wealth-building opportunity seldom seen in real estate markets. The consistently strong year-over-year gains indicate fundamental neighborhood improvements rather than temporary market fluctuations. For buyers entering now, the continued acceleration suggests the area’s transformation isn’t complete, with potential for further appreciation. This thriving community demonstrates how identifying neighborhoods on upward trajectories can create extraordinary financial outcomes.
5. Midtown
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 274.00%
- 2025: $65,859
- 2024: $59,359
- 2023: $48,249
- 2022: $46,585
- 2021: $39,759
- 2020: $31,508
- 2019: $30,062
- 2018: $25,195
- 2017: $20,989
- 2016: $17,610
Midtown epitomizes the wealth-building potential of emerging markets, with values nearly quadrupling while remaining accessible at under $66K. The exceptional acceleration between 2020-2025 suggests coordinated revitalization efforts may be fundamentally transforming the area’s economic prospects. Your investment dollars here would have outperformed virtually every traditional financial vehicle while providing affordable housing. This evolving community demonstrates how identifying neighborhoods at the beginning of their renaissance can deliver extraordinary financial returns.
4. Coronado Haskell
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 278.78%
- 2025: $82,342
- 2024: $71,583
- 2023: $56,312
- 2022: $52,155
- 2021: $43,372
- 2020: $34,027
- 2019: $34,858
- 2018: $29,711
- 2017: $25,001
- 2016: $21,739
Coronado Haskell’s phenomenal 278% appreciation represents once-in-a-generation wealth creation, with property values nearly quadrupling while remaining affordable. The dramatic value surge since 2021 suggests targeted development initiatives may be fundamentally altering the neighborhood’s trajectory and market perception. For investors, the continued strong growth indicates transformation is still underway with significant potential upside remaining. This emerging area demonstrates how identifying revitalization in its early stages can deliver exceptional returns while maintaining accessibility.
3. West Englewood
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 278.82%
- 2025: $130,679
- 2024: $119,925
- 2023: $114,385
- 2022: $114,517
- 2021: $95,091
- 2020: $68,937
- 2019: $62,679
- 2018: $52,739
- 2017: $41,023
- 2016: $34,496
West Englewood exemplifies transformative wealth creation with property values nearly quadrupling over nine years, generating approximately $96,000 in equity for early investors. The exceptional growth between 2020-2022 suggests targeted revitalization initiatives dramatically altered market perceptions during this period. For buyers seeking value, the continued appreciation indicates neighborhood transformation remains underway with potential upside still available. This South Side Chicago community demonstrates how identifying neighborhoods in the early stages of renewal can deliver extraordinary financial outcomes.
2. West Gateway
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 289.03%
- 2025: $69,074
- 2024: $58,420
- 2023: $44,521
- 2022: $43,640
- 2021: $37,254
- 2020: $29,721
- 2019: $26,978
- 2018: $23,901
- 2017: $20,598
- 2016: $17,756
West Gateway’s extraordinary 289% appreciation represents a financial windfall for early investors, with modest property values nearly quadrupling while remaining remarkably affordable. The dramatic acceleration post-2021 suggests coordinated development initiatives may be fundamentally altering the neighborhood’s economic trajectory. For buyers seeking growth opportunities, the continued strong appreciation indicates neighborhood transformation is still in progress with significant upside potential. This emerging community demonstrates how identifying areas at the beginning of their renaissance can deliver exceptional investment returns.
1. Cunningham Street
- % change from 2016 to 2025: 309.08%
- 2025: $69,634
- 2024: $58,803
- 2023: $46,696
- 2022: $45,902
- 2021: $39,034
- 2020: $30,997
- 2019: $27,883
- 2018: $23,788
- 2017: $20,154
- 2016: $17,022
Cunningham Street stands as Illinois’ ultimate growth story, with property values more than quadrupling while remaining exceptionally affordable at under $70K. The remarkable acceleration since 2021 suggests targeted revitalization initiatives are fundamentally transforming the area’s prospects and market perception. For investors, this trajectory indicates early-stage neighborhood renaissance with potential for continued exceptional returns as transformation progresses. This emerging corridor exemplifies how identifying communities at the beginning of their renewal can create extraordinary wealth-building opportunities.
