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The Dobbs Group welcomes you to University Village & Little Italy!

Step into the Old World as you stroll down Taylor Street while sampling popular Italian food, classic cocktails, and fare from the growing number of other foodie venues. There is also a robust music, art, and cultural scene around the University of Illinois at Chicago campus. An added bonus is the short walk to some of the city’s top eateries in the West Loop and Fulton Market District. Perhaps you’re searching for your first home, or considering a relocation to this wonderful city, either from the suburbs or out of state and University Village is on your short list of neighborhoods to explore? Or do you live in Little Italy and want more space? Are you on the selling side and you need a Realtor that specializes in Little Italy to sell your beautiful home? Whatever your real estate needs may be, I am confident we can be your thoughtful and knowledgeable guide in exploring University Village and the many housing styles this wonderful neighborhood offers.

Neighborhood Overview

The vibrant and multicultural neighborhoods of University Village and Little Italy are embodied in the historic stretch of West Taylor Street and the UIC campus. Here you will find families that have called the neighborhood home for many generations, alongside young professionals and students attending UIC and Rush University Medical School. Taylor Street is infamous for its association with the Italian mafia culture during the prohibition era and was a known stomping ground of Al Capone and other well known figures in the mob.

Housing options range from new build condos, townhomes and single family homes to vintage walk-up buildings, often ‘old school’ living above the shop and plenty of rental housing to accommodate students and young professionals. Prices range from $200K to $1M, with rental prices at $900 to $6200 per month.

Little Italy and University Village are located in close proximity to the Chicago Loop business district, Pilsen, and Chinatown. Little Italy is within the boundaries of one of the city’s top elementary schools, STEM Magnet Academy.

Our Favorite Places

One of our favorite dining spots is Chez Joel, a french classic in the heart of Little Italy! “Chez Joël creates the tastes and aromas of Southern French cuisine. Reminiscent of a true French bistro; the walls are adorned with French posters and tables covered with butcher paper. The cozy environment makes Chez Joël the perfect spot for any romantic meal, and when the weather permits, garden tables offer an open-air experience where you’ll find one of the most divine al fresco dining settings in the city.”

The Latino Cultural Center at the UIC campus is well worth the short trek to the neighborhood and you can grab dinner at Carnitas Don Pedro or Tufano’s or after your visit. “There is a saying in Spanish, con el corazón en mano (with the heart in hand), which implies that someone is coming to you or welcoming you with honest and peaceful intentions. The Rafael Cintrón Ortiz Latino Cultural Center at UIC does just that for Latinxs and anyone who wishes to expand their knowledge about the cultural heritage of Latinx communities and advocate for social and environmental justice.”

Fiorie’s Delicatessen is the #1 traditional Italian deli on Taylor Street. Enjoy quality meats, cheeses, pastries and custom sandwiches that will warm your stomach and make you feel like you are eating from your Italian Grandmother’s home kitchen. Be sure to take home some homemade pasta sauce and their divine pesto!

Mario’s Italian Lemonade is the standard for Italian ice and lemonade stand vendors in Chicago. Step right up to Mario’s window and pick from a selection of dozens of flavors. Our favorite flavor is watermelon, be sure not to miss it when it’s in season!

Let’s Talk University Village & Little Italy! Click to chat or call Debra at 312-307-4909

University Village & Little Italy Neighborhood Chicago

How the Dobbs Group can help you buying a home?

Defender of your Interests

Debra is known as a fierce advocate for her clients’ best interests. She will ensure you buy your ideal home at the best price and at terms structured to meet your goals.
Neighborhood Specialist

There are so many amazing neighborhoods and sub-neighborhoods in Chicago that might be just the perfect place for you to live in. Let Debra be your expert guide!
Integrity & Professionalism

Debra is proud to hold the 5-Star Award of Excellence for 10 years running, with top marks from her clients and peers for her professionalism and adherence to highest standards of ethics and integrity.
Deep Knowledge of the Market

Debra’s passion for data means she is an authoritative voice for pricing, market time, neighborhood trends, and school ratings. Debra knows the market and will help you make an informed decision. Check out The Dobbs Report.
Helping Hand

Debra likes to say the real works starts once the offer is submitted and all the way through to the closing. Debra and her team will be at your side, guiding you through the entire process and ensuring your path to closing is smooth.
Legalities

Debra works with a handful of the best residential real estate attorneys to make certain every aspect of the contract review process is managed with your best interests at heart. Your attorney and Debra will get you to the closing table on time and minimizing the friction along the way.
Negotiations

38 years of experience negotiating hundreds of real estate transactions, many of them nail biters, gives Debra THE edge when negotiating on your behalf.
Paperwork and Administration

Debra and her team follow a 168 point checklist from the start to finish of every transaction, making certain no detail is overlooked. Debra and her operations team harness the best of technology while recognizing the importance of a personal touch.
Valuable Contacts

38 years of people, places and services at your disposal! Whether you need a home inspector, mortgage broker, moving co, dog walker, or you are looking for the best place for a French 75, or the latest trend in interior design, Debra is in the know and believes in sharing the wealth of her knowledge. Ask for a copy of Debra’s Little Black Book!
Stay in Touch

Debra strives to create a long-term relationship with each and every client. From her property tax seminar to her client appreciation party to her annual limited edition Limoncello, you want to be on her list! Get informed, have fun and meet people.

How the Dobbs Group can help you sell your home?

Evaluate Your Home

Accurately and effectively pricing your home to create the best market for the property. We will provide a Comparative Market Analysis for your house, highlighting the relevant competition, including listings that are active in the market, recently under contract and recently sold, and taking into account variables such as supply and demand; economic factors; seasonal demand; location; room count and square footage; views; condition of property; and desirability of unique features.
Provide Recommendations

We will provide recommendations to ensure your house or condo sells in a reasonable time frame. This will include thoughtful staging advice, a pre-listing inspection and maintenance plan, and a strategic marketing plan.
Maximize Exposure

We will market the property locally and globally. Compass is locally owned and the #1 brokerage in Chicago and the North Shore. We will market within the network of local brokers and also internationally.
Professional Marketing And IT Departments

Our in-house professional marketing and IT departments produce award-winning work and fresh ideas that distinguish our clients from the competition. Innovative technology and distinctive branding ads create positive and lasting impressions in the marketplace.
Market within the market

Before your home is officially listed, we will market internally to our network of more than 2,000 brokers and their client bases to reach prospects, buyers and referrals, the most efficient transaction environment in the marketplace.
Domain Name

Your listing will receive its own domain name so that interested buyers can pull up photos, video and property information in one easy step. We will also index the domain with top search engines including Google and Bing for improved search engine optimization.
Professional Photography

and video optimized for both print and the web are among the most important marketing tools when selling a house. Our digital marketing strategy raises online visibility.
High Quality Print And Online Marketing

High quality print brochures, print and online advertising, direct mail, unique URL, social media and e-blasts. Adwerx – a sophisticated digital marketing tactic known as retargeting, which puts your property in front of prospective homebuyers as they surf the web.
Most Desirable Property

Positioning your home as the most desirable property at a given price in a given area. Pricing accurately and making sure your home is in optimal showing condition will set it apart from the competition.
Staging The Home

To improve its marketability. Furnishing an empty home allows the home to show like a model home and stand out in a competitive marketplace.
Conduct Negotiations

With professionalism, attention to detail and a loyal representation of your interests conduct. Expect and receive confidentiality, responsiveness, resourcefulness, communication and strength.

In Good Hands

Debra Dobbs

What do you look for in the Top University Village & Little Italy Real Estate Agents? Someone with a vast understanding of Chicago neighborhoods? How about an invaluable partner and fierce advocate? You should never settle for anyone who isn’t always striving to exceed your expectations!

What people are saying about working with Debra?

  • “Debra is an absolute joy to work with; she makes a process that can be overwhelming and frustrating relatively painless…when it came time for us to negotiate it was clear that Debra was our advocate. Debra has a strong intuition and is a great reader of people.” HOLLY WISNIEWSKI HAWES
  • “I can’t recommend Debra Dobbs enough for a buyer who needs a trustworthy, knowledgeable and professional real estate agent. She is more than an agent – she’s a well-respected consultant in her field and one of the best I have ever worked with.” KATIE SHANNON
  • “I have always found Debra to be professional, fair and sensitive to the needs of her clients. She puts her clients’ interests and needs first and foremost.” ELISSA SCRAFANO
  • “We never felt rushed to make a decision as Debra would routinely say: ‘I want you to get the property that’s right for you, and I’ll show you as many properties as it takes until you do’.” MITCH WALSH
  • “Debra was professional, knowledgeable and fought for us to get the deal closed when issues arose. Great job, Debra!” MICHAEL FEINGLASS

Homes For Sale in University Village & Little Italy

The data relating to real estate for sale on this site comes from the Broker Reciprocity (BR) of the Chicago, IL. All properties are subject to prior sale, changes, or withdrawal.
This site was last updated Jul-18-2025 6:37:26 pm.
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