Livin’ like a Gangsta-Al Capone’s Chicago Home

So, ya wanna live like a gangsta, the ultimate gangsta? Al Capone (aka: Scarface) lived a seemingly low profile life in a seemingly normal neighborhood.  Cook County records revealed that back in 1923, Capone paid $5,500 for a inconspicuous two-flat home in the Chicago working-class neighborhood of Grand Crossing. His purchase was part of a wave of first- and second-generation European immigrants who moved to that part of the city during the Prohibition era. Perhaps as a stealth decoy, Al Capone’s wife, Mae, and his mother, Teresa, signed the original deed to the brick home, which is located at 7244 S Prairie Ave Chicago, IL 60619.

The Chicago Tribune reports that the house has had only two owners since Capone’s mother died in 1952. The current owner is Barbara Hogsette, a retired special education school teacher, who is selling so she can move to California to be closer to her family. Surprisingly, she said she has never felt there was anything extra special about the historical roots of her home.

“I’ve read some things about [Capone], and I’ve seen the ‘Untouchables,’ but I never really thought about this being his home,” said Hogsette. “This is my home. I never thought it was that sensational that he had lived here.”

This spring, Capone’s house will be listed for sale at $425,000. Buyer beware: be prepared for summer bus tours, inquisitive tourists, and maybe a few Capone ghosts.