This summer, Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods are the place to discover something new — like a fascinating piece of history, a one-of-a-kind cultural celebration, or a locally loved restaurant. These unique communities are filled with hidden gems and under-the-radar eats, events, and beyond.
The Englewood population began to see a boom in population after the Great Chicago Fire. A long-time haven for immigrants, Englewood has been home to waves of German, Irish, Scottish, Korean, Pakistani, and African American residents. In the 1920s, the community’s shopping district was the second-most popular in the entire city.
Top things to do
Getting there: The Red Line stops in the neighborhood at 63rd Street. The Green Line also stops in Englewood at Halsted and Ashland/63rd.
Back of the Yards got its name when it was settled by workers in the nearby Union Stock Yard between the 1860s and 1880s. Once the heart of Chicago’s meatpacking industry, Back of the Yards has a long history of political activism and championing labor causes.
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Getting there: The Red Line makes a stop nearby at 47th Street. The closest Orange Line stop is Western.
North Lawndale has been shaped by a fascinatingly diverse history — the one-time home of Dr. Martin Luther King, a historic Jewish enclave, and the location of the original Sears Tower.
Top things to do
Getting there: The Pink Line makes stops in North Lawndale at Kedzie, Central Park, Pulaski, and Kostner.
Originally settled by Dutch immigrants, Roseland got its name from the residents’ tidy flower gardens. The neighborhood began to flourish with the development of the nearby Pullman Factory and was once considered one of the most important commercial areas outside the Loop.
Getting there: The Red Line stops near Roseland at 95th/Dan Ryan. The Metra Electric line stops at 95th Street, 103rd St., and 107th.
Situated along Lake Michigan and the Calumet River, this diverse neighborhood was once an industrial hub and the location of a prosperous steel mill. Commercial Avenue is the main retail corridor, home to cafes, bakeries, and shops.
Getting there: The Metra Electric line stops at 83rd St., 87th St., and South Chicago (93rd.).
Like many neighborhoods in the area, the Auburn Gresham community grew rapidly after the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893. The historic neighborhood is full of quintessential Chicago architecture, including many classic bungalow homes.
Top things to do
Getting there: The Red Line stops near Auburn Gresham at 79th and 87th streets. You can also take the Metra Rock Island line to the Gresham stop.
Chicago is made up of a diversity tapestry of neighborhoods, each with its own unique history, culture, and vibe.
