LibGuides: Design Thinking: Chicago Neighborhoods

Defining a Neighborhood

There is no definitive resource for defining the boundaries of a Chicago neighborhood. Therefore, it may be necessary to consult several resources to determine which boundaries you will use for defining the geographic area of a neighborhood. You can consult maps, encyclopedia's, or neighborhood residents.

Chicago Neighborhoods Map
"Unlike Chicago's official 77 community areas, neighborhood boundaries are loosely defined and tend to change over time." Here Chicago neighborhoods are overlaid on a Google Map. Create by Kevin Zolkiewicz.
City of Chicago Ward, Community Area, and Neighborhood Maps
Chicago is made up of 50 wards which boundaries change over time and can cover multiple community areas and/or neighborhoods. There are 77 community areas in Chicago which are fixed and do not change over time. The community areas differ from neighborhoods of which there are approximately 228 and the boundaries of which are more fluid.
Statistical Atlas of the United States
Search for your neighborhood in the atlas to learn what zip codes, congressional districts, census tracts, and block groups cover the neighborhood.

Chicago Neighborhoods - Additional resources

Block Club Chicago
Neighborhood-based news source
City of Chicago website
Find information on elected officials, city agencies and departments, and programs and initiatives.
Chicago Data Portal
Find data for your neighborhood including a 311 service tracker.
Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Chicago
A community development support organization, working in Chicago neighborhoods since 1980.
LISC Chicago's New Communities Program
Information about 16 neighborhoods/communities from 2003-2013.
Encyclopedia of Chicago
Search for neighborhoods in the encyclopedia to find a historic overview.

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Design Thinking

Defining a Neighborhood

Chicago Neighborhoods - Additional resources