West Pullman is Chicago community area #53, on the city’s Far South Side just west of the historic Pullman district. It grew up around factories such as International Harvester’s West Pullman works and is known today for its parks, Metra Electric stations and the coming Red Line extension. About 24,500 people live there, according to CMAP’s 2026 snapshot.
West Pullman key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Community area number | #53 of 77 |
| Side of the city | Far South Side |
| Population | 24,549 (2020–2024 American Community Survey five-year estimate, CMAP Community Data Snapshot, June 2026 release) |
| Neighborhoods within | Kensington, Gano, Stewart Ridge, Maple Park |
| Main L and Metra stations | Metra Electric (Blue Island branch): West Pullman, Stewart Ridge, State Street, Racine; Kensington/115th just north |
| Major parks | West Pullman Park, Kensington Park, Gano Park, Major Taylor Trail |
Boundaries
West Pullman runs from 115th Street on the north to the Calumet River on the south. The former Illinois Central Railroad line marks its east side, and Ashland Avenue and the suburbs of Calumet Park and Blue Island mark its west side. Riverdale lies to the south.
Neighborhoods within West Pullman
Kensington, founded in 1852 where the Illinois Central and Michigan Central railroads met, is the oldest part. Gano began as a village settled by Pullman workers.
Stewart Ridge was built with large houses for company officers. Maple Park, built on land once closed to Black buyers, opened to African American families in the 1960s.
History
- 1852: Kensington is founded at a railroad junction.
- 1880s: the West Pullman Land Association forms to develop land between Wentworth and Ashland avenues.
- 1920s: the population passes 20,000, with industry, shops, schools and parks.
- 1960: more than 35,000 people live in the area.
- 1968: the Pullman Company shuts down, a heavy blow to local jobs.
- 1980s: factory closures leave unemployment as the area’s biggest problem, and part of the old industrial district becomes an EPA brownfield.
Landmarks and parks
- West Pullman Park, which has an indoor pool.
- Kensington Park, Gano Park, Morgan Field Park and Cooper Park.
- The Major Taylor Trail, a 6-mile bike path.
- The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center.
- An Exelon solar plant of 10 megawatts on 39 acres, online since 2010.
Getting there
The Metra Electric Blue Island branch stops at West Pullman, Stewart Ridge, State Street and Racine. The Metra Electric main line stops at Kensington, just across the northern boundary.
The CTA Red Line extension will add a station at Michigan Avenue near the area, with the line’s new terminal at 130th Street.
Frequently asked questions
What community area number is West Pullman?
West Pullman is community area #53 of Chicago’s 77 official community areas.
Is West Pullman the same as Pullman?
No. Pullman is a separate community area (#50) to the east, built as George Pullman’s company town; West Pullman developed next to it as its own industrial and residential area.
How do you get to West Pullman by train?
Take the Metra Electric Blue Island branch to West Pullman, Stewart Ridge, State Street or Racine, or the main line to Kensington/115th Street.
Is the Red Line coming to West Pullman?
The Red Line extension south to 130th Street includes a Michigan Avenue station that will serve the area.
Related guides
- Pullman community area guide
- Roseland community area guide
- Riverdale community area guide
- Morgan Park community area guide
- Metra guide
- CTA Red Line guide
- All 77 Chicago community areas
Sources
- CMAP Community Data Snapshot: West Pullman (June 2026)
- Wikipedia: West Pullman, Chicago
- Encyclopedia of Chicago: West Pullman
Last updated: October 31, 2026