Edison Park, Chicago: Community Area #9 Guide

Edison Park is Community Area #9 on Chicago’s Far North Side, a small residential area at the city’s northwest edge. It is named for Thomas Edison, has a Metra station on the Union Pacific Northwest Line, and is known for one of the city’s highest concentrations of Irish American residents. The 2020 Census counted 11,525 residents.

Fact	Detail
Community area number	9
Side of the city	Far North Side
Population (2020 Census)	11,525
Neighborhoods within	Edison Park (the area is essentially a single neighborhood)
Main L and Metra stations	Metra: Edison Park station (Union Pacific Northwest Line); no L stations
Major parks and open space	No large regional park; see the Chicago Park District for local parks

Where Edison Park is and its boundaries

Edison Park sits at Chicago’s far northwest edge, between the Des Plaines and Chicago rivers.

It covers about 1.17 square miles, making it one of the smaller community areas.

Neighborhoods within Edison Park

The community area is made up almost entirely of the Edison Park neighborhood.

More than three-quarters of residents report Irish ancestry, one of the highest shares in the city.

A short history

Settlement began in 1834 with the arrival of John and Katherine Ebinger and their family.
The village incorporated in 1881 under the name Canfield.
It renamed itself Edison Park in 1890, with Thomas Edison’s blessing.
Chicago annexed Edison Park on November 8, 1910.
The neighborhood festival Edison Park Fest has run since 1972.

Landmarks and parks

One Hope United Methodist Church, whose 1894 frame building is the oldest church building in the area
Ebinger Elementary School, named for early settler Christian Ebinger
The Edison Park Metra station

Getting there

The Union Pacific Northwest Line stops at Edison Park station, with trains to Ogilvie Transportation Center downtown.

There is no L station in the area; CTA buses serve the main streets.

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called Edison Park?

The village changed its name from Canfield to Edison Park in 1890, honoring Thomas Edison with his approval.

When did Edison Park join Chicago?

Chicago annexed it on November 8, 1910.

How do you get to Edison Park from downtown?

Take Metra’s Union Pacific Northwest Line from Ogilvie Transportation Center to Edison Park station.