Forest Glen is Community Area #12 on Chicago’s Far North Side, a wooded residential area along the North Branch of the Chicago River. It includes the neighborhoods of Edgebrook, Sauganash and Forest Glen and is ringed by Cook County forest preserves. The 2020 Census counted 19,596 residents.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Community area number | 12 |
| Side of the city | Far North Side |
| Population (2020 Census) | 19,596 |
| Neighborhoods within | Forest Glen, Edgebrook, Old Edgebrook, Sauganash, Wildwood |
| Main L and Metra stations | Metra Milwaukee District North Line: Forest Glen, Edgebrook; no L stations |
| Major parks and open space | LaBagh Woods, Billy Caldwell and Edgebrook golf courses (Forest Preserves of Cook County) |
Where Forest Glen is and its boundaries
Forest Glen lies on the city’s northwest side along the North Branch of the Chicago River, with forest preserve land along much of its edge.
Its neighborhoods help define it: Edgebrook reaches the city limits and the Edens Expressway, Sauganash runs between Devon and Bryn Mawr avenues west of Pulaski Road, and Forest Glen proper sits south of the river and east of the Metra tracks.
Neighborhoods within Forest Glen
The three main neighborhoods are Forest Glen, Edgebrook and Sauganash. Smaller pockets include Old Edgebrook, a landmark district surrounded by forest preserve, and Wildwood.
Sauganash takes its name from Billy Caldwell, also called Sauganash.
A short history
- Much of the area was once Caldwell’s Reserve, land associated with Billy Caldwell.
- Captain William Hazelton, a Civil War veteran, was the first European American settler in Forest Glen.
- Edgebrook and Sauganash were annexed to Chicago in 1889.
- The first homes in Old Edgebrook were built in the 1890s.
Landmarks and parks
- LaBagh Woods forest preserve
- Billy Caldwell Golf Course and Edgebrook Golf Course
- Old Edgebrook and Sauganash historic districts
- Queen of All Saints Basilica in Sauganash
- The Valley Line trail
Getting there
Metra’s Milwaukee District North Line stops at Forest Glen and Edgebrook on the way to Union Station.
CTA bus routes 84 Peterson and 85A North Central serve Edgebrook. The Blue Line and Union Pacific Northwest trains stop at Jefferson Park, nearby to the southwest.
Frequently asked questions
What neighborhoods are in Forest Glen?
Forest Glen, Edgebrook and Sauganash are the main ones, along with Old Edgebrook and Wildwood.
Is there an L stop in Forest Glen?
No. Metra’s Milwaukee District North Line serves Forest Glen and Edgebrook stations.
Who is Sauganash named after?
Billy Caldwell, also known as Sauganash.
When was Forest Glen annexed?
Edgebrook and Sauganash were annexed to Chicago in 1889.
Related guides
- Jefferson Park (Community Area #11)
- North Park (Community Area #13)
- Albany Park (Community Area #14)
- Portage Park (Community Area #15)
- Norwood Park (Community Area #10)
- Chicago’s 77 community areas, explained
- Chicago neighborhoods hub
- Metra guide
Sources
- Wikipedia: Forest Glen, Chicago
- Dominican University Government Data: Chicago community areas by side
Last updated: October 31, 2026