Washington Heights, Chicago: Community Area #73 Guide

Washington Heights is Chicago community area #73, on the Far South Side about 12 miles from the Loop. Once a village annexed in 1890, it is known for the Brainerd Bungalow Historic District, the Carter G. Woodson Regional Library and Metra Rock Island service. About 24,900 people live there.

Washington Heights key facts

Fact	Detail
Community area number	#73 of 77
Side of the city	Far South Side
Population	24,851 (2020–2024 American Community Survey five-year estimate, CMAP Community Data Snapshot, June 2026 release)
Neighborhoods within	Brainerd, Washington Heights, Fernwood
Main L and Metra stations	Metra Rock Island: Brainerd, 95th Street–Longwood (rush hour), 103rd Street–Washington Heights; Red Line 95th/Dan Ryan in adjacent Roseland
Major parks	Brainerd Park, Jackie Robinson Park, Euclid Park, Oakdale Park, Joseph Robichaux Park

Boundaries

The Rock Island tracks at 89th Street form the north edge and 107th Street the south edge. The east edge follows Eggleston Avenue and Halsted Street, and the west edge follows Beverly Avenue to 103rd Street, then Vincennes Avenue.

The Metra Rock Island tracks and Interstate 57 cut through the area. Neighbors include Beverly, Morgan Park and Roseland.

Neighborhoods within Washington Heights

The area includes Brainerd, Washington Heights and Fernwood. Parts of Fernwood extend into Roseland.

History

1852: the Rock Island and Panhandle rail lines are built, shaping development.
1869: a post office opens, and the area is named Washington Heights for George Washington.
1874: Washington Heights incorporates as a village.
1890: Chicago annexes the village.
1967: Interstate 57 opens through the area, displacing many residents.
2016: the Brainerd Bungalow Historic District joins the National Register of Historic Places.

Landmarks and parks

Carter G. Woodson Regional Library, opened in 1975 and home to the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature.
The Brainerd Bungalow Historic District.
Brainerd, Jackie Robinson, Euclid, Oakdale and Joseph Robichaux parks.
The Major Taylor Trail.
Julian High School.

Getting there

Metra’s Rock Island line stops at Brainerd (89th Street), 95th Street–Longwood (rush hours only) and 103rd Street–Washington Heights.

CTA buses 95, 103 and 112 run full-time. The Red Line’s 95th/Dan Ryan station is in adjacent Roseland.

Frequently asked questions

What community area number is Washington Heights?

Washington Heights is community area #73.

What is the Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection?

A major archive of African American history and literature housed at the Carter G. Woodson Regional Library in Washington Heights.

How do you get to Washington Heights by train?

Take Metra’s Rock Island line to Brainerd, 95th Street–Longwood or 103rd Street–Washington Heights, or the Red Line to 95th/Dan Ryan in Roseland.