East Side is Chicago community area #52, on the city’s Southeast Side about 13 miles south of downtown. It is named for its position east of the Calumet River, not the city’s east side, and it runs to the Indiana state line. CMAP estimates its population at 22,613 (2020–2024 ACS).
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Community area number | 52 |
| Side of the city | Southeast Side |
| Population (2020–2024 ACS 5-year estimate, CMAP) | 22,613 |
| Neighborhoods within | East Side |
| Main L and Metra stations | None inside; nearest are Metra Electric 93rd St. (South Chicago) and the South Shore Line’s Hegewisch station; CTA buses 26, 30 and 100 |
| Major parks | Calumet Park on Lake Michigan |
Boundaries
East Side is bounded by the Calumet River on the north and west, State Line Road (4100 East) on the east, and 126th Street on the south. Water on three sides and miles of mills long kept it apart from the rest of the city.
Neighborhoods within East Side
The community area is treated as one neighborhood. Its older blocks near the river were settled first by Croatians, Italians and other Slavic groups, and it has long been considered an offshoot of South Chicago across the river.
History
Croatians founded Sacred Heart parish at 96th and Escanaba, and Italians arrived around 1914. Republic Steel, a major employer, began operating along the river in 1901. On Memorial Day 1937, police fired on striking steelworkers marching on the Republic plant, killing 10.
The Chicago Skyway divided the neighborhood in the 1950s. Republic cut half its workforce in the 1980s, merged into LTV Steel in 1984, and LTV closed its Chicago operations after a 1986 bankruptcy. The Hispanic share of residents rose from 13% in 1980 to 68% in 2000.
Landmarks and parks
- Calumet Park, on the lakefront, built shortly after 1914 and now the area’s main recreation space.
- Sacred Heart parish, at 96th and Escanaba.
- Port of Chicago headquarters, 3600 E. 95th Street.
- The former Republic Steel site, scene of the 1937 Memorial Day Massacre.
- Eggers Grove Forest Preserve and the Burnham Greenway Trail.
Getting there
East Side has no L or Metra station. CTA buses 26, 30 and 100 serve the area. The nearest rail options are Metra Electric’s 93rd Street station in South Chicago and the South Shore Line’s Hegewisch station; the Red Line’s 95th/Dan Ryan terminal is about 7 miles northwest.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called East Side?
It sits on the east side of the Calumet River, not on the city’s east side.
What was the Memorial Day Massacre?
On Memorial Day 1937, police fired on striking steelworkers marching on the Republic Steel plant, killing 10.
Does East Side border Indiana?
Yes. State Line Road, at 4100 East, forms its eastern boundary with Indiana.
How many people live in East Side?
CMAP estimates 22,613 residents (2020–2024 ACS).
Related guides
- South Chicago (#46) community area guide
- South Deering (#51) community area guide
- Hegewisch community area guide
- CTA buses guide
- Chicago outdoors guide
- All 77 Chicago community areas
Sources
- CMAP Community Data Snapshot: East Side (June 2026 release)
- Encyclopedia of Chicago: East Side
- Wikipedia: East Side, Chicago
Last updated: October 31, 2026