Avondale is Community Area #21 on Chicago’s North Side, along the Kennedy Expressway between Irving Park and Logan Square. It is known for its Polish Village along Milwaukee Avenue and the Basilica of St. Hyacinth, and Time Out ranked it the world’s fifth-coolest neighborhood in 2025. The 2020 Census counted 36,257 residents.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Community area number | 21 |
| Side of the city | North Side |
| Population (2020 Census) | 36,257 |
| Neighborhoods within | Avondale, Jackowo and Wacławowo (Polish Village), Kosciuszko Park |
| Main L and Metra stations | Blue Line: Belmont, Addison |
| Major parks and open space | Kosciuszko Park, Brands Park, Avondale Park |
Where Avondale is and its boundaries
Avondale lies on the North Side, west of the North Branch of the Chicago River.
Addison Street forms its northern edge, and the area extends west along Belmont Avenue toward Pulaski Road. Diversey Avenue marks the south, from the Metra Milwaukee District North Line east to the river.
Neighborhoods within Avondale
The area includes Avondale proper, Kosciuszko Park and the Polish Village, made up of Jackowo and Wacławowo along Milwaukee Avenue.
Latino families began settling here in the 1980s; in 2024 about half of residents were Hispanic.
A short history
- The land became part of Jefferson Township in 1850.
- Avondale incorporated as a village in 1869.
- Chicago annexed Avondale in 1889, with Jefferson Township.
- Poles began moving in during the 1890s, and the Polish Village grew along Milwaukee Avenue.
- Dad’s Root Beer was founded in Avondale in 1937.
Landmarks and parks
- Basilica of St. Hyacinth, a Polish Catholic parish
- Milford Theatre, a former Polish cinema
- Kosciuszko Park, named for Tadeusz Kosciuszko
- Hairpin Arts Center near the Logan Square border
- The former Olson Park and Waterfall site at Diversey and Pulaski
Getting there
The Blue Line stops at Belmont, near Kimball Avenue on the northeastern edge, and at Addison in the Kennedy Expressway median.
CTA buses also serve the area’s main streets.
Frequently asked questions
What community area number is Avondale?
Avondale is Community Area #21.
Where is Chicago’s Polish Village?
Along Milwaukee Avenue in Avondale, in the Jackowo and Wacławowo areas.
Which Blue Line stops serve Avondale?
Belmont and Addison.
When did Avondale become part of Chicago?
In 1889, when Chicago annexed Jefferson Township.
Related guides
- Best of Avondale
- Irving Park (Community Area #16)
- North Center (Community Area #5)
- Logan Square (Community Area #22)
- Hermosa (Community Area #20)
- Chicago’s 77 community areas, explained
- Chicago neighborhoods hub
- Blue Line guide
Sources
Last updated: October 31, 2026