Edgewater is Chicago community area #77, on the North Side along Lake Michigan about 6 miles north of the Loop. Created in 1980, it is the newest community area and includes Andersonville, known for its Swedish heritage and its historic commercial district. About 56,600 people live there, according to CMAP’s 2026 snapshot.
Edgewater key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Community area number | #77 of 77 |
| Side of the city | North Side |
| Population | 56,563 (2020–2024 American Community Survey five-year estimate, CMAP Community Data Snapshot, June 2026 release) |
| Neighborhoods within | Andersonville, Bryn Mawr Historic District, Edgewater Beach, Edgewater Glen, Lakewood-Balmoral, Magnolia Glen |
| Main L and Metra stations | CTA Red Line: Berwyn, Bryn Mawr, Thorndale, Granville; Metra UP-North: Peterson/Ridge |
| Major parks | Foster Beach, Osterman (Hollywood) Beach, Berger Park, northern Lincoln Park |
Boundaries
Edgewater runs from Foster Avenue on the south to Devon Avenue on the north, and from Ravenswood Avenue on the west to Lake Michigan on the east. Metra’s Union Pacific North Line runs along the west edge.
Neighbors are Uptown to the south, Lincoln Square to the west, West Ridge to the northwest and Rogers Park to the north.
Neighborhoods within Edgewater
Andersonville, home to the Swedish American Museum on Clark Street, is the best known. The area also includes the Bryn Mawr Historic District, Edgewater Beach, Edgewater Glen, Lakewood-Balmoral and Magnolia Glen.
History
- 1885: developer John Lewis Cochran names the area Edgewater and builds its first subdivision.
- 1889: Lake View Township, which included Edgewater, is annexed to Chicago.
- 1916: the Edgewater Beach Hotel opens on Sheridan Road; its main building is razed in 1970.
- 1980: Edgewater splits from Uptown to become Chicago’s 77th community area.
- 2010: the Andersonville Commercial Historic District joins the National Register of Historic Places.
Landmarks and parks
- Foster Beach, Osterman (Hollywood) Beach, Berger Park and George Lane Park.
- The northern end of Lincoln Park and the Lakefront Trail.
- The pink Edgewater Beach Apartments at the north end of Lake Shore Drive.
- The Swedish American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St.
- Midsommarfest, Andersonville’s summer street festival.
Getting there
The Red Line stops at Berwyn, Bryn Mawr, Thorndale and Granville. Metra’s Peterson/Ridge station on the UP-North line opened in May 2024.
Several CTA bus routes run express along Lake Shore Drive to downtown.
Frequently asked questions
What is the newest Chicago community area?
Edgewater, #77, created in 1980 when it was split from Uptown.
Is Andersonville in Edgewater?
Yes. Andersonville is a neighborhood within the Edgewater community area.
What Red Line stops are in Edgewater?
Berwyn, Bryn Mawr, Thorndale and Granville.
Does Edgewater have beaches?
Yes. Foster Beach and Osterman (Hollywood) Beach are both in Edgewater.
Related guides
- Best of Edgewater: where to eat, drink and go
- Best of Andersonville: where to eat, drink and go
- Uptown community area guide
- Lincoln Square community area guide
- West Ridge community area guide
- Rogers Park community area guide
- CTA Red Line guide
- Metra guide
- All 77 Chicago community areas
Sources
Last updated: October 31, 2026