Irving Park is Community Area #16 on Chicago’s Northwest Side, a residential area between the Chicago River and the Milwaukee Road tracks. It is known for the Villa landmark district, Old Irving Park’s large historic homes and Blue Line access along the Kennedy Expressway. The 2020 Census counted 51,940 residents.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Community area number | 16 |
| Side of the city | Northwest Side |
| Population (2020 Census) | 51,940 |
| Neighborhoods within | Irving Park, Old Irving Park (Grayland), Kilbourn Park, Merchant Park, The Villa, West Walker |
| Main L and Metra stations | Blue Line: Irving Park, Addison and Montrose (shared edges); Metra: Irving Park station |
| Major parks and open space | Independence Park, Horner Park, Kilbourn Park |
Where Irving Park is and its boundaries
Irving Park lies on the Northwest Side between Albany Park to the north and Avondale to the south.
Montrose Avenue forms its northern edge and Addison Street its southern edge, with the western section reaching south to Belmont Avenue. The Chicago River marks the east, and the Milwaukee Road railroad tracks mark the west.
Neighborhoods within Irving Park
Neighborhoods include Irving Park, Old Irving Park (also called Grayland), Kilbourn Park, Merchant Park and the Villa.
Mike Royko once nicknamed the Villa Polish Kenilworth, after the wealthy North Shore suburb.
A short history
- Major Noble bought a 160-acre tract and started a farm in 1843.
- In 1869, four New York investors including Charles T. Race bought the Noble farm.
- The name honors writer Washington Irving; Irvington was taken by another Illinois town, so Irving Park was used.
- Chicago annexed the area with Jefferson Township in 1889.
- Residents created the Irving Park park district in 1910; it merged into the Chicago Park District in 1933.
- Building the Kennedy Expressway through the area displaced many residents.
Landmarks and parks
- The Villa, a Chicago Landmark district
- Independence Park, site of local Fourth of July celebrations
- Horner Park along the river
- John and Clara Merchant House, a Chicago Landmark
- Old Irving Park’s historic houses, including the oldest home in the area at 4362 W. Grace Street
Getting there
The Blue Line runs in the Kennedy Expressway median with stops at Irving Park, plus Addison and Montrose on the area’s edges.
Metra’s Irving Park station serves the area, and the Union Pacific Northwest Line runs along Kilbourn Park’s eastern edge.
Frequently asked questions
What community area number is Irving Park?
Irving Park is Community Area #16.
Who is Irving Park named after?
Author Washington Irving.
What is the Villa in Chicago?
A Chicago Landmark district of early 20th-century homes inside Irving Park.
Which Blue Line stops serve Irving Park?
Irving Park, plus Addison and Montrose on the area’s edges.
Related guides
- Albany Park (Community Area #14)
- Portage Park (Community Area #15)
- Avondale (Community Area #21)
- North Center (Community Area #5)
- Chicago’s 77 community areas, explained
- Chicago neighborhoods hub
- Blue Line guide
- Metra guide
Sources
- Wikipedia: Irving Park, Chicago
- Dominican University Government Data: Chicago community areas by side
Last updated: October 31, 2026