Montclare is Community Area #18 on Chicago’s Northwest Side, a small residential area on the city’s western edge next to Elmwood Park. At just under one square mile, it is one of the smallest community areas. The 2020 Census counted 14,401 residents.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Community area number | 18 |
| Side of the city | Northwest Side |
| Population (2020 Census) | 14,401 |
| Neighborhoods within | Montclare (often paired with Galewood in neighboring Austin) |
| Main L and Metra stations | Metra Milwaukee District West: Mont Clare; no L stations |
| Major parks and open space | Rutherford-Sayre Park |
Where Montclare is and its boundaries
Montclare sits at the city limits on the Northwest Side, with Elmwood Park to the west.
Harlem Avenue forms its western edge and Belmont Avenue its northern edge. Railroad tracks form the southern and eastern edges.
The area covers 0.99 square miles. Single-family homes take up about 250 acres and transportation uses about 193 acres.
Neighborhoods within Montclare
The community area is essentially one neighborhood, Montclare.
It is often grouped with Galewood, the neighboring part of Austin to the south.
A short history
- William Sayre bought the land at a Jefferson Township land sale.
- A railroad and a housing development arrived in the 1870s.
- The name comes from Montclair, New Jersey.
- Chicago annexed Montclare in 1889 with the rest of Jefferson Township.
- The Grand Avenue streetcar reached the area in 1912.
Landmarks and parks
- Rutherford-Sayre Park and its fieldhouse, home of the Galewood-Mont Clare library branch since 2010
- Mont Clare Metra station
- Locke Elementary School
Getting there
Metra’s Milwaukee District West Line stops at Mont Clare station, near Grand and Sayre avenues, with trains to Union Station.
CTA buses also serve the area.
Frequently asked questions
Is Montclare the same as Galewood?
No. Galewood is a neighborhood in the Austin community area; the two are often paired because they sit side by side.
How do you spell Montclare?
The community area is spelled Montclare; the Metra station is Mont Clare.
How big is Montclare?
About 0.99 square miles, one of the smallest community areas.
Where does the name come from?
From Montclair, New Jersey.
How do you get to Montclare?
Take Metra’s Milwaukee District West Line to Mont Clare station.
Related guides
- Dunning (Community Area #17)
- Belmont Cragin (Community Area #19)
- Austin (Community Area #25)
- Chicago’s 77 community areas, explained
- Chicago neighborhoods hub
- Metra guide
Sources
Last updated: October 31, 2026