North Center is Community Area #5 on Chicago’s North Side, between Lake View and the Chicago River. It is known for Roscoe Village, the Northcenter Town Square and the former site of Riverview amusement park. The 2020 Census counted 35,114 residents.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Community area number | 5 |
| Side of the city | North Side |
| Population (2020 Census) | 35,114 |
| Neighborhoods within | Northcenter, Roscoe Village, St. Ben’s, Hamlin Park |
| Main L and Metra stations | Brown Line: Addison, Irving Park, Montrose |
| Major parks and open space | Clark Park, Hamlin Park |
Where North Center is and its boundaries
North Center is a mostly residential area on the North Side, west of Lake View and east of the North Branch of the Chicago River.
Montrose Avenue forms its northern edge and Diversey Parkway its southern edge. Ravenswood Avenue marks the east and the Chicago River the west.
Neighborhoods within North Center
The area contains the Northcenter neighborhood, Roscoe Village and St. Ben’s, which is named for St. Benedict’s Parish. Hamlin Park is also listed within it.
Roscoe Village had an estimated 10,843 residents in 2023.
A short history
- Northcenter began growing in the 1870s, when it was reachable only by the river and Little Fort Road, now Lincoln Avenue.
- Many late 19th- and early 20th-century homes were built by German, Polish and Czech families.
- The Selig Polyscope Company made some of America’s earliest films here; its buildings on Byron Street still stand.
- Riverview Park, a 76-acre amusement park, operated from 1904 to 1967 in what is now Roscoe Village.
Landmarks and parks
- Northcenter Town Square, with a Saturday farmers market from June to October
- Lane Technical College Prep High School and its clock tower
- Clark Park Boat House on the river
- WGN-TV studios
- The Riverview site, now home to police headquarters, DePaul College Prep and a shopping center
Getting there
The Brown Line serves North Center at Montrose, Irving Park and Addison.
CTA buses also serve the area’s main streets.
Frequently asked questions
What community area number is North Center?
North Center is Community Area #5.
Is Roscoe Village its own community area?
No. Roscoe Village is a neighborhood within the North Center community area.
What was Riverview Park?
A 76-acre amusement park that operated from 1904 to 1967 in today’s Roscoe Village.
Which L line serves North Center?
The Brown Line, at Addison, Irving Park and Montrose.
Related guides
- Best of North Center
- Best of Roscoe Village
- Lincoln Square (Community Area #4)
- Lake View (Community Area #6)
- Irving Park (Community Area #16)
- Avondale (Community Area #21)
- Chicago’s 77 community areas, explained
- Chicago neighborhoods hub
- Brown Line guide
Sources
- Wikipedia: North Center, Chicago
- Dominican University Government Data: Chicago community areas by side
Last updated: October 31, 2026