Riverdale is Chicago community area #54, at the city’s far southern tip along the Calumet River and the Bishop Ford Freeway. It is home to the Altgeld Gardens public housing development, wetlands and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s Calumet plant. About 7,500 people live there, according to CMAP’s 2026 snapshot.
Riverdale key facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Community area number | #54 of 77 |
| Side of the city | Far South Side |
| Population | 7,518 (2020–2024 American Community Survey five-year estimate, CMAP Community Data Snapshot, June 2026 release) |
| Neighborhoods within | Altgeld Gardens, Eden Green, Golden Gate, Riverdale |
| Main L and Metra stations | No L or Metra station inside; Metra Electric Riverdale station is in suburban Riverdale at 137th Street; Red Line extension to 130th under construction |
| Major parks | Golden Gate Park, Beaubien Woods, Kensington Marsh, Little Calumet Marsh |
Boundaries
Riverdale runs from 115th Street south to the city limit at 138th Street. It stretches from the Illinois Central tracks east to the Bishop Ford Freeway.
The suburb of Riverdale, Illinois, sits just south of the city line and shares the name.
Neighborhoods within Riverdale
The community area includes Altgeld Gardens, Eden Green, Golden Gate and the Riverdale neighborhood. The north end is tied historically to Roseland, which lies to the north.
History
- 1837: David Perriam becomes the first non-Native settler, in a place called Wildwood.
- 1842: a toll bridge replaces a ferry over the river.
- 1889: Riverdale is annexed to Chicago.
- 1945: the Chicago Housing Authority begins building housing for returning veterans, including Altgeld Gardens.
- 1958: the Port of Chicago opens at Lake Calumet.
- April 24, 2026: construction begins on the Red Line extension, which will end at 130th Street.
Landmarks and parks
- Altgeld Gardens, the area’s best-known housing development.
- The MWRD Calumet Water Reclamation Plant, which covers much of the area’s land.
- Golden Gate Park, Beaubien Woods, Kensington Marsh and Little Calumet Marsh.
- Carver Military Academy High School.
- The former St. Mary of the Assumption church, the childhood parish of Pope Leo XIV.
Getting there
There is no L station in Riverdale yet. The Red Line extension will add four stations and move the line’s south end from 95th/Dan Ryan to 130th Street.
CTA route 34 South Michigan serves the area, and Pace route 353 stops at Indiana Avenue and 130th Street. The nearest Metra station is Riverdale, at 137th Street in the neighboring suburb.
Frequently asked questions
What community area number is Riverdale?
Riverdale is community area #54.
Is Altgeld Gardens in Riverdale?
Yes. Altgeld Gardens, built by the Chicago Housing Authority starting in 1945, is inside the Riverdale community area.
When will the Red Line reach Riverdale?
Construction on the Red Line extension started April 24, 2026; it will end at a new terminal at 130th Street.
Is Riverdale, Chicago the same as Riverdale, Illinois?
No. The Riverdale community area is inside Chicago; the village of Riverdale is a separate suburb just south of the city line.
Related guides
- West Pullman community area guide
- Pullman community area guide
- Hegewisch community area guide
- South Deering community area guide
- Roseland community area guide
- CTA Red Line guide
- CTA bus guide
- All 77 Chicago community areas
Sources
Last updated: October 31, 2026