North Center
Boundaries of North Center are Addison on the south, Montrose on the north, the Chicago River on the west and Ravenswood (1800 W) on the east. North Center has grown since the 1870s when the area was only accessible by the Chicago River and Little Fort Road,now known as Lincoln Avenue. North Center is considered a vibrant neighborhood with an eclectic mix of retailers, restaurants, live music, live theater, and service-oriented businesses.

North Center’s history is deeply rooted in European cultural influences, and that history can be seen in the architectural charm of the homes and buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Also during this time, the Selig Polyscope Company produced some of America’s earliest motion pictures and was based in Chicago. Along Byron Street near Oakley Ave and Western Ave, historic production buildings of the company are still standing and being used as residences and retail businesses. The neighborhood continues to grow and become more culturally diverse. The neighborhood includes bowling alleys, three city parks – including an indoor ice arena, a nearby library, a nearby movie theater complex, and North Center Town Square. The North Center Chamber of Commerce hosts many free family and community events throughout the year. North Center Town Square is also home to a Farmer’s Market on Saturdays from June to October.

Roscoe Village
Roscoe Village refers to a neighborhood in the North Side of Chicago, Illinois. While not part of any official city map, Chicago residents perceive the boundaries of the neighborhood to be Addison Street to the north, Belmont Avenue to the south, Ravenswood Avenue to the east and the Chicago River to the west. The primary feature of Roscoe Village is Roscoe Street, which bisects the neighborhood’s boundaries between Addison Street and Belmont Avenue. Roscoe Street is populated by businesses and residents. Local historian and longtime neighborhood resident Chuck Betzold notes that people have been living in Roscoe Village since the 18th century, when the area was inhabited by the Fox Indians. Today the area is home to over 6200 residents.

St. Ben’s
St. Ben’s is an unofficial neighborhood with boundaries at Irving Park Road on the north, Addison Street on the south, Damen Avenue on the east, and Western Ave. on the west. It is named for Saint Benedict’s Parish, with its Roman Catholic school, on Leavitt Street. It is home of the #1 ranked public k-8 school in the city of Chicago, Alexander Graham Bell Elementary.

Hamlin Park
The Hamlin Park neighborhood is bounded by Belmont Avenue on the north, Ravenswood Avenue on the east, the Diversey Parkway on the south and the North Branch of the Chicago River on the west. It has its namesake park in the center of the neighborhood.

Transporatation

The CTA Brown Line stops at Addison Street, Irving Park Road, and Montrose Avenue. Both the #49 and #50 are North/South lines—one along Western Avenue and the other on Damen Avenue. East/West routes include  the #80 Irving Park, the #78 Montrose, or the #152 Addison. The Lincoln Avenue bus (#11) will take you to downtown.

Demographics

Population (2010)

• Total 31,867
• Density 15,000/sq mi (5,900/km2)

Demographics (2010)

• White 77.3%
• Black 2.32%
• Hispanic 13.59%
• Asian 4.55%
• Other 2.25%

Neighborhood Links

• Roscoe Village Neighbors
• Northcenter Neighborhood Association
• Northcenter Chamber of Commerce

• 1st Ward & Alderman
• 32nd Ward & Alderman
• 47th Ward & Alderman