Hegewisch is Chicago community area 55, a 5.2-square-mile area on the Far Southeast Side, about 16 miles from the Loop. Hegewisch is at the city’s far southeast corner, bordering Indiana, with wetlands, Wolf Lake and the South Shore Line’s Hegewisch station. Its homes are mostly single-family houses.
Last reviewed October 4, 2026 · Chicago First Time Home Buyer editorial team
Outline: City of Chicago community area boundary for Hegewisch. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
At a glance: Hegewisch
| Fact | Figure |
|---|---|
| Community area number | 55 |
| Part of the city | Far Southeast Side |
| Size | 5.2 square miles |
| Borders | East Side, Riverdale, South Deering |
| Parcels in the Assessor’s 2026 file | 4,332 |
| Houses and townhouses | 2,645 (61%) |
| Buildings with 2–6 units | 360 (8%) |
| Condo units | 18 (0%) |
| CTA ‘L’ stations inside the area | None |
| City Council wards | 10th Ward |
Homes you will find in Hegewisch
The Cook County Assessor’s 2026 file lists 4,332 parcels in Hegewisch. 61% are houses or townhouses, 8% are buildings with two to six units, and 0% are condo units. There are also 6 apartment buildings with seven or more units.
This is mostly a single-family market. Houses here can be bought with any of the common first-time buyer loans, and there is no condo association approval to clear. Budget for upkeep that a condo owner shares with neighbors, such as the roof, furnace and sewer line, and get a full inspection during the inspection period.
HomeGrown grants can be used for one- and two-unit homes, condos and townhomes, and the grant amount depends on income and on where in the city the home is. IHDAccess Home is available statewide. Compare the two on our side-by-side page.
Getting around
No CTA ‘L’ station sits inside Hegewisch’s boundary. Most trips start on a CTA bus or by car, and the nearest ‘L’ or Metra station is in a neighboring area. If you will commute downtown, time the trip from the homes you are considering before you make an offer.
Parks and libraries
Chicago Park District facilities sit in 3 parks inside Hegewisch: Hegewisch Marsh, Mann Park, and Wesolek Park. The Chicago Public Library has the Hegewisch branch here.
City Council wards
All or nearly all of Hegewisch is in the 10th Ward. Ward lines do not follow community area lines, so check an exact address with the City’s ward lookup before you contact an alderperson’s office about zoning, permits or city services.
Neighboring community areas
Hegewisch borders East Side, Riverdale, and South Deering. See all 77 community areas.
Common questions
Is Hegewisch mostly houses or condos?
Mostly houses: 61% of its parcels are houses or townhouses. These shares are from the Cook County Assessor’s 2026 parcel file.
Is there an ‘L’ station in Hegewisch?
No. No CTA ‘L’ station is inside Hegewisch’s boundary; residents rely on buses, Metra or stations in nearby areas.
What ward is Hegewisch in?
It is in the 10th Ward. Check a specific address with the City of Chicago’s ward lookup.
Can I use HomeGrown to buy a home in Hegewisch?
HomeGrown is a City of Chicago program, so homes in Hegewisch can qualify if the buyer and the property meet its rules. The grant amount depends on household income and the home’s location. See our HomeGrown guide for the current rules.
Sources
- City of Chicago Data Portal, Boundaries – Community Areas
- Cook County Assessor, Parcel Universe (tax year 2026)
- City of Chicago Data Portal, CTA ‘L’ stops
- City of Chicago Data Portal, Chicago Park District park facilities
- City of Chicago Data Portal, Chicago Public Library locations
- City of Chicago Data Portal, Ward boundaries (2023–)
Boundaries, size and neighbors are measured from the City’s official community area boundary. ‘L’ stations, parks and libraries are placed inside the boundary by their coordinates; ward shares are approximate shares of land area. Parcel counts are from the Assessor’s tax year 2026 file, counted October 4, 2026. Houses include townhouses; condo units are counted one parcel per unit.
Cite this page: Chicago First Time Home Buyer, “Hegewisch, Chicago: A Neighborhood Guide for First-Time Buyers,” reviewed October 4, 2026, chicagofirsttimehomebuyer.com/buying-process/chicago-neighborhoods/hegewisch/.