South Shore is Chicago community area 43, a 2.9-square-mile area on the South Side, about 9 miles from the Loop. South Shore runs along the lake south of Jackson Park and includes the South Shore Cultural Center and Rainbow Beach. Its parcels are split among condo units, houses and two-flats.
Last reviewed October 4, 2026 · Chicago First Time Home Buyer editorial team
Outline: City of Chicago community area boundary for South Shore. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
At a glance: South Shore
| Fact | Figure |
|---|---|
| Community area number | 43 |
| Part of the city | South Side |
| Size | 2.9 square miles |
| Borders | Avalon Park, Greater Grand Crossing, South Chicago, Woodlawn |
| Parcels in the Assessor’s 2026 file | 11,434 |
| Houses and townhouses | 3,462 (30%) |
| Buildings with 2–6 units | 2,214 (19%) |
| Condo units | 3,235 (28%) |
| CTA ‘L’ stations inside the area | None |
| City Council wards | 7th, 5th, 8th Wards |
Homes you will find in South Shore
The Cook County Assessor’s 2026 file lists 11,434 parcels in South Shore. 30% are houses or townhouses, 19% are buildings with two to six units, and 28% are condo units. There are also 588 apartment buildings with seven or more units.
No single home type dominates, so buyers can compare a condo, a house or a two-flat in the same area. Each one fits different loans: condos need building approval for some loans, and two- to four-unit buildings you live in can be financed with FHA. See mortgage options for first-time buyers.
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 South Shore’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 9 parks inside South Shore: Ashe Beach, Chestnut Park, Essex Park, Hasan Park, Nash Community Center, Rainbow Beach, Rosenblum Park, South Shore Cultural Center, and Woodhull Park. The Chicago Public Library has the South Shore branch here.
City Council wards
South Shore is split among 3 wards. The largest share of its land is in the 7th Ward (about 45%), with the rest in the 5th (32%) and the 8th (23%). 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
South Shore borders Avalon Park, Greater Grand Crossing, South Chicago, and Woodlawn. See all 77 community areas.
Common questions
Is South Shore mostly houses or condos?
A mix: 30% of its parcels are houses or townhouses, 19% are 2–6 unit buildings and 28% are condo units. These shares are from the Cook County Assessor’s 2026 parcel file.
Is there an ‘L’ station in South Shore?
No. No CTA ‘L’ station is inside South Shore’s boundary; residents rely on buses, Metra or stations in nearby areas.
What ward is South Shore in?
It is split among the 7th, 5th, and 8th Wards. Check a specific address with the City of Chicago’s ward lookup.
Can I use HomeGrown to buy a home in South Shore?
HomeGrown is a City of Chicago program, so homes in South Shore 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, “South Shore, Chicago: A Neighborhood Guide for First-Time Buyers,” reviewed October 4, 2026, chicagofirsttimehomebuyer.com/buying-process/chicago-neighborhoods/south-shore/.