West Garfield Park is Chicago community area 26, a 1.3-square-mile area on the West Side, about 5 miles from the Loop. West Garfield Park sits between Austin and East Garfield Park, with the Green and Blue lines both stopping at Pulaski. Two-flats and small apartment buildings are the largest home type.
Last reviewed October 4, 2026 · Chicago First Time Home Buyer editorial team
Outline: City of Chicago community area boundary for West Garfield Park. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
At a glance: West Garfield Park
| Fact | Figure |
|---|---|
| Community area number | 26 |
| Part of the city | West Side |
| Size | 1.3 square miles |
| Borders | Austin, East Garfield Park, Humboldt Park, North Lawndale |
| Parcels in the Assessor’s 2026 file | 5,252 |
| Houses and townhouses | 607 (12%) |
| Buildings with 2–6 units | 1,940 (37%) |
| Condo units | 126 (2%) |
| CTA ‘L’ stations inside the area | 2 (Blue and Green) |
| City Council wards | 28th, 24th, 37th Wards |
Homes you will find in West Garfield Park
The Cook County Assessor’s 2026 file lists 5,252 parcels in West Garfield Park. 12% are houses or townhouses, 37% are buildings with two to six units, and 2% are condo units. There are also 52 apartment buildings with seven or more units.
Two-flats and small apartment buildings are the largest home type here. An FHA loan can finance a building with two to four units if you live in one of them, and the rent from the other units can help you qualify. See buying a Chicago two-flat with an FHA loan. Buildings with five or six units need a commercial loan.
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
2 CTA ‘L’ stations are inside West Garfield Park’s boundary: Pulaski (Green Line, accessible) and Pulaski (Blue Line).
Parks and libraries
Chicago Park District facilities sit in 3 parks inside West Garfield Park: Mason Park, Tilton Park, and Violet Park. The Chicago Public Library has Legler Regional Library here.
City Council wards
West Garfield Park is split among 3 wards. The largest share of its land is in the 28th Ward (about 73%), with the rest in the 24th (23%) and the 37th (4%). 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
West Garfield Park borders Austin, East Garfield Park, Humboldt Park, and North Lawndale. See all 77 community areas.
Common questions
Is West Garfield Park mostly houses or condos?
Mostly two-flats and small apartment buildings: 37% of its parcels are buildings with two to six units. These shares are from the Cook County Assessor’s 2026 parcel file.
Is there an ‘L’ station in West Garfield Park?
Yes. West Garfield Park has 2 CTA ‘L’ stations on the Blue and Green lines.
What ward is West Garfield Park in?
It is split among the 28th, 24th, and 37th Wards. Check a specific address with the City of Chicago’s ward lookup.
Can I use HomeGrown to buy a home in West Garfield Park?
HomeGrown is a City of Chicago program, so homes in West Garfield Park 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, “West Garfield Park, Chicago: A Neighborhood Guide for First-Time Buyers,” reviewed October 4, 2026, chicagofirsttimehomebuyer.com/buying-process/chicago-neighborhoods/west-garfield-park/.