Irving Park is Chicago community area 16, a 3.2-square-mile area on the Northwest Side, about 7 miles from the Loop. Irving Park includes the Old Irving Park, Independence Park and Mayfair blocks, with the Blue Line running along the Kennedy Expressway through its middle. Its homes are a mix of houses, including large older frame homes, two-flats and condo units.
Also known as or includes: Old Irving Park, Independence Park, Mayfair.
Last reviewed October 4, 2026 · Chicago First Time Home Buyer editorial team
Outline: City of Chicago community area boundary for Irving Park. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.
At a glance: Irving Park
| Fact | Figure |
|---|---|
| Community area number | 16 |
| Part of the city | Northwest Side |
| Size | 3.2 square miles |
| Borders | Albany Park, Avondale, Hermosa, North Center, Portage Park |
| Parcels in the Assessor’s 2026 file | 14,250 |
| Houses and townhouses | 5,511 (39%) |
| Buildings with 2–6 units | 3,438 (24%) |
| Condo units | 3,383 (24%) |
| CTA ‘L’ stations inside the area | 3 (Blue) |
| City Council wards | 30th, 33rd, 39th, 45th, 35th Wards |
Homes you will find in Irving Park
The Cook County Assessor’s 2026 file lists 14,250 parcels in Irving Park. 39% are houses or townhouses, 24% are buildings with two to six units, and 24% are condo units. There are also 318 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
3 CTA ‘L’ stations are inside Irving Park’s boundary: Addison (Blue Line, accessible), Irving Park (Blue Line), and Montrose (Blue Line).
Parks and libraries
Chicago Park District facilities sit in 7 parks inside Irving Park: Athletic Field Park, California Park, Horner Park, Independence Park, Kilbourn Park, Kolmar Park, and Mayfair Park. The Chicago Public Library has the Independence branch here.
City Council wards
Irving Park is split among 5 wards. The largest share of its land is in the 30th Ward (about 30%), with the rest in the 33rd (30%), the 39th (21%), the 45th (10%), and the 35th (9%). 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
Irving Park borders Albany Park, Avondale, Hermosa, North Center, and Portage Park. See all 77 community areas.
Common questions
Is Irving Park mostly houses or condos?
A mix: 39% of its parcels are houses or townhouses, 24% are 2–6 unit buildings and 24% are condo units. These shares are from the Cook County Assessor’s 2026 parcel file.
Is there an ‘L’ station in Irving Park?
Yes. Irving Park has 3 CTA ‘L’ stations on the Blue line.
What ward is Irving Park in?
It is split among the 30th, 33rd, 39th, 45th, and 35th Wards. Check a specific address with the City of Chicago’s ward lookup.
Can I use HomeGrown to buy a home in Irving Park?
HomeGrown is a City of Chicago program, so homes in Irving 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, “Irving Park, Chicago: A Neighborhood Guide for First-Time Buyers,” reviewed October 4, 2026, chicagofirsttimehomebuyer.com/buying-process/chicago-neighborhoods/irving-park/.